Oman Devastated by Flash Floods, Claiming 12 Lives; Rescue Efforts Continue

Oman is grappling with the aftermath of devastating flash floods that have claimed 12 lives; rescue operations are ongoing.

Muscat, Oman – Torrential rains have triggered catastrophic flash floods in various parts of Oman, claiming the lives of at least 12 people, including nine students, two residents, and an expatriate, according to the National Committee for Emergency Management. The devastating floods have prompted a massive rescue operation, with search efforts still underway for five missing individuals.

Rescue Operations in Full Swing

The Royal Oman Police swiftly responded to numerous distress calls from people stranded in floodwaters, on roads, subways, schools, and residential and commercial buildings. Rescue teams from the Royal Army of Oman, the Civil Defence Authority, and ambulance services worked tirelessly to move students from the affected schools to safer locations. Local residents also joined in the rescue efforts, pulling out those stranded to safety from submerged areas.

In a tragic incident, the body of a child was found at Wadi Al Batha in Al Mudhaibi by residents of the area. Wadi Samad Al Shan witnessed an unprecedented surge in water levels, breaching the premises of Rawda School in the Al Ghazal area and trapping people inside the building. Police aviation also rescued students in a vehicle that drifted in a valley stream in the Samad Al-Shaan district, with some of those rescued being taken to Ibra Reference Hospital for treatment.

Death Toll Rises as Heavy Rains Persist

As heavy rains continued to lash Oman on Monday, the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) recovered the body of another individual who had gone missing in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, bringing the death toll to thirteen. Search efforts are still ongoing for three other people, including a child.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation has directed schools and colleges in Oman to function in distance mode on Monday, April 15, in light of the severe weather conditions. Business owners have also been urged to stay informed by monitoring weather bulletins to ensure the safety of their staff members.

Oman Braces for Further Severe Weather

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has forecasted heavy thunderstorms accompanied by strong downdraft winds and hail over most governorates of Oman on Monday, with anticipated rainfall amounts ranging from 30-120 mm, which could lead to further flash floods and rising water levels in wadis.

Oman’s National Committee for Emergency Management has activated the National Emergency Situations Management and all sectors and sub-committees in the affected governorates to elevate preparedness and readiness levels in order to mitigate the impacts of the situation and respond to different reports. Citizens and residents are urged not to risk crossing valleys, as it is often difficult to estimate the water level or the strength of its flow.