Fisheries Dept's Al Ashkarah, Masirah offices suffer damage
Posted by Zawya
Times of Oman
09 June 2010


MUSCAT: The Fisheries Department branches in Masirah and Al Ashkarah have suffered substantial damages caused by Cyclone Phet.

In a statement issued by the company to Muscat Securities Exchange, it claimed that the impact was so severe that the roof panel and ice factory in Masirah had caved in, while the workers' campus was totally submerged in water. Also, the electricity supply to the department was snapped, plunging it into darkness for several hours.

The boundary wall of the department's office in Masirah collapsed, and a water cooler installed within on the campus broke down completely. The extent of the damage could be gauged from the fact that even the signboard had flown quite a distance away from the rooftop.

Fish lost
Apart from causing severe damage to property, high waves caused by the cyclone washed away about 90 tonnes of frozen fish. The department said 23 tonnes of tuna turned waste due to Phet's onslaught.

Sources in the department said the vessels anchored in fishing port in Masirah were severely damaged.

About the destruction and damage caused to its Al Ashkarah branch, the department said the roof of the factory and the power supply lines were completely submerged in water, while the Swhipper's Electrical Jack was damaged beyond repair.

The estimated initial losses due to the cyclone is about RO150,000. However, the sources maintained that the actual cost of the damage could be known only after a full survey. They maintained that the financial situation of the company would not be adversely affected because the properties and fish produce were covered by insurance.

By Fahad Al Mukrashi

© Times of Oman 2010

News Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100609034938/Fisheries%20Dept%27s%20Al%20Ashkarah%2C%20Masirah%20offices%20suffer%20damage