Cyclone Mekunu: Arid Oman gets 3 years worth of rainfall in a single day

Powerful cyclone Mekunu pummel Oman and neighbouring Gulf countries over the weekend (May 26), bringing nearly three years' worth of rainfall in a single day. As per latest reports, the death toll due to the cyclone stands at 13, while dozens remain missing.

Five Yemenis and two Indian sailors were confirmed dead when Mekunu hit Socotra in war-torn Yemen. Three people, including a 12-year-old girl, died in Oman, and another two bodies were recovered from the Yemeni island of Socotra, said a PTI report.

Cyclone Mekunu caused flash flooding that tore away whole roadways and submerged others in Salalah, Oman's third-largest city, stranding drivers. Strong winds knocked over street lights and tore away roofing.

Rushing waters from the rain and storm surges flooded typically dry creek beds. The holiday destination's now-empty tourist beaches were littered with debris and foam from the churning Arabian Sea.

Yemeni officials also reported damage in the country's far east, along the border with Oman. Several underpasses became standing lakes. Some cars were also left abandoned on the road.

Flash floods engulfed Socotra's streets, cutting electricity and communication lines. Some humanitarian aid from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates arrived on the island just hours after the cyclone receded.

OneIndia News with PTI inputs