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Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Wadi Al Jifnain Dam: Providing major protection from floods
Muscat, Aug 13 Strategically located in the Wilayat of Al Seeb near Sultan Qaboos University, Wadi Al Jifnain Dam is one of the significant water projects by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. It serves the purpose of protecting the area from the risk of flooding. Wadi Al Jifnain is known for its significant water flow during heavy rains, which can cause damage to surrounding areas. The ministry has around 200 dams and is actively involved in constructing dams to improve water security and manage flood risks. The three main categories of dams are groundwater recharge, surface storage and flood protection, all contributing to water security and flood prevention efforts. According to Eng Yousef bin Masoud al Mantheri, Director of the Department of Dams at the Ministry, the dam aims to safeguard commercial and residential areas of Al Khoudh, Al Hail and Al Mawaleh in Muscat Governorate. 'This dam is one of the largest in Wadi Al Jifnain. Its storage capacity is approximately 11.5 million cubic metres, representing about 50% of the total storage capacity of the entire system. The dam acts as the final barrier to floodwaters before they reach the sea, protecting the commercial and residential areas of Al Khoudh, Al Hail and Al Mawaleh,' explained Al Mantheri while speaking to the Observer. The project, executed by Strabag Oman and supervised by consultant Sering Engineering Services, aims to intercept and store floodwaters from Wadi Al Jifnain watershed. Al Mantheri highlighted that following the floods caused by cyclones Gonu and Phet, the construction of this dam will significantly reduce human losses and protect development projects downstream of the dam. The dam construction project includes a 20-metre-high, 6,400-metre-long rock-fill dam, two concrete spillways and two concrete towers to control the discharge of trapped water. The dam has many facilities and was constructed using compacted earth. It is equipped with a cutoff made of plastic concrete, gravel filters and rocks of varying sizes. Wadi Al Jifnain Dam includes two concrete spillways, water level measurement devices, sediment level measurement columns, two concrete towers, surveillance cameras, surveying points, and hydrometric and safety monitoring devices.
Gulf Insider
5 days ago
- Climate
- Gulf Insider
Heavy Rains Lash Northern Oman, Bring Temperatures Down
Heavy rains lashed the northern parts of Oman on Monday, disrupting normal life and throwing traffic out of gear in some areas. Temperatures were lower across some northern parts of the country. Parts of Dhahira, Dhakliyah and south of Sharqiyah and Buraimi governorates received medium to heavy rains, according to the Meteorology Department. The Met office statement said: 'Latest weather maps and numerical forecasts suggest cloud cover over northern governorates of Dhahira, Dhakilyah and Buraimi, with chances of rain, thunderstorm and hail of varying intensity across other governorates.' According to forecasts, the system has primarily impacted Dahirah and Dhakilyah Governorates. Long queues of vehicles were reported stuck for hours in some areas, as the motorists were waiting for the water level to go down in some overflowing wadis on Monday. Videos of the flooded wadis have been widely circulated in social media platforms. No casualties have been reported until the writing of this report, according to ROP. Earlier, authorities urged residents to stay away from low-lying areas, as well as overflowing wadis. Oman Meteorology has also given a warning of more downpours, along with a chance of thunderstorms in the coming days. Southern Oman is also experiencing the 'khareef' season, which takes place when low-pressure systems drift across from India, which itself is being lashed by monsoons. This phenomenon causes the region to turn lush green, with wadis and waterfalls surging and the seas turning choppy. The authorities also warn people to stay away from rough seas in the southern region of Dhofar. Meanwhile, temperatures are expected to dip across affected regions for the next few days. Oman's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has advised residents to remain cautious and stay updated on official weather reports as the system progresses. In 2007, Cyclone Gonu claimed 49 lives, which was followed by Cyclone Phet in 2010 that claimed 24 lives, Cyclone Mekunu that ravaged the southern parts of Oman in 2018, left seven people dead and Shaheen which claimed more than 15 lives in 2022.
Gulf Insider
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Gulf Insider
Tropical System Brewing in Arabian Sea
A tropical weather system is expected to form over the eastern Arabian Sea this weekend, prompting close monitoring by Omani authorities. While current forecasts show no direct or indirect impact on the Sultanate of Oman over the next five days, the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre is keeping a close eye on its development. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is likely to move northward and intensify into a depression within 36 hours. Meanwhile, Oman is battling intense heatwaves, with temperatures nearing record highs. The Oman Meteorology Department has warned that conditions may worsen, especially in North Batinah, South Batinah, Dhahirah, North Sharqiyah, and Al Wusta governorates. The Met Office's Wednesday forecast predicts mostly clear skies across the country, with a chance of cloud formation over the Al Hajar Mountains, bringing isolated rainfall. Low clouds and fog may develop late at night and early morning over parts of Dhofar, South Sharqiyah, and Al Wusta. Oman lies in a cyclone-prone region, especially from May to July and October to November, when the Indian Ocean is most active. Though rare, Arabian Sea cyclones can be devastating. Cyclone Gonu (2007) claimed 49 lives, Cyclone Phet (2010) caused 24 deaths, Cyclone Mekunu (2018) left seven dead, Cyclone Shaheen (2022) claimed over 15 lives and caused widespread damage. Shaheen struck on October 2, 2022, with winds reaching 150 km/h, leading to flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage across Oman before weakening inland. — Fahad Al Mukrashi is a freelance journalist based in Oman Also read: UAE's NCM Warns of Potential Tropical Depression in Arabian Sea Next Week
