The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has advised Filipinos in the western region of Saudi Arabia to take caution amid a tropical cyclone that will being heavy rains to the area from Saturday to Tuesday.
The DFA said the Philippine Consulate in in Jeddah has advised Filipinos, particularly the 8,000 OFWs residing in Najran area, to prepare for the possible effects of the cyclone following reports released by the Saudi General Authority of Meteorology and Environment Protection (GAMEP).
In GAMEP’s report, the cyclone is expected to bring “active wind and dust leading to a lack of horizontal visibility in Najran, especially in Al Kharkhir area”.
“Dust brought about by the winds is also expected to reduce visibility over Tabuk, Madinah, Makkah, Sharqiyah and Riyadh. Rainy clouds are further expected over Jizan, Asir and Al Baha region,” the DFA said.
“The Saudi Civil Defense has advised the public to stay away from streams and torrents of valleys in areas to be affected by heavy rains,” it added.
As of press time, the cyclone has killed at least six people while at least 30 people remain missing in neighboring countries Oman and Yemen.
In one day, the cyclone reportedly brought rains equivalent to three months.
تواصل هطول أمطار الخير على صلالة تصوير راجس الخضاري إعصار #ميكونو #مكونو #سلطنة_عمان #مركز_العاصفة pic.twitter.com/yavT8ZtcJh
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) May 26, 2018
Authorities also reported that strong winds had blown down houses and cut communication lines and water services.
Photo credit: James Hewitson/Twitter/@Anantara Salalah via Reuters
