Cyclone Ashobaa 220km off Oman coast; Rescue Team on alert in Fujairah

Abu Dhabi Police, took a precautionary measure on Wednesday morning in Al Hayl area in the emirate of Fujairah, to handle any emergencies that may occur.

ABU DHABI -- National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), said on Wednesday that the tropical storm, Ashobaa), is currently centred at a distance of 220 km off the Sultanate of Oman coasts, with a surface wind speed around the tropical storm centre between 62 – 82 km/hour.

It added in light of the latest satellite imagery and observations in addition to the weather reports from the main regional centres, the tropical storm continues to move toward the West of the coast to get closer to the coast of the southeastern Oman, accompanied with different intensities of rain and strong winds.

The NCMS noted that the impact of storm on the country is expected as the high sea waves may be noticed on the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates, while the Oman sea will continue to be rough to very rough, in addition to an increase in the amount of clouds to the East with possibility of few rains over the south eastern region.

NCMS will keep public updated.

ADP Water Rescue Team braces for Tropical Storm Ashobaa in Fujairah

The specialised search and rescue team for valleys and flood-hit areas at Abu Dhabi Police, took a precautionary measure on Wednesday morning in Al Hayl area in the emirate of Fujairah, to handle any emergencies that may occur in case the tropical storm Ashobaa hits the eastern part of the UAE, along the coast of Fujairah.

Brigadier Eng. Hussein Ahmed Al Harithi, Director General of Central Operations at Abu Dhabi Police, said that the team, which was recently formed by the Emergency and Public Safety Department, has completed preparations to deal with any potential emergency that may arise should Ashobaa turn into a potential severe cyclonic storm.

'This endeavor receives vigilant follow-up from Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and reflects the police leadership’s vision, on the need to ensure preemptive preparedness to respond to any emergency situation,' he added..

Brigadier Al Harithi noted that the team has currently deployed to the area, and is fully equipped to provide integrated support and assistance to other competent entities.

On his part, Captain Mohammed Hassan Al Hosani, Head of the Sea-based Emergency team, said that the team is ready and has been provided with modern safety and rescue equipment and specialised inflatable boats in order to carry out search and rescue operations in flood-hit areas and torrential waters, as well as advanced wireless communication devices, among others.

The team consists of 31 highly-skilled Emirati officers who have received extensive specialised courses and acquired international accreditations in this respect.

The Ministry of Interior called upon fishermen and surfers to avoid the sea until the storm settles, and to follow weather forecasts and all bulletins issued by the Meteorological Centres and competent authorities. It also urged them to abide by the instructions and guidelines and to exercise caution in order to maintain their safety.