Wikipedia

Cyclone Tej

Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Tej[a] (/tɛdʒ/) was a strong tropical cyclone that formed over the central-south Arabian Sea and made landfall on Yemen. It was the first cyclone to make landfall in the nation since Cyclone Luban of 2018.[2] The sixth depression and the third named cyclonic storm of the season,[3] Tej coexisted with Cyclone Hamoon in the Bay of Bengal, a rare phenomenon not seen since 2018.[4] The cyclone then took a 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.[5][6][7][8][9]

Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Tej
Cyclone Tej at peak intensity southeast of Socotra on October 21
Meteorological history
FormedOctober 20, 2023
DissipatedOctober 24, 2023
Extremely severe cyclonic storm
3-minute sustained (IMD)
Highest winds175 km/h (110 mph)
Highest gusts205 km/h (125 mph)
Lowest pressure964 hPa (mbar); 28.47 inHg
Category 3-equivalent tropical cyclone
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds195 km/h (120 mph)
Highest gusts230 km/h (145 mph)
Lowest pressure958 hPa (mbar); 28.29 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities2
MissingUnknown
DamageUnknown
Areas affectedSocotra, Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia
Part of the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season

Meteorological history

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Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
  Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On 16 October 2023, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) began monitoring for the formation of a cyclonic circulation in the Arabian Sea.[10] In the Arabian Sea, relatively high ocean temperatures, indicating a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, created favourable conditions for tropical cyclogenesis.[11] A cyclonic circulation formed over the Arabian Sea on 16 October.[10] A low-pressure area formed as a result of the cyclonic circulation on the morning of October 18. It intensified further on October 20, becoming a deep depression. On the same day, the system intensified into a Cyclonic Storm, receiving the name Tej. As Tej moved northwestward, it encountered a very favorable environment, conducive for rapid intensification, allowing Tej to strengthen into a Category 3 tropical cyclone on October 22. After undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle, Tej weakened and made landfall over Al Mahrah Governorate between 23 and 24 October 2023.[12]

Preparations

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Oman

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Oman's Salalah port temporarily closed from October 22 as Tej approached.[13] 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, in anticipation of the cyclone.[14] 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.[15] Shelters and accommodation for 15,000 people were prepared in the Dhofar Governorate.[16] Flights between Muscat and Salalah airports were increased to facilitate movement during the cyclone.[17]

Yemen

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The Yemeni Coast Guard in the Hadhramaut Governorate announced that it was taking precautionary measures in anticipation of the arrival of Tej.[18][19] According to Saba News Agency, Al-Qatabi Ali Al-Farji, the Governor of Al-Mahra, called on the people to take precautions to avoid Tej's dangers. The governor warned citizens living in the depths of the valleys, farmers, and fishermen of the dangers of staying in low-lying places that are vulnerable to floods and hurricane threats. He called on international and humanitarian organizations working in Al-Mahra to intervene. He also called on citizens to take the utmost caution with the onset of the effects of Tej's heavy rains and strong winds. In Shabwah Governorate, fishermen were warned not to go into the sea and were told to take necessary precautions.[20] In Al Mahrah Governorate, The Office of Education in Al-Mahra also announced the closure of schools in the governorate due to Tej.[21] 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 preparing for the arrival of Tej.[19] Authorities in eastern Yemen declared a state of emergency, suspended schools and told fishermen stay home.[22] 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.[22] 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.[22] Hadramout Governor Mabkhout bin Madhi set up a committee to oversee preparations for rescue and storm relief operations,[22] while the neighbouring governorate of Al Mahrah, set up an emergency committee to make plans for schools to house people forced to leave their homes in the event of severe damage from the cyclone.[22]

Impact

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Oman

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Tej struck Oman's Dhofar Governorate, with the National Multi-Hazards Early Warning Centre 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 featured wind speeds around its centre of 95-110 knots. It came ashore near the coast of Dhofar on the evening of 23 October and the following morning, bringing heavy rain, strong winds (50-70 knots), and rough seas.[23][24] Tropical rain clouds affected Dhofar Governorate, bringing varying levels of rainfall to Salalah, Sadah, Mirbat, and Taqah. Additionally, rough seas with waves ranging from 6 to 12 meters were expected along the Arabian Sea coast, posing a danger to coastal areas and creeks.[24]

United Arab Emirates

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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.[25] 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.[26]

Yemen

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Flooding caused by Cyclone Tej on the island of Socotra, Yemen

Socotra

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On October 22, Tej caused rough weather and torrential rains in Socotra, along with reported high waves, floods and landslides.[27] Torrential rain on Saturday caused flooding on the island of Socotra as the cyclone made landfall.[22] 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).[28] There was damage as a result of rain and wind, related to the blocking of roads and the bulldozing of farms, and the destruction of parts of some homes.[29] Over 500 homes on the island sustained damage from the cyclone, displacing 192 households, primarily in Qulensya wa Abd al Kuri District. Three people overall were reported with minor injuries.[30][29]

Mainland

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The Yemen Red Crescent Society in Al-Mahra Governorate initiated evacuations due to Tej,[31] along with the army, security forces, and health teams to move affected families to shelter centers amidst heavy rain and strong winds.[31] Additionally, they also 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.[31] The storm flooded roads, submerged cars and forced Yemen Red Crescent volunteers in Al Mahra to temporarily suspend operations.[32][33][34] Tej resulted in at least two deaths, alongside 150 injuries and 10,000 displaced people.[34]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ The name Tej was provided by India, which means 'speed' in Hindi.[1]

References

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  1. ^ "How cyclones get their names? Explained". Oman Observer. 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  2. ^ "Cyclone Tej to Intensify Into a Severe Cyclonic Storm This Weekend! | Weather.com". The Weather Channel. Archived from the original on 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  3. ^ "The Emergence of Tropical Cyclone 'Tej' in the Arabian Sea". BNN Breaking. 20 November 2019. Archived from the original on 25 July 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  4. ^ "Cyclone Tej And Hamoon: Rare Twin Storms Brewing Near India". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  5. ^ "Yemen: Flash Update #1 - Cyclone Tej, 24 October 2023 [EN/AR] - Yemen | ReliefWeb". 25 October 2023. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  6. ^ "Weather tracker: Tropical Cyclone Tej approaches Yemen". The Guardian. 23 October 2023. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  7. ^ "Cyclone 'Tej' likely to make landfall between Yemen & Oman on Oct 25". Hindustan Times. 21 October 2023. Archived from the original on 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  8. ^ "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 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  9. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Tej". earthobservatory.nasa.gov. 23 October 2023. Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  10. ^ a b 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. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  11. ^ Kallungal, Dhinesh (16 October 2023). "First post-monsoon cyclone of 2023 brewing over Arabian Sea". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  12. ^ "Yemen: Flash Update #1 - Cyclone Tej, 24 October 2023 [EN/AR] - Yemen | ReliefWeb". 25 October 2023. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  13. ^ "Oman's Salalah port to be temporarily closed starting from Sunday due to Cyclone Tej | Al Arabiya English". Archived from the original on 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  14. ^ الدمام, اليوم- (22 October 2023). "إعصار تيج يفرض الإجازة في عُمان". alyaum (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  15. ^ 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 23 October 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  16. ^ Anwer, Laraib Tariq. "Watch: Residents evacuated as cyclone approaches Salalah; heavy rains batter Oman". Khaleej Times. Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  17. ^ Web Desk. "Residents to be evacuated, flights increased: Oman's crisis management gears up for Cyclone Tej". Khaleej Times. Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  18. ^ "تدابير احترازية في اليمن للحد من تأثيرات إعصار "تيج"". Archived from the original on 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  19. ^ a b 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 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  20. ^ 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 22 October 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  21. ^ "عاجل : ايقاف العملية التعليمية في المهرة بسبب اعصار تيج". عدن الغد (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 22 October 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  22. ^ a b c d e f "Schools close, fishermen seek shelter as Yemen braces for cyclone". Arab News. 21 October 2023. Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  23. ^ "Archived copy". alwatan.kuwait.tt. Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  24. ^ a b وكالات (24 October 2023). ""إعصار تيج" يتراجع في سلطنة عُمان وطوارئ في اليمن". جريدة المدينة (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  25. ^ Web Desk. "Watch: Heavy rain, hail batter UAE; residents warned of 'hazardous weather' as Cyclone Tej deepens". Khaleej Times. Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  26. ^ Web Desk. "Watch: Gushing waters in Sharjah as UAE rains continue for 8th day". Khaleej Times. Archived from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  27. ^ خاص, رصد. "الأرصاد: تزايد شدة العاصفة "تيج" لتصل إلى عاصفة عاتية". المهرية نت. Archived from the original on 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  28. ^ خاص. "سيول جارفة في سقطرى تأثرا بإعصار تيج". المهرية نت. Archived from the original on 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  29. ^ a b خاص. "مشاهد ما بعد إعصار تيج في سقطرى... خسائر طفيفة وأرض تحولت إلى مروجاً وأنهاراً". المهرية نت. Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  30. ^ "Yemen: Flash Update #1 - Cyclone Tej, 24 October 2023" (PDF). United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 23 October 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023 – via ReliefWeb.
  31. ^ a b c خاص. "الهلال الأحمر اليمني: إجلاء الأسر المتضررة من إعصار تيج في المهرة وسط ظروف صعبة". المهرية نت. Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  32. ^ خاص. "المهرة..حالة وفاة وتهدم 10 منازل جراء الإعصار في حصوين". المهرية نت. Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  33. ^ خاصة, متابعات. "مسؤول محلي يوجه نداء لإغاثة المتضررين من إعصار تيج في حصوين بالمهرة". المهرية نت. Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  34. ^ a b "Tropical cyclone kills two, displaces 10,000 in Yemen". Al Arabiya. 25 October 2023. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
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