The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has denied rumours circulating on social media about a school bus carrying students drifting into a valley in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, according to a report by the Times of Oman.
According to the report, the ROP clarified that the bus had broken down before the valley was flooded, and all students were transported to their respective homes by another bus and are in good health.
The incident reportedly took place when the school bus was carrying students from Aws Bin Thabit School for Basic Education in the village of Al-Qaryatayn in Izki Wilayat. An official from the ROP confirmed that all students had left the bus before the water level rose.
A witness to the incident also denied the rumours and said that the bus had broken down after coming into contact with water. The witness also added that the bus started again and all students were transported to their homes safely.
An official from the Royal Oman Police (ROP) confirmed to Times of Oman that all students were out of the bus by the time the water level rose. ”All students are in good health and back to their homes,” the official said.
The ROP has urged the public to exercise caution in the face of heavy rains and not to spread rumours or cause panic. The authority has also urged drivers to be cautious while driving and to avoid flooded areas.
Oman shuts schools due to heavy rains
Due to the expected heavy rainfall in Oman’s northern governorates, the Ministry of Education has decided to suspend studies.
Many areas in the north, including parts of Al Dhahirah, Al Dakhiliyah, South Al Batinah, and North Al Batinah, are already experiencing heavy rain.
On Monday evening, there were thunderstorms and strong winds in Dhofar and Musandam, resulting in the suspension of classes at all public and private schools in these regions.
“The ministry decided to suspend studies on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in all public and private schools, morning and evening, in the governorates of Musandam, North Al Batinah, Al Buraimi and Al Dhahirah. Work in schools will resume on Wednesday, March 29, 2023,” the ministry said.
According to the Oman News Agency, school lessons and evening classes were suspended on Tuesday in Al Amerat and Qurayyat governorates due to heavy rain, with classes set to resume the following day.
Oman’s Met Office predicted rainfall in other governorates, which could lead to wadis overflowing and posing a risk to people and property.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources also advised farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, and fishermen to take precautions and stay safe.
Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority warned people to avoid low-lying areas and not to cross wadis.
The country has experienced heavy rain and flash floods in the past, with 19 deaths and 40 rescues during a week-long storm last July.
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