Muscat: In a collaborative effort to address flood risks, the Muscat Governorate convened a meeting with experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources. The purpose was to discuss the Ministry's vision for a consultancy services project aimed at updating and preparing flood risk maps through visual presentations.
The meeting also included a review of relevant management and emergency plans across various Omani governorates. Attendees comprised officials from the Governorate and Muscat Municipality, several esteemed members of the Shura Council and Municipal Council, as well as the Walis of the governorate. Dr. Mahmoud bin Mohammed Al Mamari delivered an in-depth visual presentation outlining the project's objectives, phases, methodology, and anticipated outcomes.
Dr. Al Mamari highlighted that the project is driven by three key objectives: to map and identify flood-prone areas, to develop flood risk management and emergency plans, and to create a comprehensive guide for flood risk evaluation.
He further elaborated that the project unfolds in three main phases: first, the analysis of rainfall and surface flow data; second, the creation of detailed flood risk maps; and finally, the formulation of risk and emergency management plans. The goal is to implement protective strategies for the most vulnerable areas by designing plans that assess the severity of flood risks.
These plans will include the establishment of protective measures, the identification of evacuation and shelter points, and the provision of necessary recommendations to relevant authorities. All findings will be compiled into a report titled ‘Flood Risks Evaluation Guidebook.’
This initiative was officially launched a year ago and is projected to be completed by 2026. Currently, it has achieved 54% progress in the Muscat, Dhofar, and Musandam Governorates.
