Oman’s Salalah Airport shut down as Cyclone approaches

Muscat: Salalah Airport will be closed to air traffic from midnight tonight (12:00 am on May 25) for at least 24 hours, with Cyclone Mekunu approaching Oman's southern coasts, the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) said.

The authority could extend the closure further, depending on weather conditions.

In a statement, PACA said: "Following up the development of the cyclone, which is centered in the Arabian Sea and approached the coasts of Dhofar as well as the Omani airspace, PACA has decided to close Salalah Airport at 12 am tonight and for 24 hours which could be extended, depending on the development of the weather conditions.

The PACA added that it is coordinating with other international airlines in the Omani air space.

Times of Oman's Shruthi Nair reports from Salalah, Dhofar as the evacuation process at the Sultan Qaboos Hospital is underway before cyclone Mekunu hits the province.

Watch the video here:

Oman's National Committee for Civil Defence has released emergency numbers for residents and citizens who require immediate aid during cyclone Mekunu.

Those who need help can call for first responders on the Royal Oman Police hotline 9999. Alternative numbers for emergency services include 23234112 or 23234559.

In addition to that, Oman's Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) can also be reached on 9999, as well as 24343666.

The Sultanate's Ministry of Health has also released a list of all the emergency numbers people can contact during the storm.

Contact numbers for civil defence, electricity and police services in the Dhofar Governorate are as follows:

Civil Defence Dhofar: 23234599

Civil Defence Sadha: 23234975

Civil Defence Salalah: 23290077

Civil Defence Awqad: 23212146

Civil Defence Raysut: 23219131

Civil Defence Mirbat: 23268594

Civil Defence Taqa: 23258077

Water emergency: 1445 or 23290052

Electricity emergency: 154 or 23219188

Ambulance Awqad: 99479463

Sultan Qaboos Hospital Salalah: 23216100

Police station Salalah: 23290099 Police station Sadha: 23234170