Severe weather alert in Oman: Distance learning announced on October 16

Distance learning will take place for all higher education institutions, and government and private schools in some governorates in Oman on Wednesday, October 16, due to the weather conditions, the country's National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM) announced.

Earlier, Oman announced the suspension of work and schools in both the public and private sectors on Tuesday, October 15, in response to a severe weather alert affecting the country, with some governorates transitioning to remote learning.

The national centre for early warning of multiple hazards forecast heavy rainfall of 40-90 mm across several regions. In response, the National Committee for Managing Emergency Situations has announced the suspension of work and school activities.

Affected areas include:

Distance learning on October 16: Muscat, North Al Sharqiyah, South Al Sharqiyah, Al Dakhiliyah, South Al Batinah, North Al Batinah and some areas in Al Buraimi and Al Dhahirah

Suspension of work and study on October 15: Muscat, South Al Sharqiyah, and North Al Sharqiyah governorates will observe a complete halt to in-person activities.

Suspension of studies and remote transfer on October 15: The following governorates will transition to remote learning: Al Wusta, North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah, as well as the mountainous regions in Al Dakhiliyah, Al Dhahirah, and Al Buraimi.

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Authorities have urged citizens and residents to stay indoors and monitor official updates regarding the weather conditions and safety measures. The committee emphasised that the safety of citizens is the top priority and recommends that everyone take necessary precautions during this period of inclement weather.

The UAE is also bracing for potential increased rainfall in some eastern and southern regions, with initial data suggesting possible impacts from a tropical depression forming in the Arabian Sea. The authorities expect rough seas and seawater flooding in some coastal regions.

Tropical depression

Aerial imagery shows significant cloud cover over the Musandam and North Batinah Governorates. Initial forecasts indicate that the tropical depression is expected to move westward, potentially impacting the coasts of Dhofar Governorate and the Gulf of Aden. As the depression approaches, it will likely coincide with a trough of low pressure affecting the northern governorates, resulting in varying intensities of rainfall across Muscat, South Batinah, Dakhiliyah, and North Sharqiyah governorates.

Earlier, the National Committee for Emergency Management said they were closely monitoring the alerts issued by the Met Department regarding the expected weather condition.

• UAE's NCM warns of potential tropical depression in Arabian sea next week