(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) The cyclonic storm Nanauk which is gathering strength over the Arabian Sea could make landfall in Oman on Saturday, according to the Directorate General of Air Navigation and Meteorology (DGMAN).
In a statement on Wednesday, the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) said, 'The storm is about 980km from Masirah Island with estimated wind speed of 35-45 knots.'
The statement pointed out that the storm is expected to move in northwestward direction and cross the coast of Oman between Ras al Hadd and Ras Madrakah on Sunday.
A DGMAN official said that the cyclone will gather speeds of up to 63kmph. While no warning or evacuation annoucements have been made, some residents of Masirah island have begun shifting to the mainland voluntarily. ''People are leaving the island as they don't want to wait till the last minute.
''The government has assured us that it will carry out any evacuation, if needed, but some are relocating on their own. Others have decided to stay,'' said a Masirah island resident.
An official from the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulances said, ''We have not started evacuation preparations yet nor have issued any warning for Masirah residents. We believe that some people don't want to take chances and thus want to leave the island on their own. However, they should not pay heed to rumours, but follow news reports and our Twitter account for any information.''
The DGMAN official said, ''Currently we are looking at two scenarios. The cyclone could hit Oman or dissipate over the sea.''
Meanwhile, the Wadi Dayqah dam is releasing water downstream in anticipation of the cyclone.
Khalid al Hooti, hydrologist in the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources said, ''We are releasing water till the level reaches 50mn m3, which is half of the dam's total capacity.''
India issues warning to coastal states
Indian coastal states have been issued warnings as Nanauk develops. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for ports and fishermen in the western state of Gujarat to be cautious for the next 24 hours. Indian media reports quoting IMD?stated that Konkan and Goa could be hit by wind speeds of up 55kmph for 24 hours accompanied by rainfall. The storm could also lead to heavy rain over Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep in south India.
Recent Cyclones in Oman
Cyclonic Storm Phet developed from a low pressure area in the Arabian Sea and turned into a tropical cyclone on May 31, 2010. It initially moved northwest but turned northwards, hitting Oman on June 4.
Super Cyclone Gonu developed from a persistent area of convection in the Arabian Sea on June 1, 2007. It made landfall in Oman on June 6.&n
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