18 Dead in Oman as Flash Floods Strike UAE amid Heavy Rains

Severe rains and flash floods have ravaged parts of the Gulf region, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 18 lives in Oman and disrupting travel in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In Oman, the death toll reported on Tuesday, April 16 2024 included nine schoolchildren and their driver, whose vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in Samad A’Shan on Sunday.

The National Committee for Emergency Management confirmed that rescue teams are still searching for two missing individuals.

To ensure safety amid the adverse weather conditions, the Omani government granted administrative staff in both public and private sectors a day off in several provinces.

Additionally, remote work was advised in other areas of the sultanate. Residents were urged to evacuate to shelters if they felt endangered or if instructed by authorities to do so.

Police and military personnel were dispatched to the hardest-hit province of Ash Sharqiyah North to assist in the evacuation of citizens from flooded zones, as reported by state media.