Muscat – Heavy rainfall over the past few days has prompted authorities to activate shelter centres in several parts of the sultanate, while some public transport services have been suspended as a precaution amid a weather system linked to the Al Misarrat low pressure.

According to the National Committee for Emergency Management, 180 people are currently housed in shelters and temporary facilities after their homes were affected.

In Musandam, a shelter centre was opened to accommodate 23 residents from Qida village in Khasab. In South Batinah, a family of five in Barka was moved to a hotel after their home was damaged. In Muscat, a family of four was also relocated as a precaution.

In Dakhliyah, a shelter centre in Adam remains operational, hosting 61 residents evacuated due to ongoing weather conditions.

Authorities said field teams are continuing monitoring and response operations, while shelters remain equipped to support affected residents.

National response coordinated

Sultan Al Zaidi, Assistant Director of Risk Analysis and Prevention at the National Centre for Emergency Management, said the situation is being assessed using meteorological data and field reports.

“The National Centre is working on analysing the available data to determine the magnitude of the weather situation and the most suitable response,” he said.

He added that the national emergency management plan has been activated in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure an integrated response.

Measures include opening evacuation shelters and implementing business continuity plans to maintain essential services.

Al Zaidi said most reports so far involve service disruptions, including electricity and water outages, and road closures due to rainfall and runoff.

He cautioned that roads may be closed again if rainfall continues or water levels rise, urging motorists to follow official updates and avoid unsafe routes.

Bus services suspended

Public transport operator Mwasalat has suspended several bus routes due to weather conditions.

Within Muscat, Routes 6, 7, 9 and 10 have been halted. These routes connect areas including Al Khoud, Sultan Qaboos University, Mabelah, Burj Al Sahwa, Azaiba, Al Ansab and Misfah Industrial Area.

Intercity services have also been affected, with Route 52 (Muscat–Duqm), Route 53 (Muscat–Ibri–Buraimi) and Route 103 (Muscat–Haima–Duqm) temporarily suspended.

The company said services will resume depending on weather conditions and coordination with authorities. The Shannah–Masirah ferry service continues to operate.

Passengers have been advised to follow official updates or contact the call centre.

Rescue teams on standby

Ali bin Said Al Farsi of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority said response teams remain on alert under operational plans to handle emergencies linked to the weather.

He said teams have responded to incidents involving people trapped in wadis and water accumulation areas, as well as drowning cases already reported.

In Musandam, rising water levels led to several incidents, including the death of a woman who was swept away by floodwaters. Al Farsi said teams continue to operate round the clock to ensure public safety.

Rumours dismissed

The Civil Aviation Authority said reports circulating about a rare weather phenomenon bringing unprecedented rainfall across Oman and the Arabian Gulf are inaccurate.

It urged the public to rely on official sources for updates and avoid sharing unverified information.