Cyclone Shaheen is rapidly advancing after wrecking several parts of Oman to its neighbouring countries. As such, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have issued alert warnings and precautionary measures are being taken to avoid the wrath that took over Oman where 12 people lost their lives.
United Arab Emirates’ beaches and valleys witnessed the presence of police as they were stationed to begin their patrolling ahead of the forecasted heavy rains due to Shaheen.
People working in government and private-sector organizations in the region that shares border with Oman were appealed to continue working from home or remotely elsewhere due to the increasing risks. The Abu Dhabi Government Media Outlet urged all residents of the area to not leave their homes unless there is an emergency.
“Authorities are working proactively around the clock to evaluate residential units in expected affected areas and transport families to safe locations until it is safe to return,” it said.
A similar move was taken by Saudi Arabia’s government as the civil defence authorities issued cautionary warnings for 5 days, from Monday to Friday, as wild winds and flooding are expected in many regions.
Several areas of Oman were washed by the cyclone Shaheen as heavy rains and winds flooded streets, triggering immediate evacuations of residents from the coastal areas. This also brought the suspension of some flights travelling to and from the capital of the country, Muscat.
Flooded roads and valleys were visible in the clips telecasted by the state television channels while the cyclone tuned its way into the depth of the nation. The outer edges of the storm were touching the UAE.
As per the Omani authorities, the cyclone Shaheen was holding winds that were moving with the speed of 120-150 kmph with water being thrown up in waves of up to 10 metres.
Risks of flash floods had gone high as heavy rain of up to 500 cm was expected in certain regions. The havoc brought everyone’s life in a mess as videos showed submerged cars and people attempting to move across the muddy floodwater.
By Monday, the NCEM or National Committee for Emergency Management reported 12 total deaths due to the storm, with an additional 7.
One of the 5 fishermen who was missing after last being seen at Pasabandar- a fishing village near Iran’s border with Pakistan- was found dead by rescuers, the Islamic Republic’s state television said as the storm had its impact on it too.
While Shaheen broke records with winds gushing up to 150 kmph, the top experts who forecast cyclones in the Indian Ocean, said that the storm has started weakening with up to 90 kmph its current speed.
