The Ninth International Symposium on Flash Floods in Wadi Systems commenced on Tuesday morning, organised by the Water Research Centre at Sultan Qaboos University in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Oman Water Society, and Kyoto University of Japan. The event is being held at Ma’ani Hotel Muscat.

This edition, held over two days, focuses on flash floods and dam management. It features more than 76 scientific papers presented by experts and researchers from the Sultanate of Oman and 16 other countries.

In his opening address, Dr. Ali bin Khamis Al-Maktoumi, Director of the Water Research Centre, stated that the growing challenges in this field “require continued joint efforts and purposeful scientific research to achieve the desired objectives, and to develop plans and programmes that enhance integration among measures aimed at managing flood risks, strengthening water resources, and preserving their sustainability.”

The symposium explores topics related to the climate changes witnessed in the region, including the increasing frequency of weather events such as cyclones, tropical storms and low-pressure systems, as well as shifts in rainfall patterns that have caused floods adversely affecting urban areas, infrastructure, facilities and ecological systems. Current indicators point to the likelihood of this rainfall pattern continuing, along with the challenges it brings, necessitating the development of policies and the adoption of innovative methods and technologies for more effective flood management, reducing their impact on cities and water and environmental systems. The event also seeks to draw on international expertise and experiences in this field.