MUSCAT: The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority has affirmed the activation of its centres to handle the impacts of the current low pressure in the Sultanate of Oman.
Since the announcement of the depression, the authority has devised plans and supplied its centres with specialised human resources and equipment to carry out tenant emergency evacuation and related search and rescue operations.
The authority has advised all not to take risks during rains, keep away from flooded, coastal or low lying or inundated areas. In particular, it cautioned against frequenting wadis that may see large volumes of water anytime. It urged all to fully abide by the instructions and alerts issued by the authorities concerned to save lives and properties.
Meanwhile, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has said that anyone who risks crossing flooded wadis or endangers
the lives of others will be dealt with firmly.
The ROP pointed out that most SOS calls sent out to the rescue teams turned out to be the outcome of negligence in the part of the victims who happened to have deliberately crossed flooded wadis.
The ROP has reiterated that its contingency management centres are open round the clock and that its emergency response teams will assess and address each case as deemed necessary.
Sub-committees for Emergency Management tasked with tackling impacts of low-pressure rains in Oman have affirmed their preparedness to handle the situation.
The latest meteorological data indicate an impending influx of cumulonimbus (thunder rain clouds) over the coast in North Al Batinah, with chances of sporadic rains in the governorates of South Al Sharqiyah, Muscat, South Al Batinah and Musandam. Thunder rains are reported from North Al Sharqiyah, with a persisting overcasting of northern governorates.
The Civil Aviation Authority urged all to exercise caution during rains, avoid crossing flooded wadis or inundated areas and, in particular, not to risk going out to sea. — ONA
