Muscat – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has appointed a specialised firm to update flood risk maps and develop management and emergency plans for flood risks across Oman. This initiative, scheduled between 2024 and 2026, aims to address the growing threat of floods, especially in low-lying coastal areas and wadis.

Oman’s urban coastal areas face significant flooding risks due to sea-level rise and storm surges during extreme weather events. In Muscat, 45% of the city is vulnerable to wadi floods, while 20% is at risk of coastal floods. To mitigate these threats, the project will update existing flood maps and create new ones, identifying flood plains and categorising these into high, medium and low danger zones.

MAFWR stressed the importance of the maps, noting that these will assist the National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM) in saving lives and protecting property during extreme climatic conditions. These maps are also crucial for urban planning, ensuring that construction near wadis adheres to safety standards and minimises risks.

The project will be carried out in three main stages. The first – data analysis stage – lasting 12 months, will involve analysing rainfall and surface runoff data across all governorates. This includes evaluating hydrological data from rain stations and wadis to develop tables for rainfall intensity and frequency. A flood design guide will also be created to better understand the relationship between rainfall and runoff.

The second stage, taking seven months, will focus on creating detailed flood risk maps using advanced technology to assess flood levels and identify primary wadi channels. The final  stage, lasting five months, will involve developing flood risk management plans and emergency procedures. This includes preparing scenarios and protocols for flood control and making recommendations for waterway demarcations and emergency responses.

Both experts and citizens have reacted to the project. Economic analyst Hamoud al Tooqi emphasised the fact that Oman frequently experiences floods affecting infrastructure, the economy and tourism. “This study will help NCEM manage risks and provide reassurance to investors,” he said.

Businessman Nasser al Hosni noted that while the study itself is not new, its implementation marks significant progress. “The project will help preserve tourist and heritage sites, reduce financial losses and enhance community security,” he added.

In April this year, Muscat Municipality, in collaboration with MAFWR, announced that it has devised a flood risk protection system for Muscat governorate. Based on recommendations of feasibility studies, there are plans for 18 protection dams to be strategically built across several wadis in the governorate, with priority assigned to regions deemed most vulnerable to such hazards.