MUSCAT: Several persons were rescued as heavy rains lashed across Oman, triggered by an ongoing tropical depression.
The rains led to flooding and hazardous conditions, with several areas severely affected.
In Sur, several people, including a four-member family were rescued after being trapped by rising waters in separate incidents.
In another incident, a driver was pulled to safety after his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters.
In another rescue, three people were saved by the swift actions of the Search and Rescue Team after their vehicle became stranded in Al Salimiya Wadi in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate.
All the individuals are reported to be in good condition, thanks to the prompt response of emergency teams.
The South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, particularly hard-hit by the tropical depression, is facing thick clouds and varying degrees of rainfall, with some areas witnessing heavy downpours.
Scattered rainfall has also been recorded in other governorates, adding to the widespread impact.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution, especially in areas prone to flooding, as overflowing valleys pose significant dangers.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has reported the overflow of several wadis in Sur, which has led to traffic being cut off in several regions.
Tropical depression to continue
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed that the tropical depression, which began affecting the northern governorates earlier on Tuesday, will continue to cause heavy rain and strong winds.
Mahmoud bin Rashid Al Khayari, Head of the Forecasting Department at the CAA, explained that rainfall amounts in North and South Al Sharqiyah and Muscat are expected to range from 40 to 90 mm, while North and South Al Batinah, Ad Dakhiliyah, Ad Dhahirah, and Al Wusta could see between 20 and 50 mm.
Rainfall in Al Buraimi and Dhofar is likely to reach 10 to 30 mm.
On Wednesday, a reduction in rainfall is expected across North and South Al Batinah, Al Dakhiliyah, Muscat, Al Dhahirah, and Al Buraimi, with totals reaching between 20 and 50 mm.
Dhofar is forecasted to receive lesser amounts, ranging between 10 and 30 mm.
By Thursday, the tropical depression is expected to weaken, with lingering effects mainly in the mountainous areas of Dhofar and the Al Hajar range. Friday is expected to bring stability to most regions, except for some cloud formations over the Al Hajar Mountains.
In addition to the rainfall, the CAA has warned of high waves in the Arabian Sea, where wave heights could reach between 2.5 and 3 meters.
The Sea of Oman is expected to experience waves ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 metres due to strong winds associated with the depression.
Authorities continue to advise residents to avoid crossing flooded valleys and to follow safety precautions as the tropical weather system gradually subsides.
