Oman was hit by Cyclone Gonu on the 6th of June 2007. Large areas of the governorates of Muscat, Amirat and Quriyat were severely affected. Gonu first hit the southern city of Sur late on the 5th of June 2007, then made its way up the coast towards Muscat.

Despite Oman being one of the few countries without a National Red Crescent or Red Cross Society, the affected areas have mostly recovered with the help of the Omani government and the goodwill of both expatriate residents and the Omani people. Throughout the cyclone and its aftermath, the government managed to keep everyone alert and safe through its effective use of the media, notably the Omani mobile phone networks. [source: Wikipedia]

Oman Dive Center was severely affected by Gonu. Strong winds smashed against the Barasti huts, blowing away the palm tree mats from their roofs. The heavy rain and water which gushed down from the mountains did the rest. Oman Dive Center was completely flooded and all the wooden floors of the Barasti huts were destroyed.

Thankfully, alerted by the Omani government’s efficient warning system, we had time to evacuate our guests to a safe area before the cyclone hit.

Link to Gonu Gallery