Flash floods leave at least five dead in Oman’s South Al Batinah Governorate
At least five people were confirmed dead in Oman’s South Al Batinah Governorate by March 23, 2026, after flash floods swept vehicles away in Al-Maawil and Barka during heavy rainfall linked to a low-pressure system.
Rescue operatives recover the body of a flood victim in Barka, Oman, on March 22, 2026. Credit: Oman News Agency
At least five fatalities were reported by March 23 after flash floods swept through parts of South Al Batinah Governorate during heavy rainfall that began affecting northern Oman on March 20 and intensified over March 22–23.
Two people died after their vehicle was swept away in a wadi channel in the Wilayat of Al-Maawil in South Al Batinah Governorate, according to Omani authorities cited by regional and international media.
In Barka, rescue teams initially recovered two bodies and continued searching for one missing person on March 22. By March 23, authorities said three people from that vehicle had died, while seven others were rescued. Indian media identified two of the victims as nationals from Thrithala in Kerala.
More than 40 people stranded by rising floodwaters were rescued, with helicopters used in some areas to transport victims to medical facilities.
The flooding was linked to a low-pressure system forecast to affect Oman from March 20 to 30, with the main wave intensifying on March 22–23 across much of northern Oman, including South Al Batinah, Muscat, North Al Batinah, Al Dakhiliyah, Al Dhahirah, Musandam, and both North and South Al Sharqiyah, according to a forecast issued by the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center.
Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority warned of rainfall of varying intensity, occasionally accompanied by thunderstorms, flash floods in valleys and wadis, downdraft winds of 55–83 km/h (35–52 mph), hail, reduced visibility due to dust and sand, and sea waves reaching up to 2 m (6.6 feet) along some coasts.
The authority classified the March 22–23 phase as a moderate to high-impact period and said unstable conditions could continue across most governorates through March 30.
The NCEM Oman was activated earlier on March 21 as heavy rainfall began. Multiple states continue to experience heavy rainfall on March 23, with flooding forecast across valleys in the affected regions.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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