Deadly Floods in Oman Kill 18, Including 10 Children

At least 18 people, including 10 schoolchildren aged 10-15, have been killed in flash floods caused by heavy rain in Oman. The worst-hit area was Sharqiyah, where a bus carrying the children was swept away. Six local citizens and 10 students were among the victims.

Rescue efforts are underway for families and children trapped in their homes due to the deadly flooding. The Omani government has announced that schools will run classes online for the next two days due to the severe weather conditions. Oman's wadis, or dry riverbeds, turn into dangerous, fast-flowing rivers during the wet season, despite regular warnings from authorities.

The Sultan of Oman has conveyed his condolences to the families of the students who died. Flooding has become a regular occurrence in the sultanate, with the risk increasing substantially over the past 50 years, particularly in the North and South Sharqiyah regions.

Why this matters: The deadly floods in Oman highlight the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events in the region, likely exacerbated by climate change. The loss of young lives and the widespread damage highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness measures to protect vulnerable communities.

The storms have also caused disruptions in the United Arab Emirates, with flights canceled, schools closed, and major roads flooded in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Bahrain has also been affected by heavy rain and flooding. The severe weather is expected to continue in the region until Wednesday.

In a statement, the Oman Human Rights Commission mourned the children who died in the floods. The Ministry of Education has extended the suspension of classes in most governorates, with online classes available based on school capabilities. The Royal Oman Police have responded to over 90 incidents of individuals stranded in wadis and homes due to flooding, conducting rescue and evacuation operations.

Key Takeaways

• At least 18 people, including 10 schoolchildren, killed in Oman flash floods.
• Rescue efforts underway for families and children trapped in homes due to flooding.
• Oman's Sultan conveyed condolences to families of students who died in the disaster.
• Extreme weather events in the region likely exacerbated by climate change.
• Severe weather disrupted flights, closed schools, and flooded roads in UAE and Bahrain.