Oman & Yemen: Cyclone Mekunu Leaves 10 Dead, 40 still Missing

Cyclone Mekunu leaves at least 10 people, including a 12-year-old girl, dead in Oman and Yemen — with 40 others reported missing from the Yemeni island of Socotra.

Among those missing on the Arabian Sea isle are Yemenis, Indians, and Sudanese citizens, and officials feared some may be dead.

Latest satellite images and weathermen’ analyses show that it has weakened and is now moving north to northwest, with wind speed around the center,  according to the Saudi General Authority of Meteorology and Environment Protection (GAMEP).

The Saudi General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection (GEMP) issued a statement: “The impact of the tropical storm will affect many Saudi cities with heavy rains accompanied by strong winds. The winds will kick up blowing dust which may reduce visibility in the eastern parts of Najran – Al Kharkhir and southern parts of the eastern region Rub Al-Khali.”

“Wind and dust will also hit areas of Eastern and northern of Hail, regions of Makkah and Madinah and Riyadh, and the Eastern province.”

“There is a strong possibility of thunderstorms in Jazan mountains, Asir, Baha, Makkah, Madinah mountains, which will stretch across to Tabuk, Al Jouf and parts of the northern border.”

Read the full article on Gulf News, May 27, 2018.