Cyclone Shaheen: Ministerial Committee visits search and rescue centre

Muscat: The Ministerial Committee for the assessment of damage caused by the tropical storm Shaheen, today visited the centre of the National Search and Rescue Team.

“A delegation of the Ministerial Committee, headed by His Excellency Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Chairman of the Committee, today visited the operations centre of the National Search and Rescue Team during which they listened to a detailed explanation of the work mechanism,” Oman News Agency (ONA), said in a statement.

The committee also visited a number of villages and mountainous areas in al-Khaboura, during which they met with a number of citizens whose homes and properties were damaged. In a statement to Oman News Agency and Oman TV, Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said: “Work will begin next week to address roads affected by the tropical situation in Wadi Al Hawasneh, Wadi Bani Omar and other valleys, as 7 crossings will be re-engineered in Wadi Al Hawasneh.”

His Excellency added that roads and diversions have been opened from Khaboura to Ibri, and field teams are still working on establishing diversions in some roads until the main roads are completely repaired.

In addition, Her Excellency Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al-Najjar, Minister of Social Development, said that the committee’s visit today to the affected villages revealed many aspects for which the committee needs to develop joint plans with all relevant government agencies.

Her Excellency indicated in a statement to the Oman News Agency and Sultanate of Oman TV that the Ministry’s inventory teams are working in the field to assess damages, answer citizen’s questions and clarify matters related to the required documents. She also indicated that the committee has plans that are being studied through committee meetings to reach solutions aimed at returning life to normal.  Several locations have been identified for affected citizens homes and immediate rental for those who find it difficult to live in affected homes through the Relief and Shelter Sector.