11 Dead, Widespread Flooding as Cyclone Hits Oman

A picture taken on October 3, 2021, shows flooding in the Omani capital Muscat, as the Shaheen tropical storm hits the country. (Photo by MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP)
A picture taken on October 3, 2021, shows flooding in the Omani capital Muscat, as the Shaheen tropical storm hits the country. (Photo by MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP)
TT

11 Dead, Widespread Flooding as Cyclone Hits Oman

A picture taken on October 3, 2021, shows flooding in the Omani capital Muscat, as the Shaheen tropical storm hits the country. (Photo by MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP)
A picture taken on October 3, 2021, shows flooding in the Omani capital Muscat, as the Shaheen tropical storm hits the country. (Photo by MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP)

At least 11 people died after a powerful cyclone struck Oman causing widespread flooding and landslides, emergency authorities said on Monday.

Seven of the victims died in the Batinah region, the National Committee for Emergency Management said without giving details. More people are missing, it added.

A child swept away by flash flooding was among four deaths on Sunday, also including two Asian men who died when a building was hit by a landslip.

Tropical Cyclone Shaheen was downgraded to a tropical storm and then a tropical depression after making landfall north of the capital Muscat late on Sunday.

On Monday, Oman's air force used helicopters to winch stranded survivors to safety on the country's northern coast. A prisoner was rescued from a rooftop in Suwayq, police said.

Trees were felled and streets were flooded in many areas but Muscat was mainly back to normal and the civil aviation authority said the "direct effects" of Shaheen were over.

"During previous cyclones, the sultanate was not affected. Cyclone Shaheen had a direct impact, especially on Al-Batinah area," Muscat resident Mohammad al-Alawi told AFP.

Across the Gulf in Iran, six people were reported dead on Sunday while the United Arab Emirates, which borders Oman, was also put on alert.



Pakistani Military Force Arrives in Saudi Arabia Under Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement

The force aims to strengthen joint military coordination and elevate operational readiness between the Saudi and Pakistani armed forces. (SPA)
The force aims to strengthen joint military coordination and elevate operational readiness between the Saudi and Pakistani armed forces. (SPA)
TT

Pakistani Military Force Arrives in Saudi Arabia Under Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement

The force aims to strengthen joint military coordination and elevate operational readiness between the Saudi and Pakistani armed forces. (SPA)
The force aims to strengthen joint military coordination and elevate operational readiness between the Saudi and Pakistani armed forces. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced on Saturday the arrival of a military force from Pakistan at King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Eastern Sector, acting in accordance with the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement signed between the two countries.

The force, which includes fighter and support aircraft from the Pakistani Air Force, aims to strengthen joint military coordination and elevate operational readiness between the Saudi and Pakistani militaries to further support regional and international security and stability.


Saudi Foreign Minister, Belgian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
TT

Saudi Foreign Minister, Belgian Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a phone call with Maxime Prévost, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and Development Cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency said on Friday.

During the call, they discussed recent regional developments and the efforts being made to address them.


Britain Stresses Importance of Gulf Participation in Consolidating the Ceasefire

This handout photograph taken and released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) at Lusail Palace on April 10, 2026. (Qatar's Amiri Diwan / AFP)
This handout photograph taken and released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) at Lusail Palace on April 10, 2026. (Qatar's Amiri Diwan / AFP)
TT

Britain Stresses Importance of Gulf Participation in Consolidating the Ceasefire

This handout photograph taken and released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) at Lusail Palace on April 10, 2026. (Qatar's Amiri Diwan / AFP)
This handout photograph taken and released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) at Lusail Palace on April 10, 2026. (Qatar's Amiri Diwan / AFP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer concluded a “productive” visit to the Gulf as part of a three-day tour aimed at consolidating the ceasefire to reach a permanent solution to the conflict.

He also underlined the need for Gulf countries to be part of the ceasefire, saying it was vital for its success.

Starmer was received in Doha by Emir of Qatar Shiekh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. They exchanged views on current issues, stressing the importance of continued coordination and consultations.

Sheikh Tamim expressed his gratitude for the United Kingdom's stance and praising the strong and close relations between the two countries, said Qatar’s state news agency QNA.

Starmer reiterated his condemnation of the Iranian attacks against Qatar, affirming his country's full solidarity and support for Qatar's measures aimed at preserving its sovereignty, security, and stability.

They welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, emphasizing its importance in de-escalating tensions and enhancing regional stability.

They also stressed the need for joint efforts with international parties to solidify and build upon the agreement, leading to a lasting peace accord that guarantees regional security, the stability of supply chains, and the continued flow of global energy through the Strait of Hormuz.

The meeting was attended Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, along with and a number of senior officials.

Several members of the accompanying British delegation were also present.

Starmer’s tour of the Gulf also took him to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.