Cyclone Shaheen approaches Oman

Tropical Cyclone Shaheen bore down on Oman on Sunday, prompting authorities to delay flights to and from the capital, Muscat, and to urge residents to evacuate coastal areas.

The storm comes to the Middle Eastern country at a time when cricket teams from several countries, including Bangladesh, are set to arrive to take part in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

According to airport sources, a Muscat-bound flight has been kept on schedule on Sunday night to carry the Bangladesh team.

The eye of the storm was about 60 km (40 miles) from Muscat and it was carrying top winds of 120 kph (75 mph) or more, a joint statement by the country's hazard, weather and civil aviation agencies said.

A child who had been swept away by water was found dead, the state news agency said, and another person was missing.

The storm's centre was expected to hit land during the late afternoon and evening, bringing very high winds and heavy rainfall, but the outer bands of the system were already being felt.

The national emergency committee said the power supply would be cut in al-Qurm, east of the capital, to avoid accidents. More than 2,700 people were put up in emergency shelters.

Most of the oil-exporting country's five million people live in and around Muscat. Roads in the capital would be open only to vehicles on emergency and humanitarian journeys until the storm dies down, authorities said.