MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik on Monday ordered the establishment of a national emergency fund to deal with the aftermath of the tropical cyclone shaheen and for natural disasters if it may arise in future.

Addressing the nation on his 66th birthday, His Majesty appreciated the roles played by the people of Oman in coming together to help cyclone-hit areas. “We have ordered the establishment of a national emergency fund in order to deal with the aftermath of the tropical cyclone and to expedite the absorption of its effects, and alleviate the citizens affected by it and what may happen in the future of cases or natural disasters,” His Majesty said in a televised speech.

His Majesty said the ministerial committee formed to assess the damages of cyclone Shaheen “should provide assistance as soon as possible, and the relevant government agencies should facilitate the committee’s work and cooperate with it.”

The committee, His Majesty said will be under his direct supervision.

“We are one nation that is not under the threat of adversity, and we are armed with the spirit of patience, generosity and sincerity,” His Majesty added.