Midday Minute: Cyclone Hikaa likely to reach Oman today

The tropical depression that is moving westwards off the Indian coast and towards the centre of the Arabian Sea has developed into a tropical storm and has been named ‘Hikaa’.

Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) had said that although the storm was expected to weaken as it moved towards the Omani coastline, it will still affect Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta. Oman’s National Ferries Company had already suspended its service on Shannah-Masirah route from Monday, Sept 23 until further notice.

A statement from NFC said, “In view of the developing Cyclonic Storm Hika in the Arabian Sea and associated adverse weather conditions, NFC temporarily suspends trips along Shannah–Masirah route. The trips suspension is for passengers’ safety and comfort.”