In preparation for the looming tropical cyclone Shaheen, various ministries and government agencies have brought into place precautionary steps.
As per National Committee for Emergency Management, NCEM, instructions to the general public one should follow the latest updates published by the official agencies of the Sultanate of Oman. It also urges to keep the vehicles petrol tanks full, follow instructions and guidelines of the National Committee for Emergency Management. It also said that if one is requested to evacuate from their location, do so by being cooperative as it is for one’s own safety and if there is no evacuation requested, then stay home and only step out for emergency cases. If you must step out for emergency situations then stick to safe roads and avoid wadis at all costs.
Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority has affirmed its readiness to deal with the situation.
Due to the weather conditions, two days, Sunday and Monday have been declared as holidays for employees working in the administrative apparatus, other legal entities and private sector establishments. Employees in the governorates of Al Wusta and Dhofar are excluded from the decision.
People residing in the direct impact zone from the wilayat of Barka to the Wilayat of Saham, coastal strip of Muscat Governorate and some parts of the coastal areas of South Al Sharqiyah have been requested to head to the evacuation centres or shelters announced by the authorities. Shelter centres have also been activated in Al Sharqiyah, Al Batinah South and Musandam governorates.
The Environmental Authority has activated the Environmental Emergency Centre to work around the clock to respond to pollution incidents, tackle potential risks and at the same time to coordinate with other competent authorities for implementing response operations.
Accordingly, the Environment Authority has urged industrial facilities, ports, factories, chemical production units, radioactive materials, fuels and hazardous wastes to take precautions and activate their emergency plans and manage the materials as per the environmental standards during the period the governorates will be facing the impact of the cyclone.
Muscat Municipality has called on contractors and construction companies to ensure the unstable objects and tools are installed at the work sites in order to ensure the safety of all. Muscat Municipality has activated the Muscat Call Centre to work around the clock in order to receive notifications on the number 1111.
The Ministry of Health has completed the readiness and preparedness of all health facilities with workforce, medical equipment and medical supplies for the mentioned period.
The National Committee for Emergency Management stated that the Municipality of South Al Batinah has confirmed its readiness to deal with the tropical situation and work has intensified to open wadis to ensure the expected flow of rainwater. The Public Services Regulatory Authority confirms the readiness of the electricity sector and public services companies to deal with the tropical situation.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour has announced that its digital services will be suspended during this period.
The Ministry of Transport, Communication and Information Technology has urged all land transport companies to follow up on the latest weather situation from official channels before providing services. By Saturday evening fishermen moved their boats to safety expecting storm surge and inundation.
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