Yemen: At least 24 people dead from Tropical Cyclone Mekunu /update 1

Event

Tropical Cyclone Mekunu and its flooding have left at least 24 people dead in Socotra and Al-Mahrah province as of Thursday, May 31. In total, at least 2765 people have been displaced by the storm in Yemen, with 2000 still isolated by lingering floodwaters in Al-Mahrah province. Though the weather and situation has reportedly stabilized in the days following the storm's landfall, additional reports of related casualties and lingering flooding and transportation disruptions are possible in affected areas as recovery efforts continue.

Context

Tropical Cyclone Mekunu made landfall on May 26 near Salalah (Oman) as a "extremely severe cyclonic storm," according to the India Meteorological Department, with maximum sustained winds of around 185 km/h (115 mph), equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The storm previously hit the Yemeni island of Socotra on May 24, causing widespread flooding and power outages.

Before Tropical Cyclone Mekunu, the last cyclone to hit within 160 km (100 mi) of Salalah struck the region in 1959.

Advice

Individuals present in Yemen 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.