Muscat – Rain continued to lash several parts of Oman on Tuesday as a result of the Al Azm low pressure currently affecting many parts of the sultanate causing flooding and significant damage to property in several areas. Several wadis overflowed and cars were stuck in waterlogged roads.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) stated that the wilayat of Bausher, Muscat governorate, recorded the highest rainfall in the sultanate in the period from January 3 to 4. ‘Ministry weather stations registered 110mm of precipitation in Bausher, 108mm in the wilayat of Seeb, 59mm in Nakhal, 40mm in Muttrah, Muscat and Liwa, and 32 mm in Khasab.’

Mahdah, Mussanah and Sohar received 25mm of rain, while Amerat received 28mm, Buraimi 14mm, Khabourah 9mm, 5mm in Shinas and 4mm in Hamra.

The weather is expected to be cloudy over most governorates with the trough of low pressure continuing on Wednesday, according to the latest weather update from the National Multi Hazard Early Warning System.

The Ministry of Education extended its decision to suspend classes in some schools in Muscat governorate until Wednesday. Thuraya bint Mohammed al Busaidiyah Basic Education School for Girls (Grade 5-9), Al Tawfeeq Basic Education School (Grades 1-4), Faidh al Marifa Basic Education School for Girls (Grades 5-10) ?and Al Oula Basic Education School (Grade 1-4) will remain closed on Wednesday.

On Friday, six people died and several others were rescued during heavy rains in different governorates.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health temporarily suspended the COVID-19 vaccination service in the former airport building in Seeb.

‘Due to the climatic condition, the Directorate General of Health Services in the Governorate of Muscat announces the suspension of the vaccination service against COVID-19 at the vaccination centre in Oman Airports’ building in the wilayat of Seeb until further notice,’ a statement said.

Mwasalat announced the suspension of some routes of its ferry and bus services on Tuesday. ‘All ferry routes to and from Musandam governorate are suspended. Operations on the Shannah–Masirah route continue,’ it stated. It suspended city bus routes in Muscat and intercity bus routes in all governorates. City bus routes in Salalah were not affected.

The Capital Market Authority called on citizens, residents, property owners and owners of industrial establishments and shops to adhere to instructions during rains to ensure the safety of their property.

It said that comprehensive vehicle insurance provides coverage for damages resulting from natural disasters, including hail, flash floods, storms and cyclonic storms, but policyholders must be cautious and not take risks like trying to cross wadis.