Six killed in Oman as floods trigger rescues
text_fields
Heavy rains and flash floods have left six people dead in Oman as authorities continue rescue efforts and issue warnings amid ongoing unstable weather.
Officials said more than 30 people were rescued from flooded areas, with fatalities reported in several locations, including the drowning of a seven-year-old child in Barka, South Al Batinah governorate. The child was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
The severe weather, caused by a low-pressure system, has brought thunderstorms, strong winds and widespread rainfall across multiple governorates, including Muscat. Emergency teams have carried out a series of rescue operations to assist residents trapped by rising waters.
The National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre reiterated its warning against crossing flooded wadis and low-lying roads, noting that most fatalities occur when drivers underestimate the force of fast-moving water.
In response to the conditions, the Ministry of Labour advised government and private sector organisations to adopt remote work on Tuesday, March 24, wherever feasible. The advisory applies across the country except in Al Wusta and Dhofar.
The Ministry of Education also announced distance learning for all public and private schools, universities and colleges from March 24 to March 26, excluding Dhofar and Al Wusta.
Relief efforts are ongoing, with the National Emergency Management Committee designating 161 shelter centres across the Sultanate. Of these, 53 are fully equipped to receive emergency cases. One centre at Al-Ghaythrana Basic Education School in Adam, Al Dakhiliyah governorate, has already been activated, accommodating 13 families comprising 106 individuals.
Forecasters say unstable weather is expected to persist in the coming days, and residents have been urged to follow official updates and avoid traveling through flood-prone areas.