NCEM: Institutional integration and effective response

MUSCAT: Various sectors of the National Committee for Emergency Management exerted substantial and coordinated efforts as the Sultanate of Oman was affected by the weather system known as 'Al Masarat'. Operating within a unified national framework, these efforts were directed towards safeguarding lives and property and ensuring the continuity of essential services. This was accomplished through the execution of response plans and the management of incident reports and emergencies across the affected governorates.
As part of early preparedness for the weather system, the National Committee for Emergency Management activated the National Response Plan through the National Centre for Emergency Management. This proactive measure was undertaken to monitor meteorological reports, analyse data pertaining to the weather system, enhance readiness across military, security, civil and service sectors, and verify the operational readiness of search and rescue teams. This facilitated a rapid response, effective handling of various incident reports and the mitigation of potential impacts on lives and property.

During the weather event, search and rescue teams — represented by the Royal Oman Police and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority — responded to 269 incident reports, resulting in the rescue and evacuation of 504 individuals. The Royal Oman Police Air Wing executed 58 rescue operations, medical evacuations and supply transport missions, in addition to conducting continuous aerial reconnaissance of areas directly affected by the weather system. Concurrently, the Royal Air Force of Oman carried out six rescue and medical evacuation sorties.
During the weather event, health facilities under the Ministry of Health received 18 patients who were evacuated by air via the Royal Oman Police and the Royal Air Force of Oman. Furthermore, the Medical Response and Public Health Sector established alternative hospitals and health centres to replace facilities impacted by the weather system, thereby ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of medical services.
The Relief and Shelter Sector of the National Committee for Emergency Management demonstrated its crisis management capability by identifying 215 shelter centres across the governorates projected to be affected by the weather system, fully equipping 64 of these centres. A total of 539 individuals benefited from shelter services.

The Essential Services Sector prioritised the continuity of electricity, water, telecommunications and municipal services. This was achieved by addressing service disruptions, repairing faults, managing minor collapses, clearing roads of debris, closing roads affected by overflowing wadis, opening alternative routes and regulating traffic in areas with standing water. Police patrols were deployed to ensure the safety of road users.
The Media and Public Awareness Sector, through the Joint Media Centre, contributed to enhancing community awareness by disseminating alerts and warnings across various media platforms and social media channels. It also highlighted national efforts, which played a role in raising awareness and reducing risks.
These outcomes were the result of coordinated efforts among various military, security and civil entities, operating with a unified team approach. This collective effort contributed to minimising the effects and repercussions of the weather system and ensured a swift response to emergencies.
The National Committee for Emergency Management affirms that preparedness, proactive readiness and community collaboration are fundamental factors in managing weather-related events. The committee commended the cooperation of citizens and residents and their adherence to safety instructions, which significantly contributed to mitigating risks and enhancing public safety. - ONA