The Oman News Agency reported on Sunday that heavy rains are falling in Muscat Governorate due to Cyclone Shaheen. The Omani Emergency Management Center stated that wind speeds near the center of the cyclone are estimated at 64 knots, equivalent to 116 km/h, noting that these associated wind speeds are unprecedented, with the cyclone center located 60 km northeast of Muscat Governorate. All flights to and from Muscat Airport have been rescheduled due to the cyclone until further notice.
The National Emergency Management Center has issued directives for the evacuation of several areas in the capital Muscat and Al Dhahirah Governorate, as the expected rainfall could lead to flooding, especially where it meets sea waves and mountain streams. The Omani Emergency Center indicated that 136 shelter centers have been prepared in the affected governorates, and nearly 3,000 people have sought refuge in these centers. Authorities have also announced a halt to traffic in Muscat Governorate, except for the Muscat Expressway, which will allow movement for emergency and humanitarian cases until Cyclone Shaheen passes and its effects on the governorate subside.
The Omani Civil Defense reported responding to several calls from people trapped in their vehicles by rain in Muscat Governorate, rescuing dozens during the operation. Authorities announced a public holiday on Sunday and Monday for government offices and schools. The cyclone has also led to the closure of main roads due to heavy rains and strong winds, with social media footage showing flash floods sweeping through the roads in Muscat Governorate.
The Omani Civil Aviation Authority issued the fourth warning regarding the cyclonic situation. The latest warning indicated that satellite images show Cyclone Shaheen moving toward the coasts of Oman along the Arabian Sea, with the cyclone's center located 80 kilometers from Muscat Governorate and wind speeds around the center estimated at 135 km/h.
Early on Sunday, the Civil Aviation Authority issued warning number 3 regarding Cyclone Shaheen in the Arabian Sea, stating that the last satellite images and analyses from the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center show the cyclone currently centered at 24.2 degrees North and 59.3 degrees East and continuing its movement toward the coasts of Oman.
The authority noted that the cyclone’s center is approximately 130 km from Muscat Governorate, with wind speeds around the center at 64 knots (116 km/h). It is likely that the cyclone will continue its movement toward the coasts of North Al Batinah Governorate, with direct effects expected to begin on Sunday morning accompanied by very strong winds (40 to 60 knots) and heavy thunderstorms (200 to 500 mm), leading to flooding in mountain streams across North and South Al Batinah, Muscat, Al Dhahirah, Al Buraimi, Al Dakhiliyah, and the coastal areas of South Ash Sharqiyah Governorate.
The authority emphasized that the sea will be very turbulent along the coasts of Oman from South Ash Sharqiyah Governorate to Musandam Governorate, with wave heights estimated at 8-12 meters, and there is a possibility of seawater encroaching on low-lying areas. The wave conditions will be moderate to rough on the rest of Oman's coasts (2-3 meters).
Additionally, the authority urged everyone to take the utmost caution and avoid crossing valleys, staying away from low-lying areas, and not to venture into the sea during this period.
Moreover, the Omani news center reported on Saturday that the evacuation of citizens from coastal areas in Al Khaburah and Saham has begun to shelter centers.
The Ministry of Health in Oman announced on Saturday the activation of a national emergency plan to address the potential impacts of Cyclone Shaheen. The ministry stated that the plan includes arranging shifts for administrators and medical personnel in healthcare institutions, ensuring the availability of medications and medical supplies, and raising stocks of diesel, medical gas, and water in healthcare facilities.
In a related development, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq directed on Saturday to provide "everything necessary to ensure the safety of citizens and residents" during the cyclone's effects.
It is worth noting that 46 cyclones have affected Oman's coasts over the past 130 years. Between 2010 and 2019, five cyclones directly impacted Oman's shores: Ashoba, Luban, Mekunu, Heiko, and Chapala. Six cases reached cyclonic status in the Arabian Sea, the strongest of which was Cyclone Gonu, classified as a Category 5 cyclone, which was one of the most powerful cyclones recorded, resulting in approximately $4 billion in damage and nearly 100 fatalities. Cyclone Fito followed three years later, causing significant material losses as well. Oman was directly affected by three notable events: Gonu, Fito, and the Kela cyclone in 1890, which was the deadliest of all.
