25 May 2018 | 09:19 PM UTC
Oman: Cyclone Mekunu makes landfall near Salalah May 25 /update 2
Tropical Cyclone Mekunu makes landfall near Salalah May 25; flash flooding, transportation disruptions, and power outages expected in the coming hours
Event
Tropical Cyclone Mekunu made landfall near Salalah on Friday, May 25, as an "extremely severe cyclonic storm," according to the Indian Meteorological Department, with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph), equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Many areas in the path of the storm are expected to receive at least 13 cm (5 in) of rain through Sunday, May 27. Locally higher rainfall totals are expected in mountainous coastal areas near Salalah, potentially exceeding 30 cm (12 in). Consequent flash flooding and accompanying high winds are expected to cause significant material damages, transportation disruptions, and power outages in affected areas. Flooding is expected to be particularly severe near wadis (mostly dry ravines). The storm has left at least one person dead in Oman as of May 25.
Salalah International Airport (SLL) was closed to air traffic at 00:01 (local time) on May 25 for 24 hours; the country's Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) has announced that the airport will remain closed for at least an additional 24 hours on Saturday, May 26, and reopen on May 27. Oman Air has canceled all flights to and from Salalah until further notice.
Context
Cyclone Mekunu hit the Yemeni island of Socotra on May 24, causing widespread flooding and power outages and leaving at least 40 people missing.
Strong tropical cyclones rarely hit Oman. Notably, in 2007, Cyclone Gonu caused USD 4 billion in damage in Oman and killed dozens across affected parts of the Middle East. The last cyclone to hit within 160 km (100 mi) of Salalah struck the region in 1959.
Advice
Individuals present in Oman, particularly in Salalah, are advised to monitor local weather forecasts, adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities, and confirm flight reservations. In the event of flooding, remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products.
