Muscat: With rain and cold weather in Salalah, more visitors have started arriving from different parts of the country and other Gulf countries. Traders in Salalah say visitors have been increasing over the past week. Due to inclement weather and accidents during the Eid season, the flow of visitors was reduced. Now more visitors are coming from neighboring countries like UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Traders in Salalah are expecting more visitors in the coming days. The authorities have taken preparations and safety precautions to attract more visitors this year. Last year there were no major preparations but there was a huge influx of visitors towards the end of the season.
Accidents have also increased on the Muscat-Salala route with the onset of the Kharif season. Five major accidents have occurred on this route in the last one month. Seven people lost their lives and 29 people were injured. Many are in critical condition. There have been several accidents on the Salalah route in previous years as well. The Royal Oman Police has stepped up measures to reduce accidents, but emergencies continue. Awareness programs for those traveling on this route have been streamlined and police presence has been increased.
Wadi Darbat in Salalah
It is best to choose large vehicles including buses for traveling to Salalah. Many companies including Muwasalat and GTC operate services on the Muscat-Salala route. All these have also increased services during the Kharif season. Those going to Salalah in a small vehicle including a car should be more careful. Such people should ensure the safety of the vehicle. Make sure that the brakes and tires of the vehicle are flawless. The vehicle should have first aid kits. Avoid over speeding as there are dangers on the road. If you go in more than one car, you can communicate with each other during the journey and get help in case of accidents. It is good to stop the vehicle and check the tires etc.
Most accidents occur when animals like camels and donkeys cross the road. Drivers and passengers should keep an eye out and watch for such animals on the sides of the road. This route has deserts and there is a risk of sudden sand slides on the road. There is also a higher risk of losing control when driving on sand. As the Muscat-Salala road is endless and deserted, the risk of sleepiness is high for drivers of small vehicles. Therefore, it is recommended that small vehicles avoid traveling at night.
Wadi Darbat reopened for tourists
Muscat: Authorities have reopened Wadi Darbat in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate, which was closed to tourists due to heavy rains and influx of pilgrims. Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) informed that visitors can come to Wadi Darbat following safety guidelines. On Thursday, authorities ordered the temporary closure of Wadi Darbat Park due to rain.
As it is Kharif season, many tourists come here. The prohibition was imposed in anticipation of the possibility of accident due to the sudden influx of plaintiffs in the rain. Among the travelers are those from other GCCs. It is common for such people to be in danger without knowing the character of the plaintiffs. The authorities have imposed restrictions to avoid this.
Travelers should exercise caution on the Adam-Tumraith road
Muscat: The Royal Oman Police said that the travelers on the Adam-Tumraith road should be careful as sand has accumulated on both sides of the road. The movement of sand from the desert to the road is creating difficulties for the travelers. The sand moved onto the road following a heavy dust storm in the region. The Royal Oman Police has warned that visibility will be reduced due to the possibility of sandstorms and travelers should be careful and ensure safety. Don’t drive too fast. The police also advised to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.