Oman flash floods killed four people including two Emiratis

• Four hikers, including two Emiratis, died in Oman.
• The incident occurred in Wadi Tanuf, Nizwa, during heavy rains.
• The Royal Oman Police confirmed the deaths of one Omani national and three Arab individuals.

Four hikers, including two Emiratis, tragically lost their lives in Oman after being caught in a sudden flash flood while navigating a narrow valley. The two Emiratis, Khalid Al Mansouri and Salem Al Jarraf, were part of a group of 16 climbers facing heavy rains in Wadi Tanuf in Nizwa, according to reports from Arabic media.

The Royal Oman Police confirmed on X that the incident resulted in the deaths of one Omani national and three individuals from Arab countries. Another person sustained serious injuries and was transported by police aircraft to Nizwa Reference Hospital.

Khalid Al Mansouri, a former UAE handball player and javelin champion, and Salem Al Jarraf, a dedicated adventure sports enthusiast, were both prominent figures in their communities. Their bodies were repatriated from Oman, and funeral prayers were held in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.

Omani authorities, assisted by local citizens, carried out a rescue operation that recovered the bodies of four deceased individuals and hospitalized four others with injuries ranging from moderate to critical.

An eyewitness recounted his last encounter with the hiking team as he returned to the valley to warn a group of young hikers he had previously seen. He met the team leader, Hussam Al Ameri, and informed him about the severe weather conditions and the risks of the rising water. The team leader mentioned that four hikers were still at the top of the valley, unaware of the imminent danger posed by the flood.

The witness proceeded toward the stream to warn the remaining hikers, but the rising water made the valley increasingly dangerous. As the rain continued from afternoon until sunset, the stream's water level surged perilously high.

By 9 p.m., the witness risked crossing the now-flooded valley to find a spot with a phone signal. He successfully reported the situation to the authorities, who promptly responded to the emergency.

Wadi Qasha, where the tragedy occurred, attracts adventurers with its deep ravines and narrow paths but poses significant risks. The area, part of Wadi Al-Hijri, features rocky slopes that become treacherous, especially during heavy rainfall.

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