MUSCAT — Dams in Oman’s North Al Sharqiyah Governorate have exceeded 75% of their storage capacity following days of heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to open floodgates to manage water levels and enhance groundwater recharge, officials said on Friday.
The Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources said groundwater recharge and surface storage dams across several wilayats in the governorate recorded more than 6 million cubic metres of water amid the ongoing weather system affecting the Sultanate.
Abdulaziz bin Ali Al Mashaikhi, Director General of the ministry’s North Al Sharqiyah office, said the governorate witnessed intense rainfall between March 20 and March 27, leading to the flow of wadis across all wilayats and significant water accumulation in dams.
He added that North Al Sharqiyah has 10 dams with a combined storage capacity exceeding 6 million cubic metres, many of which reached high levels due to the rainfall.
Authorities opened discharge gates at dams exceeding 75% capacity to allow for additional inflows and support groundwater replenishment. Key dams affected include Al Aqidah, Wadi Nam and Al Rassa in Al Qabil, Wadi Qafifa in Ibra, Al Wariya in Al Mudhaibi, and Wadi Al Oyoun in Sinaw.
According to the ministry’s latest data, Ibra recorded the highest rainfall at 318 mm during the period, followed by Al Mudhaibi at 225 mm, Dima Wa Al Taieen at 220 mm, Al Qabil at 218 mm, Bidiyah at 150 mm, Wadi Bani Khalid at 145 mm, and Sinaw at 111 mm.
