Kuwaiti citizens in Oman have been advised against impact of the incoming storm Mekunu which has reportedly wreaked havoc on the Yemeni island Socotra in the Arabian Sea.

The State of Kuwait Embassy in the Sultanate, in a statement on Thursday, urged the Kuwaiti nationals in the Sultanate, particularly in Dhofar, Al-Wasta and Salalah, to take precautions due to prospected incoming of the cyclone.

The Kuwaiti diplomatic mission has already taken extraordinary measures to safeguard the Kuwaiti citizens, who were also advised to follow directions by the local authorities in the areas where they are present. It also urged citizens to call the mission for any help.

Meanwhile, the official Omani News Agency (ONA) said Salalah airport would be shut down on Friday for 24 hours, and that authorities would consider extending the closure according to weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the Omani police urged citizens, particularly residents of coastal regions, to move to safer areas till the cyclone passes.

The cyclone has already roared across Socotra in the Arabian Sea leaving a trail of destruction in properties and swamping residenial areas.

At least 17 people are reportedly missing and authorities are concerned about residents on high ground on the island, located more than 300 km from the Yemeni mainland.

The tropical storm Mekunu is forecast to hit Saudi regions as of Saturday bringing with it zero visibility and torrential rain and floods, the Saudi Meteorological and Environmental Protection Administration (MEPA) has warned.

News Source: KUNA