Several ports in Oman have been shut down because super-cyclone Gonu, packing wind speeds of around 200 kilometres (km) per hour, is currently bearing down on Oman's eastern seaboard. Reports forecast Gonu to make landfall tonight local time.
In anticipation of the storm, the ports of Sohar, Mina Al Fahal and Sultan Qaboos in Muscat were all closed yesterday. Operations will cease until further notice, with port officials saying that re-opening will be subject to prevailing weather conditions. The OMIFCO/LNG terminals in Sur were also closed yesterday morning for 48 hours.
Gonu has hurricane classification of category 4, making it the most powerful observed Arabian Sea storm in the modern era. The approaching storm was expected to have an impact as early as yesterday evening Omani time, unleashing heavy rains, gusting winds and tidal waves.
In anticipation of the storm, the ports of Sohar, Mina Al Fahal and Sultan Qaboos in Muscat were all closed yesterday. Operations will cease until further notice, with port officials saying that re-opening will be subject to prevailing weather conditions. The OMIFCO/LNG terminals in Sur were also closed yesterday morning for 48 hours.
Gonu has hurricane classification of category 4, making it the most powerful observed Arabian Sea storm in the modern era. The approaching storm was expected to have an impact as early as yesterday evening Omani time, unleashing heavy rains, gusting winds and tidal waves.