Flash floods in Oman have led to the deaths of two individuals from Kerala, while another woman from the state is still missing after their vehicle was swept away in the Al Batinah region. The incident has drawn serious concern, prompting senior Congress leader VD Satheesan to appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for immediate intervention.
The missing woman has been identified as Ramla, a resident of Trithala. Reports indicate that the victims were travelling together in a vehicle when it was suddenly caught in a powerful flash flood in Oman’s Al Batinah Governorate, leading to the tragic outcome.
In his communication, Satheesan urged the central government to extend all possible support to ensure the safety of those affected and to assist the families of the victims during this difficult time. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister on Sunday, he expressed deep anguish over the incident that occurred a day earlier, on Saturday. The floods claimed the lives of Yusuf and Shamla, both also natives of Trithala in Kerala.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Satheesan called on the Centre to promptly coordinate with Omani authorities to accelerate and strengthen the ongoing search and rescue efforts. He emphasized the need for swift action, especially given the continued heavy rainfall and the ongoing threat of further flooding in the region.
In his letter, he conveyed his concern by stating that the flash floods had resulted in the loss of two lives and left one woman from Kerala unaccounted for, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The flooding has significantly disrupted normal life in several areas, particularly in valleys and low-lying regions where rising water levels have cut off roads and hindered transportation. Emergency response teams have been actively engaged in multiple rescue operations as heavy runoff has impacted parts of Muscat and stretches along the Al Batinah coastline. Authorities have issued warnings advising motorists to avoid attempting to cross flooded valleys and to strictly adhere to safety instructions.
Oman is currently experiencing unstable weather conditions, with the Civil Aviation Authority cautioning residents about thunderstorms, strong winds, and the possibility of hail in various regions. Forecasts suggest that these adverse conditions are likely to continue, affecting areas such as North and South A’Sharqiyah, Al Wusta, A’Dakhiliyah, A’Dhahirah, South Al Batinah, and Muscat.
Meanwhile, the National Committee for Emergency Management has activated its response systems to address the impact of a low-pressure system named Al-Musarrat. Authorities remain on high alert as they monitor the evolving situation and prepare for potential flooding and related hazards.
Residents have been advised to stay vigilant, keep track of official updates, and follow all safety guidelines as rescue and relief operations continue across the affected regions.
