Tropical Cyclone Tej - Oct 2023

The eye of the cyclonic storm “Tej” made landfall on the eastern Yemeni coast overnight between 23 and 24 October, and moved towards the eastern regions of Hadramawt Governorate. As a result, Socotra and Al Maharah experienced heavy rainfalls and torrential showers, leading to multiple blocked roads in several areas ... According to the emergency operations room in Socotra, over 500 houses were either fully or partially damaged, resulting in loss of personal assets for some households (HHs). According to local partners, 192 HHs were displaced, including 30 HHs in Nawjed area of Hadibu District, and 162 HHs in Qalansiyah wa Abd Al Kuri District, in which some of the displaced individuals are residing in schools or with their relatives ... In Al Maharah Governorate, flooding was reported in Al Ghaydah, Hasswin, Qishn, Sayhut, Al Masilah, Hawf and Shehin districts, with the sea water reaching high levels. Electricity was reportedly cut off in most districts, and telecommunications were disconnected. Electricity is still cut in some areas, and telecommunications is back in Al Ghayda. (OCHA, 25 Oct 2023)

Between 23 and 25 October 2023, IOM Yemen DTM tracked 3,689 households (22,134 individuals) displaced due to Cyclone Tej which made landfall in Al Maharah governorate on 22 October. Most people moved into/within the following governorates and districts: Al Maharah (3,384 HHs) – Haswin (1,815 HHs), Al Ghaydhah (1,123 HHs), Al Masilah (210 HHs) districts. All displacements in the governorate were internal. Hadramawt (305 HHs) – Ar Raydah wa Qussayar (305 HHs) district. All displacements in the governorate were internal. The cyclone brought heavy rains and strong winds, which caused flooding and damage to infrastructure. (IOM, 27 Oct 2023)

The Meteorological Department of the Ministry of Agriculture in Somaliland issued a weather forecast for moderate to heavy rains and flash floods in the state from 24 to 31 October, mainly affecting the western regions of Woqoyi Galbeed and Awdal, and Togdheer region. The officials have warned of heavy rains in Somaliland due to the likely impact of tropical cyclone “Tej”, which has reportedly developed in the Indian Ocean in the past few days and headed to Oman and Yemen. On 26 October, heavy rains in the port town of Berbera flooded many buildings and caused waterlogging in some areas. The Mayor of Berbera warned people in old buildings in the town to move to safer buildings. The Metrological Department has advised people living in low-lying areas and valleys to remain vigilant and called on fishermen to remove their fishing vessels and gear from the sea to avoid losses. The coastal areas in Somaliland are prone to the impact of infrequent cyclones in the Indian Ocean, with the last cyclone 'Sagar’ reported in 2018. At least 52 people reportedly died and widespread destruction was reported, particularly in Lughaya, and Zaylac districts in Awdal Region, due to “Sagar” (OCHA, 28 Oct 2023)

The scale of Tij's impact is evident in the following statistics: Over 15,939 people were displaced; Over 400 homes were destroyed; and Over 5,000 hectares of crops were damaged. [...] Livelihoods and well-being were signicantly impacted in the affected region, and the affected families are facing psychological pressures and are in need of initial psychological support. In addition, the infrastructure as water sources and water networks were affected, and electricity and communications were disrupted. [...] Additionally, there are over 20 camps for displaced people in the region that were also impacted, and particularly vulnerable due to the existing conditions. Moreover, some individuals are living in mud houses, including elderly people, pregnant women, children, and people with special needs. These individuals face unique challenges and are more susceptible to the negative impacts of natural disasters like Cyclone Tij.
(IFRC, 4 Nov 2023)

In the aftermath of the cyclone, over 18,000 households are estimated to be affected, mainly in Al Maharah, followed by Hadramawt and Socotra governorates. Civilian homes and public infrastructure, including healthcare facilities and water networks, remain significantly damaged. Thousands of displaced families who were temporarily residing in collective centres have moved to hotels, are staying with their relatives, or have returned to their houses that were partially damaged. However, some preexisting IDP sites were significantly damaged in Al Maharah and Hadramawt, affecting more than 400 households (HHs). (OCHA, 5 Nov 2023)