Oman has announced a two-day holiday for the public and private sectors on October 23 and 24.
Due to worsening weather conditions and safety concerns over an incoming tropical storm, authorities declared the official holiday for public and private sector workers in the Dhofar Governate and the Wilayat of Al Jazir in Al Wusta.
Oman announces holiday
In a statement on social media, Oman’s Ministry of Labour said: “In view of the climatic conditions that the Sultanate of Oman is witnessing, and based on what is required by the public interest, it was decided that Monday and Tuesday, on the 23rd and 24th, will be an official holiday for employees in the units of the state administrative apparatus and other legal persons and workers in private sector establishments in all the states of the Dhofar Governorate and the Wilayat of Al Jazar in the Governorate.”
It added that private sector establishments may employ essential workers so long as health and safety precautions are made and workers are compensated for the period.
Oman is taking precautions due to the incoming Cyclone Tej, including activating a 24-hour call centre, evacuating residents of Hallaniyat Islands and closing the Salalah Port.
According to a warning issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), wind speed around the centre is estimated between 100 to 112 Knots, and the nearest rainy cloud mass is estimated to be 280 km away from the coasts of the Willayat of Sadah.
The forecasts suggest that the cyclone will continue to move west northwest towards the coasts of Dhofar Governorate.
It is likely to further intensify into a category 4 cyclone within the upcoming 24 hours.
The direct impact of the cyclone is expected to begin on Dhofar and AI Wusta governorates starting from Sunday night, with heavy rainfall of up to 150mm and water inundation due to storm surge.
The major impact is expected to on Monday and Tuesday with extremely heavy rainfall of up to 500mm, which will cause wadis overflow, flashfloods and strong gusts which may lead to the dispersal of loose materials and the falling of trees.
The sea is expected to be very rough with waves of up to 12m.
In addition, storm surge might cause sea water inundation over low level coastal areas.
Oman’s CAA is advising people in the area to take maximum precautions and avoid the risk of crossing wadis and low-lying areas. It also advices to avoid the sea during this period.
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