MUSCAT: More than 15,000 volunteers from different governorates of Oman and over 2,500 members from the Sultan’s Armed Forces along with a host of teams from various sectors are taking part in the biggest campaign to help wilayats of Al Khaburah and Al Suwaiq — the two places in North Al Batinah ravaged by a powerful cyclone that claimed 12 lives.

Speaking to Oman TV, Major Muhammad bin Salam Al-Hashami, spokesperson for National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM) said the clean-up of the governorate is underway in full-swing. He also confirmed that communications have returned in the state of Khaboura by 80% and in the Wilayat of Suwaiq by 75%. He also said work is underway to assess the damages in basic services and repair them as soon as possible.

“It’s time for us to stand together for Oman,” said Mohammed Al Alawi, a 23-year-old, who came from his hometown in Seeb all the way to Al Khaburah.

“We are inspired by the responses from across Oman. People from far away places offered their services to join cleaning operations in North Al Batinah,” said Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Riyami, Assistant Coordinator at the Relief and Shelter Sector.

The voluntary campaign will work through seven sectors in each of the two states to provide a number of services, including public hygiene, distribution of needs and supplies, and support to the concerned authorities in providing basic services. “We have planned well and divided the teams to make sure the work is done diligently,” Al Riyami added.