Where rains and floods are rewriting history

Disasters occur repeatedly, and some can cause both immediate and long-lasting detrimental effects on the health and well-being of individuals, communities and economies. Therefore, building resilience to disasters is essential for every country, especially those highly vulnerable to natural hazards.
However, building resilience is not just about anticipating, planning and preparing for disasters; it also involves proactively undertaking long-term projects that can prevent disasters or reduce their risks. Studies suggest that strong institutional preparedness, combined with public awareness, can significantly reduce the loss of life and property during natural calamities.
In addition, this method can help a country transition from reactive relief to proactive risk mitigation, fostering a safety culture in which citizens recognise risks and understand how to respond effectively.
Unseasonal rains resulting in floods are a growing concern, as this increasing weather anomaly leads to the loss of human lives, devastation of crops and livestock and disruption of communities.
The reality is that even in the world’s most arid regions, floods have become common occurrences. They are emerging as a critical risk, forcing governments and communities to confront an uncomfortable truth.
Countries in West Asia are increasingly experiencing torrential rains and floods, frequently making headlines. These events are reshaping the history of a region once known for its arid climate, showcasing an unprecedented display of nature's power.
According to a report in the Journal of Operational Oceanography, global warming has caused an increase in sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Gulf, and the summer monsoon wind axis has shifted poleward.
“The increased evaporation in the southern Arabian Gulf has caused the outflow of water through the Strait of Hormuz to become denser and warmer. As a result, the warm and highly saline water sinks to the subsurface and spreads over a large area of the Arabian Sea,” the report points out.
A report in the Journal of Arid Environments recognises flash floods as a natural hazard in ephemeral wadi systems. “Unfortunately, such floods pose growing threats, especially to cities and expanding urban areas, where it could be argued that the speed of development has outpaced the analysis of flood risk,' the report states.
On the other hand, as rainfall becomes more frequent and intense, many scientists worldwide attribute this to climate change. They believe “human-caused global warming is responsible because it is intensifying the water cycle's evaporation process and disrupting rainfall patterns.'
This means there is no escape from unseasonal or abnormal rainfall events. We need to learn from these occurrences to be better prepared and minimise the damage.
Over the past few days, the low-pressure system Al Masarat has caused heavy torrential downpours, significant flooding and strong winds across governorates in Oman. The storm resulted in substantial wadi flows, extensive infrastructure damage, loss of life and necessitated urgent rescue efforts.
Oman’s strong institutional preparedness and public awareness have contributed to a nationwide return to normalcy, demonstrating effective intersectoral coordination that minimised losses and safeguarded both citizens and residents.
This swift return to normalcy highlights the effectiveness of the emergency management system, coordinated response efforts and public adherence to safety protocols. The event emphasises the critical role of preparedness, strategic planning and collaboration in mitigating risks during severe weather incidents.
The National Centre for Emergency Management, established by Royal Decree in 2020, currently oversees emergency management in Oman through an integrated disaster risk reduction framework.
Moreover, an agreement signed in August 2025 between the Environment Authority and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction enhances collaboration to improve national preparedness for environmental disasters and climate-related threats.
The platform connects key organisations such as the Ministry of Health, Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, and Royal Oman Police, facilitating immediate data sharing and faster decision-making. It links emergency subcommittees and operational centres at the governorate level to improve coordination between national and local efforts.

Samuel Kutty The writer is a freelance journalist and author who worked in Oman and India