Thursday, 03 November 2011
In 2007, Cyclone Gonu tore through Oman, killing at least 49 people and causing damage estimated at $3.9 billion. (File photo)
The death toll from a tropical storm that swept across Oman has risen to 14 with several bodies turning up in surging floodwaters, officials said on Thursday.
At least 200 people were injured in the cloudburst that lashed the largely desert sultanate on the eastern flanks of the Arabian Peninsula, a location that puts it in the path of seasonal monsoons or cyclones.
“The latest update is that five people who were missing were confirmed dead, bringing the number up to 14,” a rescue services spokesman said.
The storm began on Tuesday, flooded many areas and is expected to linger over much of the country until Saturday.
At least 200 people were injured in the cloudburst that lashed the largely desert sultanate on the eastern flanks of the Arabian Peninsula, a location that puts it in the path of seasonal monsoons or cyclones.
“The latest update is that five people who were missing were confirmed dead, bringing the number up to 14,” a rescue services spokesman said.
The storm began on Tuesday, flooded many areas and is expected to linger over much of the country until Saturday.
Authorities had to airlift 60 patients out of two hospitals, which temporarily closed because of flood damage. “My estimate is that it will cost no less than 20 million rials ($50 million) to put (the hospitals) right,” a doctor said.
“In some parts of the country, the water level was six feet (about 1.80 meters) high,” the spokesman said.
Witnesses said cars were swept away as rainwater swamped major motorways. Some drivers scrambled to the rooftops of their cars to escape rising flash floods.
“One valley had everything floating in it, including cars, dead animals and people's personal belongings,” eyewitness Saud al-Ghaith told Reuters from his home town of Rostaq, north of the capital Muscat.
The police issued a warning urging “maximum caution,” according to AFP.
In June 2010, 16 people were killed when a Cyclone Phet hit the Gulf state.
In 2007, Cyclone Gonu tore through Oman, killing at least 49 people and causing damage estimated at $3.9 billion.
“In some parts of the country, the water level was six feet (about 1.80 meters) high,” the spokesman said.
Witnesses said cars were swept away as rainwater swamped major motorways. Some drivers scrambled to the rooftops of their cars to escape rising flash floods.
“One valley had everything floating in it, including cars, dead animals and people's personal belongings,” eyewitness Saud al-Ghaith told Reuters from his home town of Rostaq, north of the capital Muscat.
The police issued a warning urging “maximum caution,” according to AFP.
In June 2010, 16 people were killed when a Cyclone Phet hit the Gulf state.
In 2007, Cyclone Gonu tore through Oman, killing at least 49 people and causing damage estimated at $3.9 billion.
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