Cyclone Chapala 'live': 30ft waves; Oman, Yemen evacuations begin

Omani and Yemini governments have issued warnings and urged residents to evacuate coastal areas as the severe cyclone ‘Chapala’ approaches shores, reported local media.

Omani Royal Air force helped evacuate residents of Al Halanyat as well as people in Saadha Hospital to safer grounds.

In Yemen, President Abd Rabo Mansour Hadi, has briefed the emergency operations to be ready at all times.

Yemen’s civil aviation urged residents of Hadramawt, Shabwa, Al Mahra and Socotra areas to evacuate at the earliest.

30-foot waves expected

The November 1 weather update by Oman’s Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre analysis reveals that the Tropical Cyclone Chapala over the south-western Arabian Sea is currently centered about 450km away from the coastal areas of the governate of Dhofar. The centre further states: “The surface wind speed around the centre has decreased to 85-95 knots (153 to 171 km/hour).

Latest weather charts indicate that Chapala is likely to track westwards, with the centre of Chapala expected to cross the coastal areas of Yemen in the next 48 hours.

The centre further warns: “Isolated moderate to heavy rain, occasional thundershowers associated with fresh winds, are expected to affect Dhofar governate on Sunday.

“Torrential rain with fresh to strong winds over the governate and rough to very rough seas condition with wave height reaching five to seven metres are expected on Monday and Tuesday.”

Maximum wave height is expected to reach 30 feet.

The Public Authority of Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) in Oman is advising the public to take necessary precaution and stay away from low lying areas avoid crossing wadis. Fishermen and sea goers should also avoid venturing into the sea and follow latest updates issued by authorities.

Schools closed

The Yemeni legitimate government announced the suspension of classes in four coastal governorates because of the Hurricane.

The Command of Special Central Operations Room urged the local authorities about the Hurricane in the governorates of Hadramout, Socotra, Al Mahra, and Shabwa, to suspend the classes from Sunday until further notice.

Caption : Latest satellite imagery of Chapala from UAE's National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS).

Courtesy : Emirates 24/7 News