Suhar: In response to recent severe weather conditions, Al Batinah North Governorate has intensified efforts to address the resulting damages and impacts on daily life.
Dr Falah bin Darwish al Balushi, Director of the Administrative Affairs Department, emphasised the challenges posed by these climatic events, notably the widespread flooding that washed away roads and disrupted traffic, rendering some infrastructure unusable.
The flooding also caused power outages and damaged water and sewage networks, significantly affecting daily life in the governorate.
The most affected regions were villages and low-lying areas near wadis, which experienced extensive flooding. Coastal and mountainous roads, not designed to withstand such harsh weather, were particularly hard hit. Dr Al Balushi stated that the current priority is to reopen roads and repair essential infrastructure swiftly.
Waleed bin Nasser al Nabhani, Director of the Projects Department at Al Batinah North Municipality, outlined ongoing efforts to enhance the governorate's infrastructure to better withstand future weather emergencies.
These efforts include improving the road network using top engineering standards to ensure resilience against wadi floods and reduce erosion risks. A sustainable water drainage system is also being developed to protect public and private properties. These improvement plans are being executed in collaboration with government and private entities to ensure comprehensive and effective protection.
Al Nabhani detailed the governorate's comprehensive crisis management and emergency preparedness strategies. This includes upgrading road and water drainage networks to meet the latest technical standards and Omani road guidelines, thereby minimising infrastructure damage during severe weather. Ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow remains a key priority. Projects aimed at protecting wadi channels and preventing encroachments are currently under study and implementation.
Dr Al Balushi added that there is ongoing coordination with relevant authorities on flood protection dams, with efforts to enhance the efficiency of existing dams for better rainwater and flood control. The governorate collaborates closely with the National Center for Emergency Management to leverage their expertise and experience, further bolstering the governorate's preparedness for future weather-related emergencies.
Through these sustained and collaborative efforts, Al Batinah North Governorate is building a resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding severe weather conditions, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
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