Omani police arrest three men for climbing flagpole

Video shows the trio at the top of the large flagpole at Nizwa Fort, a popular tourist attraction

Police said the men were endangering their own lives and that legal action was being considered. Photo: Royal Oman Police

Three men have been arrested for climbing a large flagpole at a popular visitor attraction during the Eid Al Adha holidays in Oman.

The Royal Oman Police shared video of the trio at Nizwa Fort, about 160 kilometres south-west of Muscat. The site dates back more than 400 years.

It was not clear if the men were interfering with the flag or climbing the pole for a dare.

Police said the men were endangering their own lives and that legal action was being considered.

Oman has been battered by rainstorms in recent days that have led to flooding.

There were reports of five deaths between Thursday and Sunday, and at least a dozen people had to be rescued.

The south of the country around Salalah was worst hit, but two of the deaths were in northern areas.

Oman flooding - in pictures

Flooding has hit southern Oman, including the city of Salalah and the nearby towns of Mirbat, Taqa, Rakhyut and Dhalkut. All photos: Oman News Agency

Flooding along a motorway

Flood waters flow alongside a motorway

Thunderstorms had been expected during the Eid Al Adha holidays, according to Oman's Civil Aviation Authority

Low cloud hangs over a wadi. Officials said more rain is expected in some areas

Heavy rain falls in Salalah, the capital of the southern Dhofar province

Low cloud hangs over a town

Officials said that lives could be lost if motorists attempted to drive across flooded wadis

Waterfalls outside Salalah after heavy thunderstorms