MUSCAT : Oman’s Public Prosecutor, His Excellency Nasser Al-Sawaei, has warned that authorities may tighten penalties for crossing flooded wadis if reckless behaviour continues despite repeated warnings during severe weather conditions.

Speaking at a seminar titled “Low Pressure Systems: Response and Impact,” Al-Sawaei said that repeated incidents of people deliberately risking their lives by entering flooded wadis could prompt a review of whether current punishments are strong enough to serve as an effective deterrent.

“If these actions continue and people keep throwing themselves into danger, we may need to reconsider whether these penalties are sufficiently deterrent and whether stricter punishments are required,” he said.

Under current regulations, intentionally crossing flooded wadis in a way that endangers lives is punishable by up to three months in prison and a fine of RO500, in accordance with previous Public Prosecution warnings and Article 49 of Oman’s Traffic Law.

The warning comes as Oman continues to record incidents during heavy rains and low-pressure systems where motorists ignore safety advisories and attempt to cross overflowing wadis, often leading to rescue operations and, in some cases, fatalities.

The seminar, attended by officials from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) and the Public Prosecution, focused on emergency response, public awareness, and the legal consequences of dangerous behaviour during extreme weather events.

Authorities have repeatedly urged residents and citizens to avoid crossing wadis during rainfall and flash floods, stressing that such actions not only put drivers and passengers at risk, but also endanger rescue teams called to respond.

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