Muscat – Normal life was thrown into disarray on Tuesday morning when heavy downpour lashed Muscat governorate with around 51 people being rescued by authorities.

The rainfall caused by a low-pressure trough is likely to continue to affect the country’s weather until Thursday.

According to the weather data, some parts of Oman will witness thunderstorms and heavy rainfall ranging between 10mm to 60mm for the next two days.

The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) received 30 reports and rescued 51 people in Muscat governorate after they were stranded due to flooded roads and houses.

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) on Tuesday closed the Amerat-Bousher Mountain Road due to the damage caused by heavy rains. ‘The road has been closed until further notice and commuters are advised to use alternative roads,’ ROP stated.

Major Fahd bin Saeed al Kalbani, in charge of Traffic Department at ROP, said that the police was carrying out patrols to monitor the traffic situation closely to deal with the exceptional weather and to ensure the flow of traffic and secure safe access for road users.

Classes suspended
The rains led to the Ministry of Education (MoE) announcing the suspension of classes in all the public and private schools in Muscat governorate on Tuesday. ‘Classes will be suspended in afternoon and evening schools in Muscat governorate on Tuesday due to thunderstorms that the governorate is witnessing. Classes and examinations will resume on Wednesday,’ it had stated in the morning.

OPD cancelled
Khoula and Al Nahdah hospitals cancelled all outpatient appointments on Tuesday, due to rains.

A statement from the Ministry of Health (MoH) said, ‘The weather condition prevented medical staff from reporting to work, so all outpatient appointments stand cancelled in the two hospitals on Tuesday.’

‘The two hospitals are operating at their capacity and continue to provide accident and emergency services. All cancelled appointments will be rescheduled,’ it added.