Oman threatened by cyclone

Thousands have been evacuated from Masirah Island in Oman, in anticipation of a devastating cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Goru is expected to cause torrential rain and flooding and its winds have been measured at a maximum of 160 mph.

It is hoped that the intensity of the storm will decrease by the time of its landfall in Oman, but major gas and oil terminals have nonetheless been shut as a precautionary measure, reports Reuters.

An executive based in Muscat told the news agency: "It's quite common to have heavy rains at this time of year in Oman. But this weather is quite unusual and they're calling it the worst in Oman's history."

Oil prices surged in the region following the reporting of the cyclone and the likely closure of the Mina al Fahal oil terminal.

Meteorologists hope that the eye of the storm will remain over water as it nears Oman, but it is still predicted to wreak as much damage as the hurricane that hit the country in 1977.