Oman braces for cyclone Phet

Cyclone Phet has almost reached the Oman coast and could recurve towards Pakistan's coastline in the next 24-36 hours, according to Met officials.

An IMD satellite image of the cyclone Phet. 'X' marks the eye of the cyclone, centred in Oman. Photo: www.imd.gov.in

The Gulf state of Oman is gearing up to face cyclone Phet which is expected to hit the coast

early tomorrow.

According to report, heavy rains have already hit the country's east coast and strong winds uprooted trees and signboards.

Authorities are also advising residents to stay away from the seas while around 10,000 people have been moved to safer areas.

Examinations have been put off and schools have declared holidays. Businesses downed their shutters early to allow staffers to go home.

Some reports suggest that over 85 per cent of Masirah island has been evacuated.

Meanwhile, rescue teams have been ordered to be present as a precautionary measure against the cyclone in the U.A.E. as the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) warned of high tides and strong winds in the next 48 hours.