Heavy rains fell in Al Khaboura in the governorate of North Al Batinah.
Heavy rains fell in Al Khaboura in the governorate of North Al Batinah.
Heavy rains fell in Al Khaboura in the governorate of North Al Batinah.
Heavy rains fell in Al Khaboura in the governorate of North Al Batinah.

Oman schools forced to close by heavy rain


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Oman's Ministry of Education on Tuesday announced the suspension of studies in the northern governorates as heavy rain was forecast over the sultanate.

Rain continued to lash many northern areas, including parts of Al Dhahirah, Al Dakhiliyah, South Al Batinah and North Al Batinah.

There were thunderstorms and high winds on Monday evening in Dhofar and Musandam, where classes were suspended at all public and private schools.

Heavy rains fell in Al Khaboura in the governorate of North Al Batinah. Photo: OmanNewsAgency/Twitter
Heavy rains fell in Al Khaboura in the governorate of North Al Batinah. Photo: OmanNewsAgency/Twitter

“The ministry decided to suspend studies on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in all public and private schools, morning and evening, in the governorates of Musandam, North Al Batinah, Al Buraimi and Al Dhahirah. Work in schools will resume on Wednesday, March 29, 2023,” the ministry said.

School lessons and evening classes were also suspended in the governorates of Al Amerat and Qurayyat on Tuesday, with classes to be resumed on Wednesday, Oman News Agency reported.

Oman's Met Office said there would also be rain in other governorates.

With heavy thundershowers comes the risk of wadis overflowing in many governorates.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources called on farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers and fishermen to take precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their property, and urged everyone to move away from dams and wadis.

Oman's Civil Aviation Authority has warned people to avoid low-lying areas and not to cross wadis.

The Gulf nation has experienced heavy rain and flash floods before.

Last July, during the Eid Al Adha holidays, more than 19 drowned and 40 were rescued during heavy rain storms that lasted a week.

Our legal advisor

Rasmi Ragy is a senior counsel at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.

Experience: Prosecutor in Egypt with more than 40 years experience across the GCC.

Education: Ain Shams University, Egypt, in 1978.

If you go

The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.

Company profile

Name: Tharb

Started: December 2016

Founder: Eisa Alsubousi

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: Luxury leather goods

Initial investment: Dh150,000 from personal savings

 

Step by step

2070km to run

38 days

273,600 calories consumed

28kg of fruit

40kg of vegetables

45 pairs of running shoes

1 yoga matt

1 oxygen chamber

Updated: March 28, 2023, 9:50 AM`