Flash floods in Oman claim lives, cause extensive damage to property

The nation’s National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre had issued alerts prior to the deluge, but the severity of the floods caught many residents off guard.

by Gulf Business

April 15, 2024

Image credit: Oman Met/X

Flash floods have devastated parts of Oman, and claimed at least 12 lives, with five individuals still missing.

Among the deceased, nine were students, confirmed Oman’s National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM). The NCEM said that flash floods washed away vehicles carrying children following torrential rain on Sunday, April 15.

The nation’s National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre had issued alerts prior to the deluge, but the severity of the floods caught many residents off guard.

Heavy rains lash Oman

Rain monitoring stations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources recorded significant rainfall across various regions of Oman on Sunday. Bidiyah experienced the highest rainfall in the country, receiving 89mm.

Following Bidiyah, Ibra recorded 80mm of rainfall, while Quriyat and Amerat received 78mm each. Other notable rainfall amounts include Mudhaibi with 75mm, Al Qabil with 71mm, Yanqul with 66mm, and Izki with 65mm.

Meanwhile, Ibri received 58mm of rainfall, Sinaw recorded 43mm, and Nizwa received 42mm.

The Ministry reported that Wadi Dayqah Dam overflowed on Sunday due to the heavy rainfall.

Rescue efforts across Oman

In response to the stormy weather conditions, Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) launched extensive rescue operations, evacuating over 1,300 individuals, including stranded schoolchildren.

طيران الشرطة يُنفذ ٨ طلعات خلال الساعات الماضية لأكثر من ٣٥ شخصًا تمثلت في إنقاذ أشخاص ونقل مصابين وإسعاف مرضى وبحث عن مفقودين .#شرطة_عمان_السلطانية pic.twitter.com/orc9CFb4CH

— شرطة عُمان السلطانية (@RoyalOmanPolice) April 14, 2024

Despite efforts, tragedy struck in various parts of the country, with reports of collapsed houses and inundated neighbourhoods.

CDAA said it rescued over 1,300 individuals, including trapped schoolchildren, as confirmed by an official speaking to Muscat Daily.

Rawdha School in Mudhaibi faced inundation, prompting urgent evacuations as parked vehicles were swept away due to dangerously high Wadi Samad al Shan.

In Ibra, a school bus carrying 27 children was swept away in a wadi, but all occupants were rescued unharmed.

Police aviation units conducted eight sorties, rescuing over 35 people, including those requiring urgent medical care, and searching for missing persons.

نفذ طيران الشرطة عملية إنقاذ شخص محتجز بداخل مركبته بعد انجرافها بمجرى وادي وشل في ولاية المضيبي وإخراجه إلى مكانٍ آمن.#شرطة_عمان_السلطانية pic.twitter.com/ueUsgIAXpg

— شرطة عُمان السلطانية (@RoyalOmanPolice) April 14, 2024

CDAA reported a collapsed house in Wadi Bani Khalid, with specialized teams successfully rescuing trapped victims. Additionally, 20 citizens were rescued from inundated houses in the Al Qahm area of Wadi Bani Khalid.

A citizen in Amerat was rescued after his vehicle was swept away in Wadi Haym, with CDAA also evacuating ten students from a school in Muscat.

Omani Police conducted land and air operations to rescue individuals trapped in flooded areas, including valleys, with helicopter rescues aiding those stranded during hazardous weather conditions.

Emergency measures implemented

As a precautionary measure, schools and colleges in Oman have been instructed to switch to distance learning mode on Monday, April 15.

This decision, made by the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, aims to ensure the safety of students and staff amidst ongoing weather concerns.

Continued weather warnings

The Civil Aviation Authority has issued warnings of severe thunderstorms, high winds, and hail persisting until Monday evening.

تحديث لرصد الخلايا الرعدية الحالية، حيث تشهد محافظات جنوب الشرقية وشمال الشرقية والداخلية وأجزاء من الظاهرة والوسطى هطول أمطار متفاوتة الغزارة تكون مصحوبة برياح نشطة وتساقط لحبات البرد أحياناً.#منخفض_المطير pic.twitter.com/cqVwcVIEQk

— الأرصاد العمانية (@OmanMeteorology) April 15, 2024

Additionally, the National Committee for Emergency Management has urged residents to exercise caution and follow official communications to mitigate risks and protect lives and property.

As Oman grapples with the aftermath of the floods, emergency responders continue to work tirelessly to rescue those in need and restore normalcy to affected areas.

Read: Rainy weather forecast across UAE: NCM