Rabat – Flights to and from Oman’s capital, Muscat, have been delayed and residents encouraged to evacuate as the country braces for the category 1 tropical storm Shaheen to hit its coasts.
The winds surrounding the storm are raging at speeds of about 139km/h or 86mph, as the eye of the cyclone approaches the Omani capital.
Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) released a statement on Twitter, warning the public to take precautions and stay away from low areas.
Fishermen and sailors were also warned to not venture into the sea.
Shaheen is forecast to strike Omani coasts today, Sunday, prompting the National Committee for Emergency Management to call for evacuations.
Although the storm was not expected to hit until the late afternoon or evening, reports say that the impact is already felt.
Evacuations have been encouraged in the Barka and Saham states in the north, as well as coastal areas including Muscat.
Residents have been directed to head to emergency shelters, especially if they live near the coast.
The committee also said that power would be cut in regions of the capital to avoid any accidents.
Sunday and Monday have also been declared public holidays in anticipation of the storm’s impact on the country.
Weather experts predict that the biggest risks to Oman in this situation are its desert climate, which means its dry ground will not be able to adequately absorb the rain.
In combination with mountainous terrain in other parts of the country, the heavy rain could lead to risks of high flooding.
The UAE and other countries on the Arabian Sea’s coast will also be affected in the coming days, according to authorities.
The UAE has declared that it is on high alert, and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) warned against visiting beaches and lowlands during this period.
