Muscat: Torrential rains and strong winds swept across Dhofar Governorate on Wednesday, swelling wadis, flooding low-lying areas and forcing authorities to mobilise emergency services at the height of the khareef tourist season.
The Oman Meteorology Department warned that rainfall could reach up to 50 mm in parts of the governorate, accompanied by thunderstorms and rough seas along the Arabian Sea coast. Residents and visitors were advised to avoid crossing wadis and to suspend sea trips until conditions stabilise.
Emergency crews have been deployed across popular tourist sites such as Wadi Darbat, Al Mughsail and Jabal Samhan. Civil Defence and Ambulance teams are stationed at key locations, while Royal Oman Police patrols are reinforcing traffic flow and guiding visitors away from hazardous areas.
Nama Dhofar Services said it has activated its full khareef operational plan to guarantee the continuity of electricity, water and wastewater networks. Emergency field teams are on round-the-clock standby, ready to respond to any outages or disruptions. The company said the plan is designed to enhance service stability and maintain public safety despite adverse conditions.
Dhofar Municipality also confirmed heightened monitoring of flood-prone areas and directed organisers of seasonal activities to follow safety protocols. Operators at Wadi Darbat have been instructed to suspend activities temporarily as a precaution, prioritising the safety of workers and visitors.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced the temporary precautionary closure of Wadi Darbat due to heavy rainfall and rising water levels, in coordination with relevant authorities.
The CAA urged all residents and visitors to adhere strictly to official guidance and instructions, stressing that compliance is vital to protect lives and ensure public safety.
Officials stressed that the co-ordinated response highlights Oman’s preparedness to handle severe weather while keeping Dhofar accessible and safe for tens of thousands of khareef visitors.
Qasim Al Maashani and Lakshmi Kothaneth
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