Gulf | Oman

Muscat prepares for Gonu's arrival

As cyclone Gonu approached Oman's capital, residents of Muscat reported heavy traffic jams, full supermarkets and a sense of panic for what was to come.

  • By Abbas Al Lawati, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:38 May 3, 2009
  • Gulf News

  • Muscat experienced high winds and rough seas as cyclone Gonu slowly edged closer to Oman
  • Image Credit: Brian Alfonso/Gulf News

Dubai: As cyclone Gonu approached Oman's capital, residents of Muscat reported heavy traffic jams, full supermarkets and a sense of panic for what was to come.

Omanis said however, that the authorities had ensured that residents were aware of the dangers of the cyclone and the precautionary measures to be taken.

Awareness campaigns started on Monday via mobile text messages, radio and television, cautioning residents from parking cars under trees and ways to protect their homes.

Residents also said that notices have been issued asking the public to keep electricity use to a minimum during the cyclone.

Some coastal residential areas are also said to have been evacuated, and an official holiday has been announced from Wednesday to Saturday.

Latiff Al Abdul Latiff, who works in advertising, said he had to leave work at 12 PM after his company received a warning notice from government authorities.

“Since everyone got the notice at the same time, the streets were packed,'' he said, adding that he had started stocking up on food and candles in preparation for the storm. “I was told that torches have been sold out''.

Residents said that text message updates were being sent approximately every two hours informing the public of the intensity of the cyclone and its expected time of arrival.

“We've even received lists of schools to go to for every locality in case we need shelter,'' said Al Abdul Latiff.

An employee of Muscat's Intercontinental hotel said the hotel had set up a special information desk to update guests on developments on the cyclone, and stocked up on food, torches, electricity generators and fuel for the generators.

“These are just precautionary measures. We don't expect the situation to be very bad, and most of the guests are relaxed. Some guests are even sitting by the pool'', she said.

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