MUSCAT – The move comes in response to significant water accumulation from recent valley flows following rainfall in the region.

The Wilayats of Ibra and Dima and At Taiyyin recorded rainfall of 16 mm and 5 mm respectively over the past two days, causing several wadis, including Qafifa and Al Jarwala in Ibra, to flow into the dam’s reservoir.

Authorities stated that the partial release of water from the dam, which has a storage capacity of 926.5 cubic meters, was a precautionary measure to prepare the dam for further inflows expected in the coming days, as scattered rains continue across North Al Sharqiyah Governorate. The controlled drainage also supports groundwater recharge, boosts water levels in local wells, and contributes to the revitalization of areas adjacent to the valleys.

It is worth noting that the Wadi Qafifa Dam, which is under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, was opened in December 2023. It is 122 meters long, with a maximum height of 24.3 meters, while the water catchment area is 34.6 square kilometres. The dam is equipped with two drainage outlets measuring 630 mm in diameter, capable of discharging 3.55 cubic meters of water per second.