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Tropical cyclone Mekunu
 Situation overview
Breaking emergency - Tropical cyclone Mekunu
Tropical cyclone Mekunu formed in the Arabian Sea and moved across the sea, passing to the east of the island of Socotra and flooding it heavily on 23-24 May. It is expected to make landfall somewhere between Yemen and Oman on 26 May. Initial information is still scant, but local and national authorities are suggesting the potential for large scale damage on the island which hosts around 70,000 people.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has activated an emergency cell and is said to be sending 150 MT of food and medicines to the stricken island.

Response: Assessments are still difficult to undertake and communication inside of the island and to it are interrupted. Assessment teams are also being prepared in Al Mahara and Hadhramaut where authorities have already activated emergency rooms with whom OCHA is in daily contact. Unconfirmed reports say at least 17 people and some shipping boats are missing on Socotra Island. The Government has declared a state of emergency and is appealing for assistance.

YemenFollowing the passage of tropical cyclone Mekunu east of the island of Socotra, initial information suggests that the authorities are preparing for significant damage and displacement. Comprehensive and verified information at this stage remains limited, with assessments by local authorities ongoing.

On the 24 May the Government of Yemen declared a state of emergency in the island, calling on Arab countries and humanitarian organizations to support a relief effort. Separate statements appealing for urgent support were also issued by the Minister of Local Administration and Chair of the High Relief Committee, and by the Governor of Socotra. Authorities in Socotra have confirmed to OCHA that the King Salman Relief Centre will establish an air bridge from Riyadh to fly in 150 MT of food and medical supplies as soon as possible.

Information received from the emergency operations center in Socotra indicates that up to 250 families have lost their homes and area currently displaced to public buildings, mostly in the Governorate capital of Hadibo. Authorities are setting up 11 temporary shelters in the capital, mostly schools, to absorb any potential additional displacement. Two vessels at sea have sunk, with two more reported missing. Up to six people are said to have lost their life on the island. Communication between the eastern and western side of the island is cut off, reducing the capacity to assess damage. Flights to the island have been interrupted.

OCHA has convened an ad-hoc meeting of the Aden Inter-Cluster Working to organize a rapid assessment with partners on the ground to assess the possible humanitarian impact and complement the understanding the local authorities have provided. Emergency aid stocks and emergency medical kits are available and could be drawn upon if necessary. It is understood that assistance is being sent by the Coalition with discussions taking place in Riyadh on the response required. The United Nations in Yemen is able to draw on emergency stocks if required in Aden and logistical support would be necessary to deliver it to the island.

Tropical cyclone Mekunu is currently north-east of Socotra, and on its way to the mainland, where it is expected to make landfall in the early hours of Saturday 26 May, in the coastal area between Yemen and Oman. The Governors of Al Mahara and Hadramawt have already activated emergency operations centers to oversee preparedness measures, issue alerts, and ensure health facilities are on stand-by. OCHA has engaged with partners to organize rapid assessments in areas of likely impact, such as the city of Al Ghaydah in al Mahara, and the Valley areas of Hadhramaut Governorate.

OCHA will continue to follow-up closely with relevant local authorities, partners on the ground, and with the clusters in Aden, who remain on standby to support.

OmanThe National Committee for Civil Defense (NCCD), responsible for crisis management and composed of all key ministries and security/police forces, activated its plans and structure in the southeastern governorates where the response is underway. The NCCD at Muscat level is liaising closely with the Gulf Cooperation Council on EWEA and for common logistical operation if and as needed. Key actions:

• The Government and Royal Oman Police evacuated people from lowlands, and provided citizens with safety measures information.
• Ambulances and police officers were deployed to areas that are likely to be affected.
• Medical and health supplies are being mobilized to enhance readiness of hospitals across the eastern parts of the country.
• Critically ill patients at locations of the Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah were evacuated by air to Muscat in the north.
• Schools are closed for the holidays, and administration of exams was postponed to June in all of Dhofar and parts of Al Wusta governorates. Schooling facilities in safe areas are used as aid and information points.
• A number of critical facilities, such as desalination plants, transmission stations and electricity distribution centres that provide electricity and water have activated their emergency plans and have taken precautionary measures to ensure their continuity and safe operation.
• Air and ground transport to affected areas have been suspended and the Salalah Airport in Dhofar governorate has been closed.
• The port of Salalah, crucial to Qatar amid the boycott, has also taken precautions and secured cranes ahead of the cyclone.

UNICEF in Yemen liaised with the national Government to follow up on the situation. The Head of the Sultanate’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) reassured the public that adequate preparations had been made and necessary measures had been taken.
TC Mekunu Map_WFP
TC Mekunu Map_WFP
TC Mekunu Map_WFP
Cyclone Mekunu
  Status of request for assistance
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