Oman – Cyclone Shaheen Triggers Deadly Floods and Landslides

by in Asia, News

At least 4 people lost their lives and hundreds were displaced in Oman after severe weather brought by Cyclone Shaheen. The storm has also caused damage in Iran, where 5 people have been reported missing at sea.

Cyclone Shaheen over Oman and Iran, October 2021. Image: NASA

Oman

In Oman, Tropical Cyclone Shaheen brought very heavy rain and strong winds of up to 150 km/h from 03 October 2021. As of the morning 04 October 2021, the storm had been downgraded to a tropical depression and was located over Al-Dhahira Governorate, according to Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority. Impacts are likely to continue in Al-Dhahira, Al-Batinah North, Al-Batinah South and Al-Dakhilay Governorates.

Heavy rain, high waves and storm surge caused flooding and damage across the country. The government declared a two-day national holiday with schools and many offices closed.

Areas of Muscat Governorate saw very heavy rain as the storm passed. According to Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Bawshar recorded 189mm of rain, Al Amirat 175 mm, Muttrah 174 mm and Al-Seeb 160 mm.

Streets of the capital Muscat were inundated with flood water around 1 metre deep, leaving vehicles stranded. Traffic was suspended in all streets of the city except the Muscat Expressway.

Civil Defence and Ambulance (CDAA) personnel have rescued dozens of people from flooded homes or roads. Royal Oman Police aviation unit were using helicopters to rescue people from areas of Al Suwaiq in Al-Batinah North where a building collapsed. Around 5,000 people have moved to 80 emergency shelters set up in various governorates.

Oman News Agency reported two workers died after a landslide buried a building in Rusayl in Muscat. A young person died in flood water in Al Amirat, while the body of a missing person was found in Rustaq in Al Batinah South.

Iran

Cyclone Shaheen also caused problems across the Gulf of Oman in Iran. Local media reported 5 people were missing at sea after two fishing boats sank off the coast of Sistan and Balouchestan. Meanwhile wind damage in the province left at least 13 people injured. Flooding was reported on the streets Chabahar city in Sistan and Baluchestan Province.

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