Largest Amount Of Rainfall in 75 Years: Flash Flood Claims 18 Lives In Oman
Described as the “largest amount of rainfall in the past 75 years” by authorities, Oman was hit with heavy rainfall and subsequent flash flooding on Monday, wreaking havoc across the country. At least 18 people have been killed so far in the flash flood that hit Oman before hitting the United Arab Emirates, according to the report by Al Jazeera.
The death toll included the nine schoolchildren and their driver whose vehicle was washed away by the floodwater on Tuesday in Oman. Following the fatalities, the National Committee for Emergency Management deployed rescue teams and the teams are reportedly searching for the missing people.
The government has also announced a day off for staff in public and private sectors due to the deteriorating weather in several provinces of the Sultanate. Many companies and public institutions have enabled remote work options too for their employees.
People residing near the potentially dangerous zones and those feeling threatened by the weather were urged by the authorities to evacuate to safer places.
The country has deployed police and military to the flood-hit province of Ash Sharqiyah North to take residents out of flooded areas. Moreover, further rain is expected ahead.
Notably, the neighbouring UAE also received heavy rainfall on Tuesday, causing disruptions in several parts of major highways and leaving vehicles abandoned on roadways. The flight services at the Dubai International Airport have also been affected by the situation.
