Muscat – The tropical depression in the Arabian Sea weakened on Monday morning to a low air pressure system, the Directorate General of Meteorology announced. However, emergency teams are on alert and relief shelters are ready for any eventuality.

Despite the weakening of the tropical depression, the National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM) said it was prepared for any impact from the tropical condition.

The committee has prepared 19 relief shelters in four governorates – North Sharqiyah, South Sharqiyah, Dhahirah and Muscat.

“All centres are ready to receive people at any time depending on the development of the tropical situation,” said Hammoud bin Mohammed al Mandhari, coordinator of the Relief and Shelter Sector, NCEM.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Mandhari said, “The shelters have been prepared in four governorates, although there is no danger expected from the current weather situation. It will only lead to rain in some governorates.”

He informed that six shelters have been prepared in South Sharqiyah, including two in the wilayat of Sur, and one each in Ras al Hadd, Masirah, Al Ashkarah and Jalan Bani Bu Ali.

In North Sharqiyah, shelters have been provided in Wadi Bani Khalid, Mudhaibi and Dima wa al Taein. Dhahirah has four shelters – two each in Dhank and Yanqual – while Muscat governorate has six centres – in the wilayats of Seeb, Quriyat, Muscat, Muttrah, Bausher and Amerat.

Four children saved in Azaiba Beach

Several wilayats had light to moderate rains over Sunday and Monday. Jabal Akhdar received 35mm rainfall, the maximum in the country over two days.

According to data collected from the rain monitoring stations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Bidiyah received 15mm of rain, Nizwa 12mm, Izki 11mm, Bidbid 10mm, Seeb 10mm, Sur 9mm and Bausher 8mm over Sunday and Monday.

The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) informed that four children, who were swept away into the sea at Azaiba Beach in Muscat on Sunday, were rescued.

The CDAA warned all against crossing overflowing wadis as most governorates witnessed rains in the last few days. Many parts of the sultanate are likely to continue receiving rain till Tuesday.

The authority urged parents to exercise caution, supervise their children and not permit them to swim in undesignated and dangerous conditions.

Water shortage in Sur

CDAA informed that it is pressing services of water tankers to provide drinking water to citizens and residents in South Sharqiyah in coordination with the Sub-Committee for Emergency Situations Management.

Oman Water and Wastewater Services Company reported malfunctions in the main pipeline feeding Sur city and called for rationalisation of water consumption on Sunday.

The company warned of shortage in water supplies in the areas served by the pipeline in Sur Assahil, Al Aija, Al Murtafa, Al Shar’ya, Al Shaabiya and Bilad Sur.

MSC continues to review inclement weather, impact

The Maritime Security Centre (MSC) is continuing its daily reviews of the latest developments of the tropical system in the Arabian Sea and its effects on navigation and traffic in commercial and fishing ports.

MSC reviews also address ways of activating roles and tasks of different military, security and civil units during the tropical system. MSC’s Operations Chamber has been active since the preliminary formation of the tropical depression.