Heavy rain, severe flooding hits Oman

Heavy rain has been affecting northeastern Oman since December 16, 2017, causing severe floods and bringing traffic to a standstill.

According to local media reports, as of December 18, three people were reported dead in Saham and Fariq towns and 120 more have been made homeless. In addition, several houses were flooded in the capital Muscat.

The Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulances (PACDA) said numerous people had to be rescued from their homes and vehicles.

Nine people were rescued from a flooded house in the area of Al Hilla al Janubiya in Shinas and a family of eight was rescued after their car got stuck in the rising flood waters in the area between Wadi al Ni’ma and Wadi Soor al Bulush in Shinas, the Muscat Daily reported. Two more persons were rescued from their vehicle in the area of Al Humaira, three from a wadi in Shinas, two more in the area of Al Humaira and another three from their vehicles in a wadi in Shinas.

In the Governorate of Dakhliyah, 12 people were rescued after their vehicles were swept away by the surging waters of Wadi al Shibak in Izki, one driver was rescued after his trailer truck got stuck in Wadi Halfeen in Izki.

Three persons were rescued from Wadi al Mu’aiden in the niyabat of Birkat al Mouz after their vehicles got stuck, while a family of six was rescued in the wilayat of Bahla after their vehicle got stuck in Wadi al Mamoura.

Another family comprising three members and a driver were rescued from Wadi Bilad Sait after they were left stranded in their vehicle. Three members of an Emirati family were rescued from another vehicle in the wilayat of Dibba in Musandam.

Public Prosecution announced via Twitter that there will be a penalty for those who cross overflowing wadis and endanger their own lives or the lives of other passengers. The penalty is three months jail and a fine of RO500.

Featured image: Floods in northern Oman on December 17, 2017. Credit: Phobos