According to international media outlets, Oman and Pakistan have been hit by a deadly Cyclone, dubbed "Phet", which has left two dozen dead in its wake. The ATTA will continue to receive updates from its contacts there as the situation hopefully improves.
June 6 - From Eihab Travels:
Dear Colleagues, friends,Oman was hit by Cyclone Phet last Thursday/Friday causing severe damages to certain areas of the country. Heavy rains and storms lashed the eastern cost of Oman including Muscat Governorate.
A total of 24 people have been reported killed so far and many roads have been damaged.
Some links to news below:
http://www.timesofoman.com/echoice.asp?detail=37391&rand=IpINj1e16hnQk3uLYamYbJC3NW
http://www.timesofoman.com/innercat.asp?detail=37390&rand=Zbe1PIaFVc7i4OqhN8gp0Qc5ww
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100605/sc_afp/omanweathercyclonepakistan_20100605155404
The roads in Muscat is clear from all debris, there are no blockades, and life is back to normal in the capital.
However roads in the interior especially in Sharqiya region (Wahiba/Sur/Wadi Bani Khalid), Quriyat and the mountain roads are still damaged and it is not known how long it takes to restore normal traffic.
Please advise all your clients visiting or planning to visit that they might not be able to do certain routes or visits, however all efforts will be taken to substitute this with other visits, taking into consideration the safety aspects.
All hotels in Muscat are unaffected, except Park Inn which will remain closed until further notice.
We would like to reiterate that safety of our clients is of utmost importance to us and we shall take all precautionary measures to ensure our clients and staff are safe.
We shall keep you posted on the developments in regards to the road conditions.