Tropical Cyclone “Tej” makes landfall in Yemen

Tropical cyclone “Tej’ made landfall on Yemen’s southern coast on October 23, 2023, resulting in at least one death and significant infrastructural damage in Al-Mahra Governorate. The cyclone is expected to weaken and dissipate by October 25.

Tej made landfall on the southern coast of Al-Mahra Governorate, Yemen, moving northwestward. As of October 24, 0:00 UTC, the cyclone’s center was located approximately 20 km (12.4 miles) south of Al Ghaidah, Yemen, and 240 km (150 miles) west-southwest of Salalah, Oman.

The cyclone has had a devastating impact on Al-Mahra Governorate. At least one fatality has been reported, along with the demolition of ten homes in the Haswain District. Roads and crops in the region have also suffered severe damage. Interruptions in communication and electricity networks have been confirmed by local media.

Major damages causes by cyclone Tej in the Huswain District of Al Mahrah in the Yemen 🇾🇪 (24.10.2023)

BY- Wheatherhadhramot
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#المهره_الان

حصوين – #حرضنوت :

جانب من الأضرار الناجمة عن إعصار تيج

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#المهره_الان #حوف :

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#اعصار_تيج #المهره #حصوين #الغيضه #اليمن#تيج #tej #عُمان #صلاله#سقطرى#حضرموت pic.twitter.com/TJlp2Ujd78

— بن عنوش المهري 🇾🇪🇸🇦 (@bin_anoosh) October 24, 2023

In anticipation of further adverse weather, authorities in Al-Mahra have advised residents in affected areas to seek refuge in nearby shelters. Additional heavy rainfall is expected over Al-Mahra, Hadramout, and Shabwa Governorates in Yemen, as well as over Dhofar Governorate in Oman for the next 24 hours.

The cyclone could drop up to 500 mm (20 inches) of rain in some locations before it dissipates. This area receives an average of less than 100 mm (4 inches) of rain in an entire year. This could lead to further flooding and destruction.

Prior to its landfall on the mainland, Tej passed east of Socotra Island on October 22. The cyclone caused extreme weather conditions, including torrential rains, high waves, floods, and landslides in the island’s capital, Hadibu, and other parts of the archipelago. One injury was reported in the Qalansiyah District due to the adverse weather conditions. Roads were blocked and some farms were bulldozed as a result.

As a precautionary measure, fishermen in Shabwah Governorate were warned against venturing into the sea. The Office of Education in Al-Mahra announced the suspension of education in the governorate. A state of emergency has been declared in eastern Yemen, including Hadramout, Mahra, Shabwa, and Socotra Governorates.

The cyclone is forecast to continue moving northwest and is expected to weaken and dissipate by October 25.

Update

October 25

According to data provided by the Yemen Meteorological Services, 406 mm (15.98 inches) of rain fell at Al Ghaydah Airport in just a few hours.

According to media reports, at least seven people have died while more than 1 000 people have been displaced. The same source report also that a state of emergency was declared by the Internationally Recognised Government of Yemen, and suspended schools.

Featured image credit: Tropical Cyclone “Tej” at 04:30 UTC on October 24, 2023. Credit: EUMETSAT/Meteosat-10, Zoom Earth, The Watchers