Floods in Oman

Flooding in Muscat, Oman, in the 1970s.

Floods have occurred repeatedly in Oman since 1977 recorded in Muscat's Wadi Adai region. ^[1] Over 50 significant flood events have affected the country. The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) reports increased frequency and severity over the past 20 years. ^[2] Wadis like Wadi Adai, Wadi Kabir, and Wadi Dayqah which flow through the populated areas have caused flooding.

In the 20th century

• The earliest recorded flood in Oman occurred in 1927 in Wadi Dayqah at Mazara and in Wadi Ibra. ^[3]

In the 21st century

2019-Floods

• On 18 May 2019, floods affected Yanqul in Al Dhahirah Governorate, with 41.2 mm of rainfall recorded within 24 hours. ^[4] Wadi Bani Khalid, a hilly region in Ash Sharqiyah North Governorate, received around [90.4 - 90.6mm] ^[5] of rainfall, exceeding the average monthly rainfall of 2.9 mm in the city of Ibra. ^{[6] [7]} In Wadi Bani Khalid, 7 members of an Indian Pharmacist were swept away. ^{[8] [9]} Rescue efforts by the Royal Oman Police recovered 4 bodies, while 2 remained missing. Rescue teams responded to over 90 emergencies and conducted 37 rescues, including 19 in Ash Sharqiyah North Governorate and 17 in Muscat Governorate. ^[10]

2020-Floods

January Floods

• On January 15, 2020, heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of Oman, with temperatures dropping below freezing and snow in some areas. Muscat recorded 56 mm (2.2 inches) of rain in 24 hours, significantly higher than its usual January rainfall of 12.8 mm (0.5 inches). ^{[11] [12]} The Oman Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the rainfall during January 14-15. ^[13] Many people were trapped in flooded cars and homes, and the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) responded to rescue those affected. While no fatalities were reported, several individuals were treated for various injuries, and 18 people were rescued from flooded homes. ^[14] Temperatures were reported to range from -2°C (28.4°F) at Jabal Shams to between 1°C in Saiq and 25°C in Salalah. Further rainfall was expected in the following days. In Al Ansab, some residents evacuated their homes due to rising water levels. Authorities advised drivers to avoid traveling, as floods damaged properties and washed away vehicles. More than 200 people were injured, and more than 50 workers were evacuated after floodwaters swept away their temporary shelters. ^[15]

May Floods

• In May 2020, a tropical depression over the southwest Arabian Sea impacted Oman’s Dhofar Governorate, causing heavy rain, strong winds, and flash floods. ^{[16] [17]} Centered south of the coast at 16.5 degrees North and 54.5 degrees East, with winds of 17 to 25 knots (30 to 45 km/h), it brought 351 mm of rain in Mirbat, 262 mm in Sadah, and 202 mm in Salalah between 27 and 31 May. ^[18] Other totals included 194 mm in Sadah, 184 mm in Mirbat, 181.2 mm in Taqah, and 174.6 mm at Salalah Airport. Reports indicated that up to 380 mm of rain fell in Salalah, nearly two years' worth of rainfall. ^{[19] [20]} Affected areas included Hasik, Shoyemiya, Halaniyat Islands, Sadah, Mirbat, and Taqah. Thunderstorms, poor visibility, and rough seas up to 5 meters in Dhofar were reported. ^[21] Emergency services, including the Royal Oman Police, Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulances, and the Sultan’s Armed Forces, rescued many, evacuated over 100 residents, and delivered aid. ^[22] Five fatalities were reported, two in Arzat, one in a building collapse, and two on 30 and 31 May. ^{[23] [24]}

2021-Floods

• On July 14, 2021, heavy rainfall occurred, particularly in the Ash Sharqiyah and Dhofar Governorates. The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) issued alerts regarding flash floods. ^[25] Between July 14 and 17, Sur City recorded a notable 204.4 mm of rainfall, which led to the evacuation of at least 30 families from their homes. The flooding caused multiple fatalities, including the deaths of two children in Jalan Bani Bu Hasan and Awqad, as well as a construction worker in Wadi Lizagh. ^[26] On July 18, an additional casualty was reported, along with three individuals who were missing after being swept away in Jalan Bani Bu Ali. 17 individuals were rescued from their residences, and 5 were rescued from vehicles trapped in the floods in Sohar. The severe rainfall also resulted in power outages and road closures in Muscat. Meteorologists stated that these rainfall patterns were unusual for July, and forecasts indicated expected precipitation in the Dhofar region on July 20–21. ^[27]

2022-Floods

• In January 2022, severe flooding affected Muscat, Al Batinah South, and Ad Dakhiliyah. ^{[28] [29]} On January 1, Oman's Civil Defence reported six fatalities and 20 rescues during the initial flooding. ^[30] The situation worsened on January 3–4, with five individuals trapped in Wilayat of Bawshar, where 110 mm (4.33 inches) of rain fell in a few hours, equivalent to two months' average January rainfall. ^[31] The Wilayat of Seeb recorded 108 mm (4.25 inches). One person was found deceased after being swept away in Wadi Surur. ^[32]

• Between July 5–7, 2022, flash floods affected several governorates in Oman. ^[33] The floods were severed in Al Batinah South Governorate's Wilayat of Rustaq, where over 90mm of rain fell within 48 hours. ^[34] One fatality was reported in Ad Dhakiliyah governorate, with four individuals rescued. In Rustaq, a road collapse trapped two people, who were later airlifted safely. A total of 4 lives were lost including three children. ^[35] An Asian foreign national was swept away in Al Hamra, and two rescued children later died due to injuries. ^[36]

2024-Floods

• In April 2024, a flood occurred in the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate. The National Committee for Emergency Management reported that Al Mudhaibi received 90 mm of rain from April 14 to 15, with Marmul Airport recording 64 mm and Qalhat 59.2 mm. ^[37] Emergency services, including the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA), conducted rescue operations. Approximately 35 people were rescued in the Wilayat of Ibra, and 21 individuals were saved from a trapped school bus in Nizwa. The CDAA also rescued around 1,200 individuals from a school surrounded by floodwaters in Al Mudhaibi. The flood resulted in at least 18 fatalities, including nine schoolchildren and their driver, whose vehicle was washed away in Samad al Shan. ^[38] Additionally, five individuals were reported missing, with the body of one missing child later recovered. ^{[39] [40]}

Flood control measures

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) in Oman conducted a flood risk management project from 2024 to 2026. The project addressed flooding in low-lying coastal areas and wadis due to sea-level rise and storm surges. It consisted of three stages: a 12-month data analysis, a 7-month mapping phase and a 5-month planning stage. Updated flood risk maps categorized areas into high, medium and low danger zones, informing emergency response. ^[41] In April 2025, Muscat Municipality and MAFWR proposed 18 protection dams for vulnerable wadis. ^[42]

References

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2. "Reasons for the occurrence of Floods in Oman". Climate Change Knowledge Portal.
3. "DESIGN FLOOD PEAKS, STANDARDS, AND WADI CHARACTERISTICS" (PDF). Openjicareport.
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