The Aftermath of Mekuno at Jarziz Watershed in Dhofar

Sultan Qaboos University Al Khoudh, Muscat, Oman

Abstract: The southern parts of Oman have witnessed various cyclonic events including ARB01 (2002), Keila (2015), Mekuno (2018) and Luban (2018). The purpose of this study is to assess the flooding damage at Jarziz watershed due to flash wadi (dry river) flooding. This study used a 3Di hydrodynamic model to quantify and map the flood damage and extent due to Mekuno and to identify vulnerable industrial, residential and commercial areas at various water depth ranging from 0.50m to 5.0 m within Jarziz watershed. The results showed that at 0.5 m water depth the damage was $ 33 M, $ 73 M, and $ 203 M for industrial, residential and commercial areas respectively. While at 1.0 m water depth the damage was $ 8.6 M, $ 41 M, and $ 74 M for industrial, residential and commercial areas respectively. This study contributes in providing knowledge to make informed policy decision toward resilient infrastructure, and to provide risk assessment in efforts to prepare Oman for any future natural disasters.