Heavy rains and flash floods wreaked havoc across parts of the Gulf region, claiming the lives of at least 18 individuals in Oman and disrupting travel in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In Oman, the tragic death toll, announced on Tuesday, included nine schoolchildren and their driver who were swept away by floodwaters in Samad A’Shan on Sunday. Rescue efforts are ongoing for two missing individuals, as per the National Committee for Emergency Management.
The Omani government took precautionary measures, granting administrative staff a day off in affected provinces and recommending remote work in other areas. Residents were advised to evacuate to shelters if deemed necessary by authorities.
Police and military personnel were dispatched to Ash Sharqiyah North, the worst-hit province, to assist in evacuations and rescue operations.
In the UAE, heavy rainfall led to flooding on major highways, with abandoned vehicles littering the roads of Dubai. The downpour, accompanied by strong winds, disrupted flights at Dubai International Airport.
Ahead of the storm, schools closed across the country, and government employees transitioned to remote work where possible. Despite warnings, some individuals braved the weather, leading to incidents of vehicles becoming stranded in flooded areas.
Authorities deployed tanker trucks to pump water off the streets and highways. Initial reports indicated significant rainfall, with over 30mm falling in Dubai during the morning and forecasts predicting up to 128mm throughout the day.
Rainfall was also recorded in Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, further impacting the region.
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