17 Killed in Oman, Including Schoolchildren, as Sudden Heavy Rains Cause Tragic Bus Overtake

Severe rainfall in Oman on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula led to flash flooding, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 people as rescue teams searched for survivors, authorities reported on Monday. In a tragic incident, a group of school children and a driver lost their lives when their vehicle was swept away.

Heavy rains were also anticipated in Dubai in the neighboring United Arab Emirates, as well as in other areas of the Arabian Peninsula.

Civil defense officials confirmed the death toll from the floods, with North Al Sharqiyah Province in Oman being the worst affected. The Royal Oman Police and the Omani military were dispatched to assist in the evacuation of residents from flooded areas, according to the state-run Oman News Agency.

Flash flooding is a common occurrence in Oman due to heavy rainfall, attracting onlookers to dry riverbeds, known as “wadi.” However, these areas can quickly fill up and pose a dangerous threat to people and vehicles during flooding.

In Dubai, heavy rains were expected to begin on Monday night and continue into Tuesday morning. The Emirates’ National Center of Meteorology issued warnings of thunderstorms, lightning, rain, and possibly hail, with wind speeds reaching up to 70 kph (43 mph). Government schools announced that classes would be held online on Tuesday and Wednesday.