MUSCAT: From helicopters plucking families from flash floods to Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) rescuing people to safety, Oman’s response to powerful cyclone Shaheen in Oman has won praise, but experts say its the pro-active approach and better planning that has significantly helped in reducing the calamity. 

The National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM) including the Royal Oman Police, Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, and Sultan’s Armed Forces battled neck-high waters and mudslides to bring food and drinking water to thousands of people who were moved to shelters.

“The whole country came together in this crisis and ensured they played a part in helping the nation fight the cyclone battle,” said Yousuf Al Harthy, an Omani researcher. 

“Regular, common people, residents and citizens helped each other which has contributed in saving many people,” Al Harthy said.  

Egyptian writer and novelist Muhammad Al-Shazly also praised His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik and his government in quickly addressing the challenges. “His Majesty quickly addressed the issues by forming a committee to assess the damages caused by the cyclone. He made sure that the top priority of his government will always remain safeguarding citizens and residents,” Shazly added. 

According to Rakesh Nair, an expat businessman, Oman’s emergency management capacity has improved significantly compared to 14 years ago when cyclone Gonu caused 50 deaths and about $4.2 billion in damage (2007 USD) in Oman, where the cyclone was considered the nation’s worst natural disaster.

Cyclone Shaheen claimed 11 lives, while search continues for six others who went missing. 

“I was in Oman during the Gonu cyclone that killed many people and left the country battle the crisis for nearly a year. This time, things have changed and the way NCEM has managed, I must appreciate everyone who have played their role so well. We are always indebted to them for guarding us,” Nair said. 

NCEM said it dealt with 410 reports and rescued more than 650 people since the start of the cyclone. But the teams are still on the field to ensure everyone stays safe. As Major General Abdullah Al Harthy, Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs for Operations, famously said: “We will remain in a state of emergency until every person returns to his normal life.”