By: Times News Service

Here’s how tropical storm ‘Mekunu’ could affect Oman over the next three days

Video: 10 things to remember to stay safe ahead of Cyclone Mekunu

The Military Committee for the Management of Emergency Situations at the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) held its meeting on Wednesday at SAF headquarters in Muaskar Al Murtafa’ah to examine all matters related to preparations for dealing with tropical storm (Mekunu).The meeting was chaired by Brigadier. Hamad bin Rashid Al Balushi, SAF Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Planning, SAF Representative in the National Committee for Civil Defence and Chairman of the Military Committee for the Management of Emergency Situations and in the presence of the members of the Committee representing SAF corps, the Royal Guard of Oman, the Sultan Special Force, the Engineering Services at the Ministry of Defence and the National Survey Authority.The Committee was briefed on all the preparations and actions taken since the first announcement of the tropical storm (Mekunu) and the activation of the sub-committees in the governorates expected to be affected by this tropical storm, to be ready.The meeting reviewed the readiness of formations, bases and units at the Ministry of Defence and SAF in providing support for citizens and residents in accordance with the requirements of the situation.For its part, the Firaq Forces of the Royal Army of Oman (RAO) will contribute to the direction and guidance of citizens and residents, to the safe areas, roads and safe passages.The SAF Signal Corp transferred communications equipment to the Governorate of Dhofar to support and secure satellite communications.The Royal Air Force of Oman also provides search and rescue services, evacuation and flying doctor services.The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) will provide diving teams for search and rescue in the sea, and hydrographic surveys of the affected areas.Both the Royal Guard of Oman (RGO) and the Sultan’s Special Force (SSF) provide the necessary support to SAF and others.The Engineering Services at the Ministry of Defence will provide the necessary technical equipment and supporting the relevant government agencies, in addition to the transfer of supplies and the opening of roads and passages.The committee follows up the work of the subcommittees and all formations and units deployed in the field, according to the developments of the situation and according to the general plan of the Military Committee for the Management of Emergency Situations and under the direct supervision and follow-up of Lt. Gen Ahmed bin Harith bin Nasser Al Nabhani, SAF Chief of Staff. Brigadier. Hamad bin Rashid bin Said Al Balushi, SAF Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Planning, said that the SAF Corps and engineering services at the Ministry of Defence are fully prepared to deal with (Mekunu), according to the data and requirements of the situation, stressing that all SAF corps will spare no effort to carry out its national duty in the service of all citizens and all residents of the governorates and wilayats that might be affected by the situation.He added “We, in the Sultan’s armed forces and through Military Committee for the Management of Emergency Situations and its sub-committees, are following closely the developments of this tropical storm, where all measures have been taken to serve the citizens and residents of this dear homeland, and provide support services to all other government agencies, in accordance with the general plan of the National Committee for Emergency Management.