An unusually powerful cyclone has begun battering the coast of Oman with winds of 160mph (260 km/h) and large waves.
An unusually powerful cyclone has begun battering the coast of Oman with winds of 160mph (260 km/h) and large waves.
The centre of Tropical Cyclone Gonu is heading north-west through the Indian Ocean towards Oman's east coast.
The centre of Tropical Cyclone Gonu is heading north-west through the Indian Ocean towards Oman's east coast.
Thousands of residents of coastal regions and the low-lying offshore island of Masirah have been evacuated.
Thousands of residents of coastal regions and the low-lying offshore island of Masirah have been evacuated.
People elsewhere have been told to stay indoors, while schools and public building have been emptied to make room for the evacuees.
People elsewhere have been told to stay indoors, while schools and public buildings have been emptied to make room for the evacuees.
BBC Gulf correspondent Julia Wheeler says Gonu is bringing both strong winds and waves of up to 12m high (36ft).
Low-lying areas have been evacuated. In the island of Masirah, 230km off the coast (140 miles), 7,000 people have left their homes.
In the coastal capital of Muscat, people have been advised to stay indoors and to switch off their power.
Schools have been designated as emergency shelters and the international airport is closed.
The most powerful part of the storm was expected to hit Oman on Thursday, before moving north across the Gulf to Iran.
The most powerful part of the storm was expected to hit Oman on Thursday, before moving north across the Gulf to Iran.
"It is expected to increase in the coming few hours accompanied by thunderstorms and heavy rainfalls as the cyclone crosses the sultanate," the official news agency of the wealthy oil-exporter said, quoting police.
Reports say Cyclone Gonu is expected to be the strongest to hit the Arabian Peninsula since records started in 1945.
Reports say Cyclone Gonu is expected to be the strongest to hit the Arabian Peninsula since records started in 1945.
While crossing the Indian Ocean on Monday it reached the equivalent of a Category Five hurricane - the highest category available.
While crossing the Indian Ocean on Monday it reached the equivalent of a Category Five hurricane - the highest category available.
Are you in Oman? Do tell us what's happening and send us any pictures you have of the cyclone.
Are you in Oman? Do tell us what's happening and send us any pictures you have of the cyclone.
