Death toll rises as rain batters Oman

Friday, November 22, 2013, 3:43 PM -

Nearly 140 people had to be rescued in the Sultanate of Oman. The Royal Air Force and the Royal Army of Oman performed more than 35 rescue operations after days of relentless rain pummeled the Arab state. 

The storm has caused the death of at least five resident so far, while many more have been reported missing. Electricity, telecommunications and water were cut off for much of the affected region. 

Officials also set up detours and closed off roads as driveways were left flooded. Five shelters were set up in the state. 

One, close to the capital city of Muscat housed nearly 300 people affected. Muscat has been hit by two tropical cyclones in the last six years. 

Residents used social media website and smart phone apps to spread the word, asking people to have water and essential commodities at hand. 

On Thursday, the rain and flooding was so bad it forced the cancellation of the annual airshow in Dubai, in the neighboring United Arab Emirates.

This is what we called real Wadi Just like a river Al Rustaq Oman street line pic.twitter.com/W4ynZVqgJF

— ﺷَبڪِة خَط عمان (@OmanSTLine) November 22, 2013