Muscat – Majority of residents who sought refuge in emergency shelters during the recent spell of unstable weather have now safely returned to their homes after authorities confirmed that conditions had stabilised across affected areas.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Mishaal Al Farsi, Relief and Shelter Sector Coordinator at the National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM), said that four emergency shelter centres — one each in Muscat, Musandam, Buraimi and Al Wusta — were activated at the height of the weather situation to accommodate residents from areas affected by heavy rainfall and flooding associated with the Al Masarrat low-pressure system.

He said the shelters initially hosted 829 people, providing them with temporary accommodation and essential services.

“At present, the four shelters remain operational, accommodating 344 people, while 485 individuals have already returned to their homes after authorities ensured their residences were safe,” Al Farsi said.

He added that response teams also dealt with a separate precautionary evacuation involving nearly 500 workers at a construction site, who were moved to a safe location after concerns were raised about weather-related risks.

“The workers were evacuated and provided shelter despite the late timing of the report,” he said, noting that the swift action was taken to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

According to Al Farsi, field teams worked around the clock to monitor conditions, assess affected locations and coordinate with relevant authorities to provide assistance where needed.

Emergency shelters in Oman are activated during severe weather events, particularly during heavy rains that may cause flooding or rising wadis. Operated under the supervision of the NCEM in coordination with the Royal Oman Police and other authorities, the centres provide temporary accommodation along with basic services including food, drinking water, medical support and security.

Al Farsi said the response reflects the country’s level of preparedness and the close coordination among various authorities to safeguard lives during emergencies. He stressed that precautionary evacuations remain a key element of Oman’s disaster-management strategy aimed at minimising risks and ensuring public safety.