Heavy Rains Lash Oman: Tragedy Strikes Ibri as Authorities Conduct Rescues and Close Roads

A persistent weather system has brought heavy to very heavy rainfall across multiple regions of the Sultanate of Oman since Thursday, March 26, transforming wadis into rushing torrents and prompting a massive emergency response. While authorities have successfully executed several life-saving rescues, the storms have also claimed two lives in a tragic incident in the Al Dhahirah Governorate.

Tragedy in Al Dhahirah

The human cost of the storm became apparent on Thursday in the Wilayat of Ibri, within the Al Dhahirah Governorate. The Search and Rescue Sector confirmed the deaths of two female citizens following a drowning incident in a water pool formed within a wadi. According to official reports, one of the women entered the water and began to struggle. The second woman attempted a rescue, but both were overwhelmed by the swift currents and drowned. Rescue teams were dispatched immediately to recover the bodies.

Authorities have used this tragedy to issue urgent warnings to the public. Amidst ongoing weather disturbances, the formation of deep water pools in wadis and low-lying areas poses a severe risk. Citizens are strongly advised against entering wadis or attempting to cross flooded areas, regardless of how calm the water may appear.

Muscat: Preparedness and Road Closures

In the capital governorate, the response has been characterized by proactive measures. On Thursday, heavy rains continued to batter coastal and mountainous villages in the Wilayat of Quriyat, affecting neighborhoods such as Hail Al Ghaf, Al Mazari', Hay Al Dhahir, Al Sahel, Dagmar, Dhabab, Bama, and Fins.

Yasser bin Saud Al-Zadjali, a member of the Muscat Governorate Municipal Council representing Quriyat, stated that precautionary measures were implemented early following forecasts from the Civil Aviation Authority. Three schools in Al Dhahir, Al Ghadir, and Umm Al Hakam were designated as fully equipped emergency shelters. Fortunately, no families have required relocation so far, and essential services, including electricity and water, remain uninterrupted with no significant material damage recorded.

Government entities, led by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and Muscat Municipality, have been operating around the clock. Field inspections are being conducted continuously by the Governor and relevant officials. While road conditions across the Wilayat generally remain stable, two unpaved mountain roads in Wadi Al-Arabiyin and Amq Al-Rabbah remain closed and are expected to be rehabilitated once the weather improves.

However, as the storm persists, further disruptions are anticipated. On Friday, March 27, authorities announced the closure of the Mountain Road (Aqabat Al-Amirat–Bausher) as a precautionary measure due to expected heavy rain in Muscat. Motorists have been urged to use alternate routes and exercise extreme caution.

Rustaq and Al Awabi: Wadis in Full Flow

The South Al Batinah Governorate has also been heavily impacted. In Rustaq, intense rainfall triggered significant flows in several wadis, including Wadi Bani Ghafir, Bani Hani, Al-Sahtan, Bani Awf, and Al-Hawqain. The flow in Wadi Al-Sin was particularly strong, necessitating the temporary closure of the road linking Rustaq and Al Awabi.

Nearby, Al Awabi experienced intense rainfall accompanied by strong winds. The heaviest precipitation was recorded in the town center and surrounding areas such as Al Mahdouth, Al Dhahir, Tawi Al Sayh, and Al Rajmah. The rain led to the flow of multiple wadis in the region, including Wadi Safoun, Al-Rajmah, and Al-Sahl. Despite the disruption, residents and authorities alike have expressed hope that the rainfall will bring much-needed benefits to the land and agriculture.

Successful Rescues in Dhofar and Al Batinah

Despite the dangers, the ROP Air Wing and ground teams have conducted several successful operations. In the Dhofar Governorate, police aviation rescued a citizen whose vehicle had been swept away in Wadi Matam; the individual was transferred to a safe area in good health.

Additionally, in Al Sinaw wilayat, the ROP Air Wing rescued two citizens, including a child and an elderly man, transporting them to Ibra Reference Hospital to receive necessary medical care.

Wadi Dayqah and Ongoing Monitoring

In Quriyat, the rainfall has caused several wadis to flow, most notably the Wadi Dayqah Dam. Officials report that water levels in the dam remain below 50 percent capacity, indicating that the reservoir is managing the inflow effectively. Other active wadis in the region include Fins, Bama, Al Rahab, Al Safah, Ras Al Shajar, and Al Arabiyin.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as weather conditions persist across the Sultanate. With more rain forecast and wadis remaining active, the public is urged to stay informed, avoid risky areas, and follow all safety guidelines issued by the Royal Oman Police and the National Center for Meteorology.