04 June 2010
MUSCAT: The Royal Air Force of Oman and the national air carrier Oman Air evacuated most of the residents of Masirah island in their transport planes to safer areas before Cyclone Phet could hit the area. The RAFO swung into action following the meeting of the Committee for Disaster Management for Civil Defence on Thursday. The military evacuated more than 3,000 people to safer areas in different parts of the Sultanate.
Around 50 people had refused to leave the island. But when Phet struck, they called for help. The RAFO came to their rescue and moved them to two schools at Mashael Al Ilm and Banat Masira. The RAFO personnel provided all the people who have been relocated with food supplies and other essential amenities.
Masirah was lashed by heavy rains and strong winds that led to huge property losses. No human casualties were reported. Those who were evacuated to Muscat have been provided shelter in government schools across the capital city.
In another rescue operation near Masirah island, the RAFO rescued 13 Egyptians from south Masirah island after their commercial vessel was threatened by winds, rain and tropical currents caused by Cyclone Phet. The RAFO received a distress call on Thursday morning from the merchant ship, and immediately an Air Force aircraft headed to the location of the ship. All the 13 crew members were taken to safety.
Ahmed bin Rashid bin Mohammed Al Ma'amari, undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, and Sultan bin Salim bin Said Al Habsi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance Affairs, inspected the rehabilitation centres in Muscat to check on the families and individuals and expatriates who were evacuated from Masirah Island. The dignitaries visited the Sheikh Nasser bin Rashid Al Kharousi School in Mawaleh South, which has been allocated for families and heard all the demands seeking provisions for decent living.
The other schools where the cyclone-hit people are staying are Um Saad Al Ansariyah School in Mawaleh South and Al Waha School at Al Hail South which have been allocated for expatriates.
MUSCAT: The Royal Air Force of Oman and the national air carrier Oman Air evacuated most of the residents of Masirah island in their transport planes to safer areas before Cyclone Phet could hit the area. The RAFO swung into action following the meeting of the Committee for Disaster Management for Civil Defence on Thursday. The military evacuated more than 3,000 people to safer areas in different parts of the Sultanate.
Around 50 people had refused to leave the island. But when Phet struck, they called for help. The RAFO came to their rescue and moved them to two schools at Mashael Al Ilm and Banat Masira. The RAFO personnel provided all the people who have been relocated with food supplies and other essential amenities.
Masirah was lashed by heavy rains and strong winds that led to huge property losses. No human casualties were reported. Those who were evacuated to Muscat have been provided shelter in government schools across the capital city.
In another rescue operation near Masirah island, the RAFO rescued 13 Egyptians from south Masirah island after their commercial vessel was threatened by winds, rain and tropical currents caused by Cyclone Phet. The RAFO received a distress call on Thursday morning from the merchant ship, and immediately an Air Force aircraft headed to the location of the ship. All the 13 crew members were taken to safety.
Ahmed bin Rashid bin Mohammed Al Ma'amari, undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, and Sultan bin Salim bin Said Al Habsi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance Affairs, inspected the rehabilitation centres in Muscat to check on the families and individuals and expatriates who were evacuated from Masirah Island. The dignitaries visited the Sheikh Nasser bin Rashid Al Kharousi School in Mawaleh South, which has been allocated for families and heard all the demands seeking provisions for decent living.
The other schools where the cyclone-hit people are staying are Um Saad Al Ansariyah School in Mawaleh South and Al Waha School at Al Hail South which have been allocated for expatriates.
© Times of Oman 2010
