Muscat: With tropical storm Tej looming over the horizon in the Arabian Sea, authorities have issued a strong appeal to the general public to prepare for heavy rains expected in the coming days.
In a statement, the authorities urged residents to take several steps to ensure their safety and well-being during the wet weather.
The precautions sounded by the administration include stockpiling drinking water. Residents are advised to purchase enough bottled or mineral water to last for at least three days. Rainwater can also be collected and stored in clean containers.
Filling up on fuel: Ensure that vehicles fuel tanks are full to avoid being stranded in the event of gas station closures.
Obtaining cooking gas: Residents are advised to have their cooking gas cylinders filled in advance to prevent disruptions to cooking.
Clearing drainage channels: Ensure that rainwater gutters and drains are free of debris to prevent blockages and flooding.
Parking vehicles in elevated areas: Avoid parking vehicles in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. Only drive if absolutely necessary during heavy rain.
Stocking up on medication: Obtain sufficient quantities of medication, particularly for those with chronic conditions, in case of power outages or transportation disruptions.
Candles and flashlights: Have candles or battery-powered flashlights on hand in case of power outages.
In addition to these precautions, residents are also advised to monitor weather forecasts and stay up-to-date on weather forecasts and warnings issued by authorities.
They have been advised to evacuate homes in case of flooding. They are advised to evacuate their homes immediately and move to higher ground if flooding occurs.
They have been advised to assist others in need and offer assistance to those who may need help, particularly the elderly, children and people with disabilities.
The authorities stressed the importance of taking these precautions to ensure safety during heavy rain events. Heavy rains can cause flooding, landslides and other hazards. Residents can help mitigate the risks associated with these events by taking necessary precautions.
Port of Salalah to close today
The Port of Salalah management has decided to temporarily close the port from 5:00 am on Sunday until further notice due to the impact of the tropical condition Tej and based on the alert issued by the National Multi-hazard Early Warning Centre.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) said that it had directed companies in Oman to ensure continuity of services due to the possibility of the impact of the tropical cyclone in the Arabian Sea on the coasts of Dhofar and Al Wusta governorates.
The TRA has added that the communication centres of the telecommunication companies have also been activated to receive reports of outages in the event of any malfunctions in the networks due to the possibility of the tropical situation passing over the two governorates.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion confirmed the availability of all consumer goods and foodstuff in local markets and stores, considering the possibility that the coasts of Dhofar and Al Wusta governorates will be affected by the tropical cyclone. The ministry confirmed that petroleum products and their derivatives are available in all governorates.
The ministry said companies were directed to enhance the stocks of fuel and cooking gas in Dhofar and Al Wusta governorates, to ensure the continuity of fuel filling station services in various exceptional circumstances.
The Dhofar Municipality Emergency Committee has intensified efforts to deal with developments of the Tropical Cyclone Tej, with work teams following up on actions such as removing obstacles to facilitate wadis flow, apart from providing equipment and water drainage pumps.
The National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM) said that it is following the developments of the tropical cyclone in the Arabian Sea, and coordination with the relevant subcommittees and sectors will raise the level of preparedness to limit the expected effects on the governorates of Dhofar and Al Wusta.
The Ministry of Health is following up on developments of the tropical situation in the Arabian Sea and its most important developments.
The ministry has activated the Emergency Management Centre and has coordinated with all government, military and civil agencies partners to prepare for any developments in this situation fully. Mohammed bin Hamoud al Mahmoudi, Assistant Director-General of Operations and Training at the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA), said that all its departments and centres at the governorate level have been on standby to respond and deal with the effects of the tropical cyclone called Tej.
He called upon citizens and residents to adhere to the instructions issued by the authorities concerned to save lives and protect property. He said there is an awareness plan targeting citizens and residents that includes many indicative phrases about the dangers of floods and valleys and the necessary precautions in such cases.
Specialized clinics, surgeries suspended in Salalah due to weather condition
The Ministry of Health has decided to suspend work at the specialized clinics of Complex 1 and 2 at the Sultan Qaboos Hospital, Salalah effective today (Sunday) to resume on Sunday October 29 due to the expected impact of the tropical condition Tej on Dhofar Governorate. Appointments will be rescheduled later on.
Scheduled surgeries at the Sultan Qaboos Hospital, Salalah will be put off starting from today (Sunday) to be resumed on Sunday October 29 with the exception of emergency surgeries. Appoints will be rescheduled after the end of the tropical condition.
The measure was based on the statement no 1 issued by the National Multi-hazard Early Warning Centre as part of its follow-up on the developments of the weather condition that is expected to affect Dhofar Governorate and out of the ministry’s keenness on patients’ safety.
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