Awareness campaign begins in North Al Batinah about risks of climatic conditions and tsunamis

A’Rustaq: The national awareness campaign concerning the risks of climatic conditions and tsunamis began today in the South Al Batinah Governorate.

Held under the slogan "Your Awareness for Your Safety," the campaign is scheduled to run for three days. The launch was held under the auspices of Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashimi, Governor of South Al Batinah, in the presence of several officials from government and private entities within the governorate.

The campaign is implemented by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), represented by the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre, in cooperation with the National Committee for Emergency Management, the Ministry of Information, and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority.

This effort is coordinated with the Office of the Governor of South Al Batinah, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and the Ministry of Health.

The campaign aims to raise awareness among the community and stakeholders regarding weather hazards, climatic conditions, and tsunami risks. Furthermore, it seeks to enhance public understanding of the multi-hazard early warning system, provide integrated guidance on proper conduct during emergencies, bolster community response, and improve individual capacity to handle such events through practical drills and organised activities.

The campaign’s scope covers the wilayats of A’Rustaq, Al Awabi, Nakhal, Wadi Al Ma’awil, Barka, and Al Musannah. It targets representatives of government and private sectors, civil society organisations, and charitable teams, guiding them toward optimal methods for managing risks arising from these phenomena. The campaign is conducted through four main pillars: meetings and seminars, practical exercises, participation in various local activities, and the distribution of awareness leaflets.

The first day included lectures, working papers, and visual presentations addressing the national framework for emergency management in Oman, the operational procedures of the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre, and safety protocols during emergencies.

Discussions also covered the role of dams in flood protection and school security and safety procedures, alongside panel sessions featuring various specialists. The program also saw the opening of an accompanying exhibition at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in A’Rustaq, which will run for three days. The exhibition features awareness corners designed to introduce preventive measures and safe conduct during various emergencies.

Abdullah Rashid Al Khaduri, Director General of Meteorology, explained that the accelerating climate challenges currently witnessed globally necessitate unified efforts and continuous awareness initiatives. He noted that the campaign seeks to deliver clear and simplified scientific messages to foster preventive behavior among all segments of society, helping to reduce risks from various weather conditions.

He pointed out that the Authority continues to develop the meteorological and early warning system by employing the latest global technologies to ensure the efficiency and accuracy of alerts and the speed of response, thereby protecting lives and property and enhancing readiness for various climatic phenomena.