Depression likely from Thursday

Muscat – Based on the records of Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, 176 cyclones have formed in the Arabian Sea over the last 76 years, 30 of which directly impacted Oman.

This data was revealed at a forum held recently in Muscat to evaluate the safety of dams across the country.

Nasser Mohammed al Batashi, Director General of Water Resources Assessment, stated that severe weather events causing floods are a national and global concern.

Oman’s geographic location, combined with its arid to semi-arid climate, makes it prone to chronic water stress, prolonged drought and flooding, all of which contribute to its coastline’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, such as tropical storms.

The southern coast of Oman is exposed to cyclones every five to seven years and these phenomena are anticipated to escalate in the next few decades with an estimated increase in temperature of 2°C to 5°C between 2041 and 2060 and higher precipitation in the Dhofar region, according to a study titled ‘Exploring the Impact of Tropical Cyclones on Oman’s Maritime Cultural Heritage’ published in the Journal of Maritime Archaeology.

This is further attested in comparisons of the economic and infrastructural impact of recent cyclones such as ARB01 in 2002, Gonu in 2007, Phet in 2010, Keila in 2011, Ashobaa in 2015, Mekunu in 2018 and Shaheen in 2021, the study stated.

To date, the ministry has constructed 183 dams across Oman.

According to Mona Nasser al Hatmiya, a ministry official specialising in dam safety, safety measures are focused on four key areas – protecting human life and property, ensuring the dam’s structural stability, preventing potential leakage, and mitigating environmental risks.

She informed that a series of measures has been adopted to ensure dam safety. These include adhering to international engineering standards in dam design, compiling initial flood reports, and carrying out periodic maintenance, inspections and technical evaluation.

Mona also informed that a monitoring system is being installed to oversee the condition of Oman’s dams and provide early warning alerts. Additionally, the ministry is coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure emergency preparedness.

Its future plans include conducting community drills on emergency response. It is exploring new technologies to enhance dam safety and considering establishment of a permanent control room in the ministry for the large dams in the country.

Depression likely from Thursday

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced that the weather is likely to be affected by a depression starting October 26 to 28.

In a statement, CAA said that the depression will result in cloudy weather in the northern governorates, with chances of scattered rain over the Hajar Mountains and adjacent areas. ‘There is possibility of thundershowers, accompanied by active downward winds.’