Deadly flash flooding hits Dhofar, Oman

Days of severe weather triggered flash flooding in Oman's southern province of Dhofar, particularly in the provincial capital Salalah, where at least three people lost their lives. Up to 351 mm (14 inches) of rain fell in a period from May 27 to 31, 2020, according to the country's meteorological department.

Salalah received 202 mm (8 inches), Sadah 262 mm (10 inches), and Mirbat 351 mm (14 inches) in a five-day period.

In Salalah, the Public Authority for Civil Defense and Ambulances (PACDA) reported two fatalities on May 31– one died after a house collapse while the other was killed when his vehicle was swept away by inundations.

Another man lost his life as he tried to cross a wadi or a valley hit by floodwaters.

Some stranded residents have been rescued by PACDA from flooded areas, most of them from vehicles.

Around 100 people have also been evacuated, while authorities provided food to stranded people in villages on the outskirts of Salalah.

"A number of policemen, firefighters, and first aid personnel acted in cooperation with all other departments concerned in addressing emergency cases," said Dhofar Police commander Mohsin bin Ahmed Al-Abri as the command received more than 145 emergency reports.

"More than 140 people were rescued and a number of vehicles were plucked after being inundated while some sick (injured) people were rushed to the Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah," he added.

Julie Celestial

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