Cyclone Tej
Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Tej is a tropical cyclone that formed over the central-south Arabian Sea and made landfall on Socotra and Yemen. It was the first cyclone to make landfall in the nation since Cyclone Luban of 2018.[1] The sixth depression and the third named cyclonic storm of the season,[2] Tej formed along with Cyclone Hamoon, a rare phenomenon in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal in which they both experience cyclonic storms.[3] The cyclone then took a west-northwestward track in the Arabian Sea and made landfall in Al Mahrah Governorate of Yemen between 23 and 24 October 2023, bringing significant rainfall and flooding across the eastern half of the country and western parts of Oman.[4][5][6][7][8]
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Meteorological history | |||
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Formed | 20 October 2023 | ||
Current storm information | |||
As of | 03:00 UTC, 24 October | ||
Location | 16.0°N 51.8°E | ||
Movement | WNW at 4 kn (7.4 km/h; 4.6 mph) | ||
Currently-active
Tropical depression | |||
3-minute sustained (IMD) | |||
Sustained winds | 45 km/h (30 mph) | ||
Gusts | 110 km/h (70 mph) | ||
Pressure | 996 hPa (mbar); 29.41 inHg | ||
Currently-active
Tropical depression | |||
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |||
Sustained winds | 45 km/h (30 mph) | ||
Gusts | 85 km/h (50 mph) | ||
Pressure | 1002 hPa (mbar); 29.59 inHg |
Meteorological history
On October 16, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) began monitoring the potential for the formation of cyclonic circulation in the Arabian Sea.[9] In Arabian Sea, the relatively high sea surface temperature, pointing to positive Indian Ocean Dipole, created the favorable condition for tropical cyclogenesis.[10] A cyclonic circulation formed over the Arabian Sea on October 16.[9] A low-pressure area formed as a result of the cyclonic circulation on morning of October 18. It intensified further on October 20, becoming a deep depression. On the same day, the system intensified into Cyclonic Storm, receiving the name Tej.
Current storm information
For the latest official information, see:
Preparations
Oman
Oman's Salalah port was planned to be temporarily shut down on from October 22, in response to Tej's expected arrival.[11]
The Oman News Agency reported the country's authorities' decision to grant a holiday to employees in the public and private sectors, in the Dhofar Governorate, and the Al Jazir Wilayat in the Al Wusta Governorate, due to the effects of Cyclone Tej that will affect the country.[12]
Oman's National Committee for Emergency Situations Management evacuated residents from the Hallaniyat Islands and coastal regions in the states of Salalah, Rakhyut and Dhalkot.[13] Shelters and accommodation for 15,000 people were prepared in the Dhofar Governorate.[14]
Flights between Muscat and Salalah airports were increased to facilitate movement during the cyclone.[15]
Yemen
The Yemeni Coast Guard in the Hadhramaut Governorate announced that it was taking precautionary measures in anticipation of Tej during the next two days.[16][17] In Shabwah Governorate, fishermen were warned not to go into the sea and were told to take necessary precautions.[18] In Al Mahrah Governorate, The Office of Education in Al-Mahra also announced the suspension of education in the governorate due to Tej.[19] President Rashid al-Alimi contacted the governorates of Hadhramout, Mahra, and Socotra and directed the government to support the efforts of the local authorities in confronting the effects of Tej.[17] Authorities in eastern Yemen declared a state of emergency, suspended schools and told fishermen stay home.[20] The warning also prompted Yemeni authorities in Hadramout, Mahra, Shabwa and Socotra to declare a state of emergency and issue regular updates to the public.[20] Fishermen were ordered not to go to sea and were also told to empty their docked boats and move the vessels to safer locations, and people living in low-lying areas advised to move their cars and other possessions to safety.[20] Hadramout Governor Mabkhout bin Madhi set up a committee to oversee preparations for rescue and storm relief operations,[20] while in the neighboring governorate of Al Mahrah, an emergency committee made plans for schools to house people forced to leave their homes in the event of severe damage from the cyclone.[20]
Impact
Oman
Cyclone Tej has hit Oman's Dhofar Governorate, with predictions from the National Multi-Hazards Early Warning Center indicating an intensification of the cyclone. Expect heavy to very heavy rainfall (100-300 mm), leading to flooding in valleys and high waves (6-12 meters) on the Arabian Sea coast. The cyclone, currently 318 km from Dhofar's coast, features wind speeds around its center of 95-110 knots. It's set to impact Dhofar on Monday evening and Tuesday morning, bringing heavy rain, strong winds (50-70 knots), and rough seas.[21][22]
Tropical rain clouds are currently affecting Dhofar Governorate, bringing varying levels of rainfall to places like Salalah, Sadah, Mirbat, and Taqah. Additionally, rough seas with waves ranging from 6 to 12 meters are expected along the Arabian Sea coast, potentially affecting coastal areas and creeks.[22]
The coastal regions of Dhofar Governorate have already experienced varying degrees of rainfall, resulting in the filling of some valleys and reefs. This weather pattern is expected to persist in Dhofar Governorate and southern parts of Al Wusta Governorate through Tuesday.[22]
United Arab Emirates
Heavy rains hit parts of the UAE on October 22. Massive flooding was reported in an area south of Shawka, which is a town near the Oman border.[23]
On October 25, flooding occurred in the Al Faya region in Sharjah, which is located towards the east of UAE. Hailstones fell in an area north of Fujairah with mountainous roads flooded with rainwater.[24]
Socotra
On October 22, Tej caused rough weather and torrential rains in Socotra, along with reported high waves, floods and landslides.[25] Torrential rain on Saturday caused flooding on the island of Socotra as the cyclone made landfall.[20] The flooding led to some roads in the governorate's capital city of Hadibu being cut, along with other areas in the archipelago. The Socotra Airport recorded 13 mm (0.51 in) of rain, with wind speeds reaching 25 kn (45 km/h; 30 mph) and gusts exceeding 25 kn (45 km/h; 30 mph).[26]
There was damage as a result of rain and wind, related to the blocking of roads and the bulldozing of farms, and the demolition of parts of some homes, and one injury was recorded in Qalansiyah District.[27] Over 500 homes on the island sustained damage from the cyclone, displacing 192 households primarily in Qulensya wa Abd al Kuri District. Two people suffered minor injuries.[28]
Main land
The Yemen Red Crescent Society in Al-Mahra Governorate has initiated evacuations due to Cyclone Tej.[29] They've collaborated with the army, security forces, and health teams to move affected families to shelter centers amidst heavy rain and strong winds.[29] Additionally, they've appealed to the Presidential Council, government, and Arab coalition for aircraft assistance to rescue flood-stranded individuals in Al-Ghaydah District, including Al-Ibri, Haft Al-Sada, Kalshat, and other areas.[29]
The storm has flooded roads, submerged cars and forced Yemen Red Crescent volunteers in Al Mahra to temporarily suspend operations.[30][31][32]
The cyclone has killed at least two people as well as 150 injuries and displaced around 10,000 others.[33]
See also
References
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- "The Emergence of Tropical Cyclone 'Tej' in the Arabian Sea". BNN Breaking. 20 November 2019. Archived from the original on July 25, 2023. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
- "Cyclone Tej And Hamoon: Rare Twin Storms Brewing Near India". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-flash-update-1-cyclone-tej-24-october-2023
- "Weather tracker: Tropical Cyclone Tej approaches Yemen". The Guardian. 2023-10-23. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 2023-10-23. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- "Cyclone 'Tej' likely to make landfall between Yemen & Oman on Oct 25". Hindustan Times. October 21, 2023. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
- "Arabian Sea: Severe Cyclonic Storm Tej tracking west-northwestward towards Yemen as of Oct. 21 /update 1". Arabian Sea: Severe Cyclonic Storm Tej tracking west-northwestward towards Yemen as of Oct. 21 /update 1 | Crisis24. Archived from the original on 2023-10-22. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
- "Tropical Cyclone Tej". earthobservatory.nasa.gov. 2023-10-23. Archived from the original on 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
- Tropical Weather Outlook For North Indian Ocean (The Bay Of Bengal and the Arabian Sea) Valid for Next 168 Hours Issued at 0600 UTC of 17.10.2023 Based on 0300 UTC of 17.10.2023 (PDF) (Report). New Delhi, India: Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre - Tropical Cyclones, India Meteorological Department. 17 October 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on 22 October 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
- Kallungal, Dhinesh (2023-10-16). "First post-monsoon cyclone of 2023 brewing over Arabian Sea". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 2023-10-17. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
- "Oman's Salalah port to be temporarily closed starting from Sunday due to Cyclone Tej | Al Arabiya English". Archived from the original on 2023-10-22. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
- الدمام, اليوم- (2023-10-22). "إعصار تيج يفرض الإجازة في عُمان". alyaum (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 2023-10-22. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
- Paul, Ajanta. "2-day holiday declared for public, private sectors in Oman's Dhofar region due to Cyclone Tej". Khaleej Times. Archived from the original on 2023-10-23. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- Anwer, Laraib Tariq. "Watch: Residents evacuated as cyclone approaches Salalah; heavy rains batter Oman". Khaleej Times. Archived from the original on 2023-10-23. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- Desk, Web. "Residents to be evacuated, flights increased: Oman's crisis management gears up for Cyclone Tej". Khaleej Times. Archived from the original on 2023-10-23. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- "تدابير احترازية في اليمن للحد من تأثيرات إعصار "تيج"". Archived from the original on 2023-10-22. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
- الحدث, عدن تايم-نُبقيك مع. "اخبار وتقارير - عاجل / مركز الإنذار يؤكد تحول العاصفة "تيج" إلى إعصار من الدرجة الأولى". www.aden-tm.net (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 2023-10-22. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
- الحدث, عدن تايم-نُبقيك مع. "اخبار وتقارير - أول تحذير في شبوة بشأن إعصار تيج". www.aden-tm.net (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 2023-10-22. Retrieved 2023-10-21.
- "عاجل : ايقاف العملية التعليمية في المهرة بسبب اعصار تيج". عدن الغد (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 2023-10-22. Retrieved 2023-10-21.
- "Schools close, fishermen seek shelter as Yemen braces for cyclone". Arab News. 2023-10-21. Archived from the original on 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- "Archived copy". alwatan.kuwait.tt. Archived from the original on 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - وكالات (2023-10-24). ""إعصار تيج" يتراجع في سلطنة عُمان وطوارئ في اليمن". جريدة المدينة (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
- Desk, Web. "Watch: Heavy rain, hail batter UAE; residents warned of 'hazardous weather' as Cyclone Tej deepens". Khaleej Times. Archived from the original on 2023-10-23. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- Desk, Web. "Watch: Gushing waters in Sharjah as UAE rains continue for 8th day". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- خاص, رصد. "الأرصاد: تزايد شدة العاصفة "تيج" لتصل إلى عاصفة عاتية". المهرية نت. Archived from the original on 2023-10-22. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
- خاص. "سيول جارفة في سقطرى تأثرا بإعصار تيج". المهرية نت. Archived from the original on 2023-10-22. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
- خاص. "مشاهد ما بعد إعصار تيج في سقطرى... خسائر طفيفة وأرض تحولت إلى مروجاً وأنهاراً". المهرية نت. Archived from the original on 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
- "Yemen: Flash Update #1 - Cyclone Tej, 24 October 2023" (PDF). United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 2023-10-23. Retrieved 2023-10-25 – via ReliefWeb.
- خاص. "الهلال الأحمر اليمني: إجلاء الأسر المتضررة من إعصار تيج في المهرة وسط ظروف صعبة". المهرية نت. Archived from the original on 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
- خاص. "المهرة..حالة وفاة وتهدم 10 منازل جراء الإعصار في حصوين". المهرية نت. Archived from the original on 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
- خاصة, متابعات. "مسؤول محلي يوجه نداء لإغاثة المتضررين من إعصار تيج في حصوين بالمهرة". المهرية نت. Archived from the original on 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
- https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/10/25/Tropical-cyclone-kills-two-displaces-10-000-in-Yemen
- https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/10/25/Tropical-cyclone-kills-two-displaces-10-000-in-Yemen
External links
- Media related to Cyclone Tej at Wikimedia Commons