Ministries issue advisories as tropical storm makes landfall on Omani coasts

The cyclone is situated more than the western Arabian Sea at longitude 59.5°E and latitude 20.0°N with estimated surface winds speed about the centre among 65 knots and 70 knots (120 to 130km/hr), according to the National Multi Hazard Early Warning Center of Public Authority for Civil Aviation.

The cyclone is about 80km from Masirah Island and the closest convective clouds bands related with the method is about 30km from it.

The direct effects more than the governorates of South Sharqiyah and Al Wusta began from Tuesday afternoon resulting in heavy to really heavy rainfall.

 

MoH activates emergency operations centre

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has activated its emergency operations centre to make certain smooth functioning of well being solutions in Al Wusta and South Sharqiyah governorates.

 

MoT asks vacationers to physical exercise caution

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) asked all hotels and tourism establishments to take precautionary measures. “We urge tourists not to take risks and follow latest developments related to the tropical cyclone Hikaa before venturing out.”

 

Ferry operations suspended

The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) has urged all ferry owners to take added precaution. In a statement, MoTC stated, “In compliance with the maritime safety, we urge all ferry owners to take extra precaution before operating trips between Shinas and Masirah Island. Ferry operators must follow weather updates by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation.”

The National Ferries Company also issued a statement in this regard. It stated, “In view of the developing cyclonic storm Hikaa in the Arabian Sea and associated adverse weather conditions, we are temporarily suspending trips on the Shannah-Masirah route from Monday, September 23 evening. This is for passengers’ safety.”

 

MoE closes schools in South Sharqiyah, Al Wusta

In a statement, the Ministry of Education (MoE) stated, “After coordinating with the National Multi Hazard Early Warning Center, we are announcing closure of schools in private and government schools in South Sharqiyah and Al Wusta from Tuesday afternoon, September 24 until Thursday, September 26. The decision was made after warnings were issued by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation that the weather may take a turn for the worse in the next 24 hours.”

Information Source: Muscat Daily