Twelve killed by cyclone in Oman

07/06/2007| IslamWeb

Twelve people were killed when Cyclone Gonu struck the Gulf country of Oman, an emergency official says.

The storm was the strongest to hit the Gulf for decades, damaging buildings and trees in Oman's capital, Muscat, and leaving many roads flooded.

High winds and heavy rain were also reported, and electricity and water supplies were interrupted.

The cyclone has carried on north-west, gradually weakening as it approaches the Iranian coast.

Residents along the coast of southern Iran have moved to higher ground and sought shelter in schools and mosques.

The Iranian town of Jask has reported high winds, heavy rain and overflowing rivers.

Ports closed

Abdullah al-Harthi, a spokesman for the Royal Oman Police, told local TV at least 12 people had died in the cyclone.

He did not give any more details.

Police had warned people in Muscat to stay indoors during the storm and the streets were largely deserted.

Some 20,000 people were evacuated in the oil-rich sultanate.

Omani ports were closed and flights were suspended at Muscat airport.

However, shipping continued in the Strait of Hormuz, which carries up to 40% of world oil supplies.

Cyclone Gonu diminished in force in the 24 hours before it struck Oman.

It had peaked two days earlier, with a maximum Category Five designation over the Arabian Sea.

A cyclone is the meteorological name for hurricanes in the Indian Ocean and western Pacific.

PHOTO CAPTION

Water-logged street in Oman