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| Version 2 |
Version 3 |
| Cyclone hits Gulf state of Oman |
Cyclone hits Gulf state of Oman |
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(about 2 hours later)
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An unusually powerful cyclone has begun battering the coast of Oman with winds of 160mph (260 km/h) and large waves. | A powerful cyclone has hit the Gulf state of Oman, bringing heavy rains to the capital, Muscat. |
The centre of Tropical Cyclone Gonu is heading north-west through the Indian Ocean towards Oman's east coast. | Tropical Cyclone Gonu is continuing north-west, but winds speeds have dropped to about 100mph (175 km/h). |
Thousands of residents of coastal regions and the low-lying offshore island of Masirah have been evacuated. | Thousands of residents were evacuated from coastal regions and the low-lying offshore island of Masirah. |
People elsewhere have been told to stay indoors, while schools and public buildings have been emptied to make room for the evacuees. | Forecasters said the storm, the most powerful in the region for 60 years, was set to weaken further as it headed towards southern Iran. |
| The US military predicted that Gonu would become a "very weak" tropical cyclone over the next 48-72 hours. |
| But there were predictions that heavy rains could cause flash flooding by the time Gonu reached the south coast of Iran. |
| High waves |
| In Oman, people were told to stay indoors, while schools and public buildings were 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). | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
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 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. |
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