Dubai: At least 12 people died on Sunday after their vehicles were swept away by floods in Oman. Among the dead were nine students, two Omanis and one expatriate, the Oman News Agency (ONA) said.
Meanwhile, the search continues to find five people still missing in the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi, in the Al Sharqiyah Governorate of Northern Oman, according to the ONA. Torrential rains that hit the country caused flash floods that caused flooding in several parts of Oman.
Hours earlier, the body of a child was recovered in Wadi Al Batha, in the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi, in the Al Sharqiyah Governorate of Northern Oman, according to the Royal Oman Police (ROP).
Heavy rain and severe flooding have disrupted life across Oman, with emergency teams rescuing residents and students trapped in the waters.
The northern governorate of Al Sharqiyah witnessed very heavy rains that caused valleys and reefs to overflow, causing serious property losses.
Flood waters entered the Rawdha Basic Education School, but there was no damage, according to the General Directorate of Education of North Al Sharqiyah Governorate.
The Royal Oman Police have been responding to reports of people trapped in vehicles and buildings due to rising water, he said.
The incidents include people trapped inside a vehicle in Wadi Al Shibbak in Izki, students in a school bus trapped in a wadi on Kidd Road in Bahla and a family of seven trapped in their home in Izki.
All students on the stranded bus have been rescued and no injuries were reported. However, the persistence of adverse weather, characterized by storm cells and possible hail, poses risks.
Heavy rain began on Sunday morning as the nation returned to work after a five-day break for Eid Al Fitr, causing major disruption.
In some areas, especially Al Mudhaibi, widespread rain has been recorded, with river currents and even hail, due to the low pressure system currently affecting Oman.
The National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM) has been closely monitoring the situation and has activated the National Emergency Situation Management to coordinate response efforts.
They are working alongside the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) to manage the emergency effectively.
Oman's Meteorological Department has forecast continued storms in several governorates, raising concerns about possible flash flooding in wadis and low-lying areas.
Residents and visitors are urged to strictly adhere to safety instructions and stay updated through official communications to get through this challenging period safely.
According to the Oman News Agency (ONA), private higher education institutions and vocational schools will be instructed to conduct studies remotely on Monday; Thereafter, institutions can determine whether they will resume regular schooling.
