Cyclone Luban

Cyclone Luban (Luban is the local Omani name for the Frankincense Tree and its Incense Resin), continues to develop.

Cyclone Luban update 12 October
Cyclone Luban update 12 October

The Meteorology authority in Oman issued a statement about Cyclone Luban on Friday 12th October

Cyclone Luban update 12 October 2018
Cyclone Luban update 12 October 2018

The expected landfall continues to be towards the north-west, some reposts suggest around Mukalla in Yemen. In Oman’s southern region of Dhofar a precautionary measure of closing schools is being taken to avoid the need to travel as well as make the buildings available for shelter, if required.
Around the same time as Cyclone Luban moves along the southern Arabian Coast, cruise ships will be in the region.

On October 10th an update was made by Oman’s Meteorology Office

Cyclone Luban Screenshot from www.met.gov.om
Cyclone Luban Screenshot from www.met.gov.om

This follows the Cyclone Mekunu in May 2018.
Oman’s Meteorology Office Tweeted about Cyclone Luban and its name on Monday.

The Washington Post covered this naming in a short article, indicating that news now really is worldwide, compared to Cyclone Guno which seemed to have little media coverage.

The Meteorology authority in Oman issued a statement about the as yet un-named depression earlier.

PACA Initial Report on Tropical Depression
PACA Initial Report on Tropical Depression

Initial Reports about what was then an incipient tropical depression were reported and with divergent viewpoints – I added a possible date for the landfall.

Sea temperatures needed for a Cyclone/Hurrican/Typhoon to form need to be greater than 26centigrade. Fortunately, this is relatively unusual in the north Arabian Sea as the Monsoon does have a cooling effect on the ocean. This means that there is a short Cyclone season before the Monsoon and one after.

Author: Tony Walsh

Book author including the current Bradt guide to Oman