Oman storms: 25 rescued after heavy rain

People were trapped in their cars in flooded areas of capital Muscat

The Ghubrah area of Muscat was flooded after heavy rain in Oman's capital in January. Photo: Joseph Bunn

More than 25 people were rescued from their vehicles during heavy rain in Oman, police and emergency services said on Monday.

The Royal Oman Police helped to carry out rescues in the capital, Muscat.

“Three people, one of them an expatriate, were rescued after they were stranded inside their vehicle amid heavy rains in the southern Ghubrah area [of Muscat]. They are in good health,” police said.

Police, together with the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, rescued two women who were stranded in their vehicle in Al Khuwair area of the capital, and seven other people stranded in a bus on Sultan Qaboos Street.

Residents of the Muttrah area of Muscat had to take refuge on roofs and await rescue after floodwater entered their homes.

Heavy rain fell across most of the Muscat Governorate with Muscat International Airport recording 9.6 millimetres, Muscat 1.4 mm and Wadi Al Mawaal, South Al Batinah recording 3.2 mm.

The sultanate also witnessed heavy flooding in early January.

The forecast for the country for the rest of the week is expected to be partly cloudy and overcast with chances of slight, isolated rain.

In pictures: heavy rains revive Oman oases

The Dhofar region's Ayn Khor waterfall appears only when there has been heavy rain. Photo: Aqil Al Hamdani

An oasis filled up with rainwater in Alhail, Muscat. Photo: Saleh Al Shaibany

Water flows through an irrigation canal at a farm in Misfat Al Abryeen. Photo: Saleh Al Shaibany

Waterfalls in Wadi Misfahat Abryeen. Photo: Saleh Al Shaibany

A wadi in Jabal Shams. Photo: Azza Al Mabsali