Muscat : An unexpected downpour of rains starting at dawn today, Sunday, March 18th 2007, brought unprecedented damage to vehicles and property in the Sultanate of Oman.
In one place thirteen cars were swept away from the parking lot in front of Muscat Municipality. Most of the cars belonged to Europecar, the rent a car company. This incident took place around 8:30 a.m. Two of the vehicles which were still running were swept away when the drivers made the mistake of daring to cross the overflowing wadi. These people had obviously underestimated the fury of nature. Fortunately for them they were rescued by the police rescue team.
Its 12 noon Muscat time now and the rains have abated. However, they have left a wake of damage around the city. The road are covered with stones and debris, people are stranded and some of them have not yet made it to the offices.
The road leading to Seeb International Airport was completely blocked as the traffic on the opposite side was diverted to the same road.
Rains were observed since yesterday evening in most of the Wilayats like Sohar, Saham, Shinas and some of the Dhalkaliya regions.
So far, no casualties have been reported. The ROP (Royal Oman Police) are actively engaged in clearing the traffic as well as getting people to safety. They are receiving all help from the locals as well as the expatriate community.
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