Wednesday, February 12
10:48 AM

2-year plan unveiled to mitigate flood risks

3 Feb 2025 Oman unveils 2-year plan to mitigate flood risks By OUR CORRESPONDENT

Muscat – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has launched a nationwide initiative aimed at improving flood preparedness and reducing risks in vulnerable areas.

The initiative – named Maps Update Project – focuses on updating flood risk maps and developing comprehensive management and emergency response plans to protect communities and infrastructure.

The project will identify high, medium and low-risk flood zones, with emphasis on vulnerable regions, including wadis and key roads. In addition to flood mapping, the project will enhance urban planning and infrastructure development to mitigate potential damage. The MAFWR stated that the initiative aligns with its ongoing efforts to safeguard public safety and promote sustainable development in the face of extreme weather events.

The project will be implemented in three phases. Phase 1, lasting 12 months, will analyse rainfall data, assess intensity-duration-frequency patterns, and develop flood design mitigation guidelines for every governorate. The objective is to better understand how rainfall patterns contribute to surface runoff and flood risks. Phase 2, lasting seven months, will update flood risk maps using advanced technologies. It will assess flood severity, map wadi channels and categorise flood-prone areas.

The final phase, spanning five months, will focus on preparing flood risk management and emergency plans. This will involve defining key waterway routes, outlining flood control strategies and establishing emergency procedures for extreme weather conditions.

In August 2024, the ministry appointed a specialised firm to update flood risk maps and develop emergency plans. The exercise, scheduled between 2025 and 2026, aims to address increasing flood threat, particularly in low-lying coastal areas and wadis.

Muscat faces significant flood risks with 45% of the city vulnerable to wadi floods and 20% at risk of coastal flooding due to rising sea levels and storm surges.

The MAFWR highlighted the importance of the updated maps, stating that these will support the National Committee for Emergency Management in disaster response efforts. The maps will also serve as essential tools for urban planning, ensuring that new developments near flood-prone areas adhere to safety standards and minimise risks.

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