Muscat: Despite the continuous efforts made by relevant authorities in public awareness and early warning systems, some individual behaviours still pose a direct threat to lives by venturing into wadis.
The National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre stresses the importance of following weather bulletins and official alerts, and strictly avoiding wadi channels during rainfall or when flood warnings are issued. It also urges the public not to risk crossing waterlogged roads due to the difficulty of estimating their depth and the strength of the current.
An official from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority noted that “many of the incidents recorded in recent years were the result of poor individual decisions, such as attempting to take photos near wadis or crossing them by vehicles,” adding that “the moment a person underestimates the danger can be the difference between survival and loss of life.”
In this context, Mohammed al Amri, a resident of Maabela stated, “Public awareness is the first line of defence in reducing wadi-related incidents. Adhering to official guidelines and instructions plays a major role in minimising human losses. Underestimating the force of water or attempting to cross wadis, even when water levels seem low, can lead to severe consequences.”
Media outlets and social media platforms also play a vital role in raising awareness, as sharing warning videos and guidance messages is an effective way to reach different segments of society, particularly young people.
In light of climate changes that may intensify weather phenomena, the need to strengthen public safety culture becomes increasingly important. Promoting awareness, caution, and responsibility among individuals will contribute to building a more informed society capable of dealing with natural hazards.
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