MUSCAT: Establishing a national fund for emergency situations is a right step to tackle the aftermath of cyclones and other natural disasters, experts say.

On Monday, His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik established the National Fund for Emergencies (NFE) to tackle the aftermath of tropical cyclone Shaheen and similar natural disasters that may occur in future.

Welcoming the decision, top journalist and HR expert Mukthar al Hinai the fund is likely to be allocated from the state’s general budget as well as donations from companies, associations and philanthropists. “Establishing a national fund for emergency situations is a step in the right direction. Countries often create funds for natural disasters and humanitarian crises, God forbid. The fund is supported annually by allocating an amount from the state’s general budget, as well as donations from companies, associations and philanthropists,” Al Hinai wrote on Twitter.

Omani citizen Zakariya Al Muharami welcomed the speedy decision by His Majesty. “The speedy decision-making to establish the National Fund for Emergency Situations should be an approach to be followed by the administrative system in the new era,” Al Muharami.

While addressing the nation on Monday, His Majesty said the ministerial committee formed to assess damages of cyclone Shaheen will be under his direct supervision. “His Majesty affirmed that the top priority of the government will be to restore life to normalcy in cyclone- hit areas. “We will also accord our attention to the restoration of the damaged infrastructure. The departments concerned already began to accomplish this objective. All government departments have to work together as one schema whose segments cooperate and complement each other to perform their duties and responsibility in the best possible manner. They have to speed up the rate of action in serving the citizens in every part of the country. The Council of Ministers has to ensure the achievement of this goal,” His Majesty noted.