Latest news with #CivilDefenceandAmbulanceAuthority
Observer
25-05-2025
- Observer
Ambulance service launched in Rub Al Khali border checkpoint
IBRI: The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority on Sunday inaugurated ambulance services at its Rub Al Khali Border Checkpoint centre, as part of its strategic plan to expand services in vital and border areas while enhancing operational readiness and emergency response efficiency. The launch coincides with peak seasonal traffic during the Haj pilgrimage period, when the crossing sees increased movement of pilgrims travelling to holy sites, as well as visitors heading to Dhofar Governorate for the Khareef tourism season. This necessitates heightened preparedness to ensure rapid emergency response and necessary medical care. The new service features a specialised team of qualified paramedics supported by fully-equipped ambulance containing advanced medical devices to handle various emergencies and transport patients to the nearest healthcare facility for treatment. This integrates seamlessly with the region's emergency and healthcare systems. The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening centre capabilities and providing necessary resources to deliver quality services meeting citizens' and residents' needs across all governorates. The Rub Al Khali Border Checkpoint Civil Defence and Ambulance Center represents a vital facility supporting round-the-clock emergency operations. Its enhanced ambulance capacity proves particularly valuable given the crossing's recent surge in traffic volume, marking a qualitative addition to Oman's emergency medical services network. — ONA
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
Video: 2 killed as building partially collapses in Oman
Two people were killed when a building partially collapsed in Muscat, Oman, the Sultanate's Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority said on Saturday. Preliminary indications show that the incident resulted from a gas explosion caused by a leak of cooking gas in one of the restaurants at the building. The authority shared a video from the site, revealing extensive structural damage. Debris and pieces of furniture were seen strewn across the street, indicating the force of the blast. The area has since been cordoned off as authorities continue to assess the damage and investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion. Take a look on the video here: Rescue and ambulance teams from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority in Muscat rushed to the building which is used for residential and commercial purposes and is located in Muscat's Bousher state. Authorities have opened a probe to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The two killed were of Asian nationalities, they announced. In 2023, a gas explosion in a restaurant in Oman left 18 people injured, local media has reported. The explosion took place in a building's restaurant which was located in the southern Mabela region in Al Seeb. Investigations and information back then revealed that a sudden explosion took place and it was also caused by cooking gas leak.
Muscat Daily
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Muscat Daily
Civil defence to build 3 emergency shelters in Oman
Muscat – Three new emergency centres in regions most vulnerable to extreme weather in the sultanate will be set up in a move aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and humanitarian support. Led by Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority in cooperation with Ministry of Social Development, the initiative was formalised on Sunday with the signing of an agreement by Maj Gen Abdullah Ali al Harthy, Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs for Operations and Chairman of CDAA, and Zaher Said al Rashdi, chief executive officer of the executing company. According to Mishaal al Farsi, coordinator of National Committee for Emergency Management's Relief and Shelter Sector, the centres will be located in Suwaiq and Suhar in North Batinah, and Sur in South Sharqiyah. 'These wilayats were selected because they have been the most affected by climatic conditions in recent years, being coastal cities as well as among the most densely populated,' Farsi said. The centres are intended to be safe, fully equipped shelters for people affected by natural disasters or other emergencies. 'They reflect Oman's commitment to developing its relief and shelter infrastructure and its readiness to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies,' Farsi said. Mishaal al Farsi The facilities will offer basic services, including food, clothing, medicine, Internet access and other essential support. Farsi noted that the dedicated centres will fill a gap resulting from reliance on schools and public buildings – which were temporary and lacked adequate facilities – used earlier to shelter those affected by extreme weather conditions. A technical committee is currently assessing the need for similar centres in other governorates, focusing on areas with high population density and vulnerability to extreme weather. The emergency shelters initiative aligns with Oman's broader national strategy for disaster risk reduction in alignment with international standards such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Observer
19-05-2025
- Health
- Observer
Fire accidents on the rise; CDAA calls for caution
Muscat, May 19 Over the past one week, there has been a surge in fire accidents in commercial buildings, residential areas and farmlands. From January 1 to the end of April 2025, the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) received a total of 1,204 fire accident reports. "During the month of May, the Sultanate of Oman experiences a gradual increase in temperatures, which contributes to a higher risk of fire incidents. The main causes observed during this period include poor or non-compliant electrical installations, negligence in the use of electrical and heating appliances such as air conditioners and stoves," First Lieutenant Ali bin Said al Farsi from CDAA, told the Observer. He pointed out that other causes are open burning without proper safety precautions and careless disposal of cigarette butts near flammable materials. "Preliminary statistics indicate a relative increase in fire-related reports during the summer season, particularly in May and June. This is due to rising temperatures and unsafe practices by individuals or in various facilities," he said. The firefighting teams of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority in the Governorate of Al Dhahirah were able to extinguish a fire that broke out in a house in the Wilayat of Yanqul without recording any injuries. Rescue and ambulance teams of CDAA in the Governorate of Muscat responded to a partial collapse in a commercial residential building in Bausher. Initial evidence indicated a momentary gas explosion resulting from a cooking gas leak in a restaurant. The accident resulted in the death of two Asian nationals. The authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident. The CDAA's firefighting teams in the Governorate of Al Batinah North were able to extinguish a fire that broke out in trees in the Wilayat of Shinas, and there were no injuries. A hypermarket also experienced a fire accident. In Muscat, the CDAA, with the support of the Special Tasks Police Unit in Al Seeb, was able to control a fire mishap and prevent it from spreading. Al Farsi explained that fires involving trees and vegetation are often caused by high temperatures and extreme dryness, which make dry grass and leaves highly flammable, in addition to careless disposal of cigarette butts or glass objects that may focus sunlight. Other major causes have been campfires or outdoor cooking without ensuring full extinguishment and agricultural or industrial activities near green areas without proper safety measures, he noted. However, electrical fires remain one of the most common types of fire incidents, particularly in homes and commercial establishments. "These are usually caused by improper and unsafe electrical wiring, lack of regular maintenance for electrical appliances and the use of non-standard or counterfeit electrical devices," Al Farsi stressed. The Civil Defence and Ambulance Department in Muscat carried out a joint practical exercise in cooperation with OQ Company and the relevant authorities in Al Seeb. This exercise aimed to enhance the preparedness of emergency teams and improve their ability to respond to industrial accidents. It included a number of scenarios, including a crude oil leak from a pipeline and a fire breaking out during technical inspections, with a number of casualties. The aim of the exercise was to develop field capabilities and enhance coordination among various stakeholders to ensure a rapid response and effective intervention in such emergency incidents. The firefighting teams of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Department in the Governorate of Al Sharqiyah South were able to control a fire that broke out in a warehouse in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, with no injuries recorded. The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority has amended the application for suggestions, complaints, reports and inquiries related to its services - the Tajawub platform. SAFETY TIPS - Ensure all electrical installations are safe and do not overload power outlets - Avoid leaving electrical appliances running while away or asleep - Refrain from lighting fires in open areas, especially during peak heat hours - Do not store flammable materials in areas exposed to direct sunlight - Keep fire extinguishers at home and in vehicles, and know how to use them - Call emergency number (9999) or (24343666) immediately in case of any fire incident
Observer
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
His Majesty the Sultan issues three Royal Decrees
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik issued three Royal Decrees on Thursday. The first Royal Decree amends the organisational structure of the Royal Office, and appoints Major General Sulaiman bin Khalid bin Sulaiman al Zakwani as a Secretary-General of the Office of Head of Office of the Supreme Commander. The second Royal Decree amends certain provisions of the Royal Decree No. 10/2021 on the appointment of a Secretary-General at the Ministry of Defence. The third Royal Decree promotes Brigadier Sulaiman bin Ali bin Ahmed al Husaini to the rank of Major General and appoints him as a Chairman of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority.
