Rains hit Oman, Yemen as Storm Luban approaches

Oman’s Dhofar governorate witnessed rains into Sunday as Storm Luban continued its approach.

Oman News Agency said moderate to mild rain fell in Salalah on Saturday, while the state of Mirbat saw heavy rainfall.

Rakhyut saw torrential rains and strong winds.

Local reports indicated officials were expecting the number of people in emergency centres to quadruple overnight.

National Committee for Civil Defence director of the executive office lieutenant colonel Faisal Al Hajr told Times of Oman 1,300 people had already taken shareholder and 4,000 were expected by Sunday.

“We have not seen the worst of the storm, and that is why there have been no injuries or deaths,” he was quoted as saying.

AccuWeather said the storm would bring the risk of widespread flooding, mudslides and winds to parts of Yemen, where it is expected to make landfall through Monday.

Nearly 300 people were killed by the two previous cyclones to hit the area.

A total of 71 shelters have been established in Oman’s Dhofar, which was also suffered extensive damage when it was hit by Cyclone Mekunu in May.

Read: Oman declares 3-day bank holiday in Dhofar region after cyclone hits

Around 25 tonnes of aid has already been spread between Rakhyut, Salalah and Sadah, Al Hajr said.

Salalah Port was closed on Thursday in anticipation of worsening conditions.

Read: Oman closes Salalah port as Storm Luban approaches

On the same day 26 foreign residents were rescued by the coastguard after their ships encountered difficulties.