FAO warns of severe hurricanes sweeping Yemen

ROME, May 16 (YPA) – The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned of the dangers of severe hurricanes that are expected to sweep the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea south of Yemen in the coming days.

The organization said in its agricultural meteorological early warning bulletin yesterday, Wednesday, “As we approach the end of the summer rainy season, storms are expected to occur in a number of regions, including the Gulf of Aden. This weather pattern may intensify into a hurricane at the end of the period.”

It added that expectations indicate that the threat of hurricanes will continue in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea until the end of May and recommended that comprehensive monitoring and early communications be conducted to enhance effective preparation for this severe weather phenomenon.

In its bulletin, FAO stated that the hurricane is expected to make landfall in Socotra and Mahra provinces, which will greatly affect the lives and livelihoods of communities, especially during the current agricultural season.

The organization expected that the noticeable increase in rainfall in the eastern part of Yemen, ranging between 20 and 40 mm, would lead to flash floods, especially in vulnerable areas such as the coastal areas of Mahra. Accordingly, desert locust numbers may increase during the spring breeding cycle along the eastern coast of Yemen, specifically in Mahra.

The organization noted that the recent period witnessed heavy rains in the central highlands provinces, which led to floods in some watersheds in Dhalea and Ibb provinces.

YPA