Couple killed in Oman floods

Heavy weather across Sultanate expected to last until weekend

Heavy rain has caused disruption in Oman. Photo: Oman News Agency

A couple were found dead after days of heavy rainfall in Oman washed vehicles off the road.

The Omanis were among about a dozen people who were missing after three cars became caught up in floods.

They died after they were swept away by an overflowing wadi in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali on Wednesday.

Search and rescue teams found six people. The authorities said that two people were still missing, and the search to find them continued.

The Directorate of Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate announced that the two missing citizens were found dead.

The sultanate's meteorology office says rain will fall until Saturday, with Al Sharqiyah and Al Dakhiliyah governorates expected to bear the brunt.

Thunderstorms were accompanied by winds and hail in most of the country's governorates throughout Wednesday.

There were reports of rocks falling on to roads in Nizwa, which recorded the highest rainfall at 35mm until 6.30pm.

An Oman Met Office spokesman said that the strongest hailstorms were in Qurayat and Wadi Bani Ghafir in Al Rustaq.

Overflowing wadis cut off roads in Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan.

The CDAA called on citizens and residents to exercise caution and not risk crossing valleys, to stay away from low-lying places in heavy rain and to follow safety instructions.

Rain is expected to continue until Thursday or Friday, with northern governorates and areas adjacent to the Hajar Mountains experiencing the worst.