Friday, March 29
03:45 PM

Frequent rains and flooding demand long-term solution in Oman

14 Aug 2022

Muscat – Floods in the wake of rains have been bringing much hardship on the people of the sultanate. In the recent past, rains resulted in massive flooding in many parts of Oman.

While the country is still recovering from the recent weather disturbances, another one is being currently experienced and the need for properly designed waterways in Oman is amply evident now more than ever.

As rains become a more common phenomenon in the sultanate with climate change, many have called for permanent solutions to avert the chaos they encounter during heavy rains.
Here is what Muscat Daily readers had to say on how Oman can reduce the losses and disruptions caused by rains:

Amour al Tauqi
Retired government employee

There is a lot of concrete, both on the ground and on rooftops. Concrete cannot be penetrated. Rainwater does not soak into it and diverts to drainage systems, which frequently clog up as a result, causing the water to overflow onto sidewalks and streets. If left unchecked, floods will result. Sustainable drainage is a very logical idea. The suggestion is to replace impermeable surfaces with porous ones like grass and gardens. This will enable rainwater to percolate into the ground. The infiltration process keeps plant life alive as well.

Shahid Afzal
Private sector employee

It’s important to keep up to date with accurate information. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and updates from the Oman Meteorological Department. You must be aware where to find the information when you need it.

Mohammed al Balushi
Government employee

Local governments urgently need more knowledge on flood control, including both technical and non-technical aspects, and knowledge of every phase of the risk management cycle.

George Thomas
Private sector employee

Properly conveying advance warnings of impending storms and floods will not only give people the opportunity to be proactive in preventing damage to their property, but save lives too.

Mohsen Rasheed
Heavy-duty driver

A community-based strategy should equally promote local communities’ capacity for preparation and reaction. Building intercommunity coordination is part of this.

Ali Khalfan al Abri
Private sector employee

Oman could build floodplains and river overflow zones. Floodplains are essential for protecting against flooding. Floodplains have the capacity to store and absorb water, protecting neighbouring settlements from the consequences of heavy rainfall.

Abdullah al Khaldi
Rig technician

We must take some initiative as well! We can’t just leave it to the government, municipalities, environmentalists or urban planners to put infrastructure in place to prevent urban flooding. We – each one of us – must make it our personal responsibility to adapt to climate change. Whether it’s collecting rainwater or building a garden on top of our roofs, it’s imperative that we take the steps necessary
to be part of the rainwater management solution.

Mohammad Islam
Private sector employee

Synchronise ideas like catastrophe risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and integrated watershed and water resources management. Policies and plans should include risk management as a key component. At a local level, achieving this is simpler.

Mohan Anandan
Banking sector employee

The sewage system must be made foolproof and no new structures or construction should be allowed near landslide prone and water runoff zones. Vulnerable areas must be identified and people must be evacuated on time. However, if the public ignores or disregard warnings and safety alerts issued by the authorities, no technology nor governmental effort can prevent loss of human lives.

© 2021 Apex Press and Publishing. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Mesdac