The deep water port at Duqm on Oman's Arabian Sea coast. Photo: Port of Duqm Authority
The deep water port at Duqm on Oman's Arabian Sea coast. Photo: Port of Duqm Authority
The deep water port at Duqm on Oman's Arabian Sea coast. Photo: Port of Duqm Authority
The deep water port at Duqm on Oman's Arabian Sea coast. Photo: Port of Duqm Authority

Gulf

Oman

4.1-magnitude earthquake in Oman's Duqm region

Police receive calls from residents who felt the tremor

The National

February 19, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

A 4.1-magnitude earthquake was detected in Oman on Sunday.

The seismic event happened at 7.55am close to the town of Duqm, known for its deep sea port on the Arabian Sea.

Some residents called local police to ask what had happened.

“Royal Oman Police followed up the calls received from some citizens about feeling a slight earthquake, and it did not receive any reports of injuries or damage as a result,” said the force in a social media post.

We were asleep when our beds shook. We heard dishes in the kitchen falling on the floor
Mohan Banarjee,
Duqm resident

Sultan Qaboos University's Earthquake Monitoring Centre said the tremor was detected near the town, which is 450km south-west of Muscat.

Residents of Duqm told The National that the tremors were strong enough to rattle crockery and glasses.

“We felt them in the early hours of the morning. It broke a couple of my glass vases in the living room. It was very scary,” said Fatma Al Sunaidi.

"My two children ran from their rooms and we all slept together in one bed feeling very scared."

Mohan Banarjee, an Indian resident, said the tremors were strong enough to topple crockery in his kitchen.

“We were asleep when our beds shook. We heard dishes in the kitchen falling on the floor," he said.

Another resident said the streets were quiet later on Sunday.

“No one is on the streets now. Everybody is at home and I cannot see any shops open. Everyone is scared that it may return,” said Rashid Al Saadi.

Seismic events measuring less than 3.5 are generally not felt, while those at 3.5 to 5.5 are felt, but rarely cause damage.

Those measuring 5 to 6 on the scale that regularly hit Iran's key fault line are commonly felt in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Events measuring 7 or more on the scale are regarded as “major”, including the devastating double earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria two weeks ago, killing more than 46,000 people.

Dubai holds aid collection for earthquake victims - in pictures

A drive-through donation drive for earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria was held at Al Mawakeb Al Barsha School in Dubai. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
A drive-through donation drive for earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria was held at Al Mawakeb Al Barsha School in Dubai. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
Close to 150 people turned up to help with the collection
Close to 150 people turned up to help with the collection
People donated items such as family-size tents and sleeping bags
People donated items such as family-size tents and sleeping bags
Former pupils at Al Mawakeb Schools teamed up with Emirates Red Crescent to organise the event
Former pupils at Al Mawakeb Schools teamed up with Emirates Red Crescent to organise the event
The target was to get more than 50 tonnes of goods
The target was to get more than 50 tonnes of goods
Organisers said they chose to do a drive-through because it was efficient, convenient and included the whole family
Organisers said they chose to do a drive-through because it was efficient, convenient and included the whole family
Essential perishables, such as baby food, baby formula, powdered milk, and canned food with an expiry date no less than six months, were collected
Essential perishables, such as baby food, baby formula, powdered milk, and canned food with an expiry date no less than six months, were collected
They also collected non-perishables, such as hygiene parcels, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap bars, shampoo, nappies for babies and winter clothes
They also collected non-perishables, such as hygiene parcels, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap bars, shampoo, nappies for babies and winter clothes
Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

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Updated: February 19, 2023, 11:34 AM`