Trekkers who make it to the vast mountains of the Sultanate as a sport have been precautioned to take necessary safety measures for their own safety and of others as many fatal incidents have been reported.
Trekking or mountain-climbing has been gaining popularity in the Sultanate and this sport is used by individuals and groups for fun and leisure, and by corporates as a team building exercise.
However, many people who engage themselves in the sport with less or no safety measures have faced with dangers which sometimes were fatal and the authorities have warned them to take necessary precautions.
“We call upon all citizens and residents to take care while venturing out in wadis and mountains and to take necessary precautions before going to the mountainous areas. Safety measures should be followed during the trail too in order to protect one and all,” the Civil Defense and Ambulance Department said.
The rescue teams at the Civil Defense and Ambulance Department in Al Dakhiliya governorate airlifted three people, who were unable to continue walking in one of the mountains in the Al Awena area, in the Barakat al Moaz wilayat.
“Hiking is a wonderful sport and leisure activity for youngsters and it is really enjoyable for many in terms of the adrenaline rush that it gives and the health benefits that it provides,” says Mahmood Juma al Qasimi, an avid mountaineer who has conquered many peaks in the country.
However, if a naive resort to this sport with less or no safety gear, he or she will face hazards which can sometimes be dangerous, according to Al Qasimi.
“One should know the location where he is trekking, first of all. Secondly or more importantly, having sufficient water to drink during the trail pays a lot. One gets more dehydrated as he or she goes further on the rough terrain.”
Earlier this year, three accidents involving three Omani hikers with two of them succumbing to their injuries shook the thriving hiking fraternity in the country.
“One should make sure if he is physically and mentally fit to conquer the heights and a good pair of shoes, gloves, etc are very important.”
For many of the trekkers in the country, the Jahal mountain range near Wadi Shab is one of the hardest trekking line that only very experienced trekkers can endure.
Mahmoud was faced with death during one of his hardest adventures after he got dehydrated and the ROP had to airlift him to the Rustaq hospital in a critical state. He had to be hydrated for next 3 days before he could come back to life, he recalled.
Rahees Melekkandy, another passionate trekker advises trekkers to plan their trip and try smaller mountain ranges to start with.
“After one is confident enough to climb bigger mountains, he should keep, ample amount of water and be in proper trekking gear,” said Rahees.
“He should be able to adapt himself to the circumstances and carry gears to protect him from the hazards of climbing the peaks.”
