DUBAI, UAE – A sudden deluge of rain in Oman, located on the eastern fringe of the Arabian Peninsula, resulted in fatal flash floods, claiming at least 17 lives, as per reports on Monday. Among the victims were school children and their driver, whose vehicle was engulfed by the rushing waters.
Forecasts predict that the neighboring United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, and other parts of the Arabian Peninsula, are also bracing for heavy downpours.
According to civil defense officials, the North Al Sharqiyah province of Oman bore the brunt of rainfall. In response, the Royal Oman Police and the Omani military were dispatched to the province to evacuate residents from the inundated areas, as reported by the state-run Oman News Agency.
In Oman, flash floods are a common occurrence following heavy rainfall, often attracting locals to the vicinity of dry riverbeds, or “wadi” in Arabic. However, these wadis can rapidly fill up during floods, sweeping away both people and vehicles.
In Dubai, meteorological authorities anticipate the heavy rains to commence Monday evening and continue until Tuesday morning. The National Center of Meteorology in the Emirates has issued warnings of thunder, lightning, rain, and potential hail, with wind speeds reaching up to 70 kph (43 mph). As a precautionary measure, government schools have announced remote learning for Tuesday and Wednesday.