The activities of the fourth edition of the National Campaign for Awareness of Weather Hazards and Tsunami Waves concluded today in the Wilayat of Qurayyat in Muscat Governorate. The three-day campaign featured awareness programs and field drills across several Wilayats of Muscat Governorat.

As part of the final day’s events, a partial tsunami evacuation drill was implemented at Al-Munjezāt Primary Education School, aimed at enhancing the preparedness of students, administrative staff, and teachers to respond effectively to such emergency situations.

Qurayyat Sports Club also hosted an educational awareness program that included three visual presentations, the first showcasing Oman’s experience in responding to Cyclone Shaheen, the second highlighting tsunami evacuation drills, and the third documenting the national efforts and solidarity demonstrated during those climatic conditions.

The event featured several specialized presentations. Major Yahya bin Mohammed Al-Balushi from the National Emergency Management Center delivered an overview of the national emergency management framework.

Hilal bin Salim Al-Hajri, Head of Forecasting and Early Warning Systems at the Civil Aviation Authority, reviewed the operational procedures of the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center. Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Hinaie, meteorological observer at the Authority, presented on the role of meteorological monitoring and the “weather friends” initiative in raising public awareness. 

The day concluded with a dialogue session that brought together specialists and attendees to discuss mechanisms for enhancing preparedness for climatic risks and promoting a culture of community safety.

The campaign’s fourth stop in Muscat Governorate began on 9 December under the slogan “Your Awareness is Your Safety”, under the patronage of His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al-Busaidi, Governor of Muscat Governorate. The opening ceremony has included three visual presentations on preparedness and emergency management responsibilities, as well as a panel discussion on readiness and response mechanisms and the importance of coordination among relevant entities.

On the second day, a full evacuation drill was conducted at Abu Ayyub Al-Hadhrami School in the Wilayat of Al-Seeb, alongside lectures, panel sessions, and visual presentations at the Office of the Wali of Bausher, highlighting Oman’s experience with Cyclone Shaheen and tsunami evacuation drills.

The national campaign aims to raise societal and institutional awareness of weather hazards and tsunami risks, promote safe behavior across all community segments, support community partnership during recovery phases, and enhance public knowledge of the multi-hazard early warning system to protect lives and property.

The campaign forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the early warning and disaster management system and raise awareness of climatic hazards. It is implemented under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority, represented by the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center, in cooperation with the National Emergency Management Center, the Ministry of Information, the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority, the Ministry of Education, and Muscat Governorate.

The Sultanate of Oman is among the countries exposed to tropical cyclones and tsunami risks due to its geographic location along the Arabian Sea. This underscores the importance of boosting community preparedness and reinforcing a culture of safety and prevention. This edition of the campaign targets coastal governorates and will later expand to cover all governorates nationwide.