Thousands of people have been displaced after Tropical Cyclone Tej triggered severe flooding in south-eastern Yemen on 23 October 2023. Heavy rain and some damage from flooding was also reported in neighbouring Oman.

Tropical Cyclone Tej approaches Yemen and Oman, October 2023. Photo: NASA

Tropical Cyclone Tej made landfall along the coast between the coastal city of Al Ghaydah, capital of Al Mahrah Governorate in south-eastern Yemen, and Salalah, capital city of Oman’s Dhofar Governorate.

Yemen Meteorological Services reported 406 mm of rain fell at Al Ghaydah Airport in the space of a few hours.

The Yemen Red Crescent Society said Cyclone Tej caused widespread destruction across Al Mahrah Governorate. Particularly badly affected are the districts of Al Ghaydah and Haswayn.

Local media, quoting governorate officials, said 6 people were missing one person died in Haswayn District. Yemen Red Crescent Society (YRCS) reported at least 1,800 families displaced across the Al Mahrah Governorate.

“A devastating Cyclone Tej has swept through Al Mahrah Governorate, leaving a trail of destruction and displacing around 1800 families in its wake. The affected communities are now in dire need of immediate assistance to rebuild their lives,” a spokesperson for the Yemen Red Crescent said.

YRCS said their teams were working around the clock to respond and assist affected people. However, the situation in Al Mahrah was dire due to the impacts of Cyclone Tej. Severe weather conditions hindered access by ambulances and aid teams who said planes were necessary to rescue the stranded people and protect lives.

Floods in Al Mahrah Governorate, Yemen, October 2023 following heavy rain from Tropical Cyclone Tej. Photo: Yemen Red Crescent Society

As of 24 October, some areas of Dhofar and Al Wusta Governorates in Oman saw heavy rain and some flooding. Roads were damaged and power and communications networks disrupted. Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority rescued at least one person from a vehicle trapped in floods in Rakhyut.

In a period from 22 October to 24 October, Rakhyut recorded 232 mm of rain, Dhalkut saw 203 mm and Salalah 56 mm, according to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.