Oman prepares for cyclone

According to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane wind scale, the cyclone, which falls under the major 3 category scale, will result in devastating damage.

“Well-built and framed homes might incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes,” the Saffir-Simpson wind scale warned.

On Saturday morning, cyclone Chapala was aiming for the Arabian Peninsula and was forecast to strengthen into a Category 5 storm.

However, referring to a global weather advisory, senior meteorologists from Accuweather.com, said there could be up to 25 to 50 mm rain in southern Oman.

Meanwhile, Saleh Mussan, a Majlis Al Shura member in the Dhofar region, told the Times of Oman that preparations to face the adverse weather conditions are in full swing.

“People and livestock from cyclone risk-prone areas, such as the Al Hallaniyat Island and the Raykhout area, have been evacuated. They have been shifted to safer areas. Schools have been turned into emergency shelter centres and medicines and food are being stocked,” the Shura member said.

“Different government committees have already held emergency meetings. We are prepared to face any kind of adverse weather conditions. We have even made backup arrangements for power supply in case any disruption occurs”, the Shura member added.

According to sources, a holiday has been declared for all educations institutions in the Dhofar region. Meanwhile, hospital sources said they have discharged non-emergency patients to make room for patients, who might come after the cyclone makes landfall.

Port officials said all loose gear has been tightened and they have also provided docking facilities to vessels passing nearby.

“After observing Sunday afternoon’s weather updates only, we may take a decision to pause the port operations. So far, nothing has been decided,” Mohammed Al Mashani, Corporate Affairs’ general manager at the Salalah port, said.

Meanwhile, the Public Authority for Civil Defence (PACDA) and Ambulances, the Sultan’s Armed Forces and Royal Oman Police (ROP) have deployed personnel, equipment and machinery in the wake of the cyclone prediction.

PACDA has been posting precautionary tips for the public and updates on the cyclone in different languages through its official Twitter handle. It has even tweeted two numbers, 24343666 and 9999 as emergency contacts for the public on Saturday evening.

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate, is also on standby.

“We all hope that the risk presented by cyclone Chapala recedes. However, as the national airline of Oman, our emergency response teams are currently on standby and coordinating with the relevant authorities. We are ready to provide whatever assistance we can to help our brothers, sisters and residents in the southern region, who may be affected by this cyclone,” Paul Gregorowitsch, chief executive officer of Oman Air, said.

“We are also liaising closely with the emergency services and other agencies. These include the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), the National Multi Hazard Early Warning Centre and the ROP. Our manpower, logistical expertise and cargo capacity remain at their disposal,” he added.

“Furthermore, we are closely monitoring the progress of the cyclone. We are taking necessary steps to minimise its impact on our services and on the travel plans of our customers. Any resulting changes will be announced through our website and social media,” Gregorowitsch said.

According to US meteorologist Eric Holthaus’s estimates, the storm will dump as much as eight times the annual rainfall on the coastal regions of Yemen and Oman.

These regions typically collect just 100 to 130 mm of rain a year.

“Tropical cyclones are an extreme rarity near the Arabian Peninsula,” Holthaus explained.

“Since reliable records begin in 1979, there have been only two hurricane-strength storms to make landfall in Oman, and the only storm to hit Yemen topped out with winds at a paltry 35 miles per hour [56 km/h], barely tropical storm strength,” Holthaus added.

According to hoteliers in Salalah, there may be booking cancellations in the two coming days due to the cyclone.

“So far, the business is normal. In the coming days, due to adverse weather conditions, there may be cancellations in the bookings,” an official from the Crowne Plaza said. “Long queues can be seen at all shops. Everyone is stocking food, water and even candles,” Nishtar, a Salalah resident, said.