MUSCAT: The new flood protection dams built within the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Duqm has the capacity to keep the projects safe during storms, according to its chairman Yahya bin Said Al Jabri. 

Last week, the dam collected 24 million cubic metres of storm water unleashed by the tropical storm Hikka, which swept over parts of Wusta Governorate. 

Al Jabri along with Said bin Hamdoon Al Harthi, Under-Secretary of Ports and Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Transport and Communications inspected the sites to evaluate the situation. 

The officials were briefed about the flood protection infrastructure developed by SEZAD to keep industrial investments safe from the effects of adverse weather conditions. The infrastructure comprises protection dams across Wadi Saay and Wadi Jurf, as well as three drainage channels.

Duqm received 116 mm of rain during Hikka’s passage over Wusta Governorate. Around 16 million cubic metres of floodwater collected in Wadi Jurf reservoir, while Wadi Saay dam stored about 8 million cubic metres of water. Both reservoirs have a capacity of about 50 million cubic metres of water.

As many as 17 vessels were docked at Port of Duqm during the storm, while 50 fishing vessels took refuge as well in the harbour.