Muscat – Oman Water Society (OWS) will hold a seminar on tropical cyclones and floods with an aim to reduce the impact of cyclones in the sultanate in October.

An official at OWS said, “The society will hold its fifth seminar on October 3 and 4 in the wilayat of Khabourah in North Batinah. The seminar aims to discuss preparations and experiences gained in facing cyclones and storms.”

The seminar will provide a platform to discuss how to reduce the impact of cyclones, the role of civil society institutions and the media in reducing the impact, and reducing the risk of floods. Additionally, it will discuss the economic and social impact of cyclone, besides their impact on infrastructure and water facilities.

“The two-day seminar also aims to shed light on the governmental and civil efforts undertaken during Cyclone Shaheen, the challenges faced in delivering aid, ways to develop a system of joint action, and identify the measures and preparations that have been achieved by the concerned authorities to confront such natural phenomena in the future,” the official said.

According to the official, 14 government agencies, private companies and civil institutions will participate in the seminar. Participants will review the experiences of the competent authorities in the sultanate to confront cyclones and floods in the future.

“Participants will review modern technologies and solutions to reduce and limit the impact of cyclones and flash floods, and global experiences in the field of cyclone preparedness, relief and rescue,” the official said.

He added that exceptional climatic conditions, like storms and flash floods, have been one of the biggest challenges facing the sultanate in recent decades. Studies indicate the possibility of an increased recurrence in the future.

“These climatic conditions lead to large financial and human losses, which in turn is reflected in the development of the economy.”