:Cyclone Luban

{{Storm path|Luban 2018 track.png}}

On October 4, an upper-level low persisted over the southeast Arabian Sea. That day, the American-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) first mentioned an area of scattered convection southwest of India as an area for potential tropical cyclogenesis, due to projections from tropical cyclone forecast models. The convective system was located in the warm waters of the Arabian Sea in an area of low wind shear.{{cite report|title=Significant Tropical Weather Outlook for the Indian Ocean|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201810041800.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522033204/https://www.webcitation.org/72xfXN8eI?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201810041800.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2024|date=October 4, 2018|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|access-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=dead}} The circulation slowly became more defined,{{cite report|title=Significant Tropical Weather Outlook for the Indian Ocean|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201810051800.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522033121/https://www.webcitation.org/72xfX0AAu?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201810051800.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2024|date=October 5, 2018|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|access-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=dead}} developing a low-pressure area on October 5. On October 6, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) designated the system as Depression ARB 04. A day later, the agency upgraded the system to a deep depression, and on October 8, the IMD upgraded it further to Cyclonic Storm Luban. On the same day, the JTWC initiated advisories on Luban, giving it the designation Tropical Cyclone 05A.

By that time the JTWC initiated advisories, Luban had rotating rainbands around a persistent central area of thunderstorms, with good outflow to the north. The circulation became better defined over time, steered generally west-northwestward by a subtropical ridge to its north.{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 05A (Five) Warning NR 001|date=October 8, 2018|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522033240/https://www.webcitation.org/730jj1kDd?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810080300.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2024|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810080300.htm|access-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=dead}} On October 9, the IMD upgraded Luban to a severe cyclonic storm,{{cite report|author=Naresh Kumar|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=October 22, 2018|title=Bulletin No: 11 (BOB 08/2018) and Bulletin No. : 21 (ARB 04/2018)|publisher=India Meteorological Department|archive-date=October 10, 2018|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/733ehlI4B?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/INDIAN_201810091200.pdf|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/INDIAN_201810091200.pdf|url-status=dead}} as the thunderstorms continued to bloom over the circulation.{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 05A (Luban) Warning NR 008|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522033522/https://www.webcitation.org/733eQAWYM?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810092100.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2024|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810092100.htm|access-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=dead}} A day later, the IMD upgraded Luban further to a very severe cyclonic storm, with maximum sustained winds of at least {{convert|120|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}, equivalent to a hurricane.{{cite report|author=S. D. Kotal|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=October 22, 2018|title=Bulletin No: 11 (BOB 08/2018) and Bulletin No. : 21 (ARB 04/2018)|publisher=India Meteorological Department|archive-date=October 10, 2018|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/733edATp2?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/INDIAN_201810100400.pdf|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/INDIAN_201810100400.pdf|url-status=dead}} Luban coexisted with Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Titli, marking the first time since 1977 that two storms of such intensity were active at the same time in the North Indian Ocean.{{cite report|publisher=India Meteorological Department|title=Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, 'LUBAN' over the Arabian Sea (06 – 15 October 2018): A Report|date=December 2018|access-date=January 26, 2019|url=http://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/images/pdf/publications/preliminary-report/luban.pdf}} The JTWC also upgraded Luban to the same intensity on October 10, noting the development of an eye feature.{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 05A (Luban) Warning NR 010|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522033443/https://www.webcitation.org/733ePlsID?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810100300.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2024|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810100300.htm|access-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=dead}} Both the IMD and the JTWC estimated that Luban attained a peak winds of {{convert|140|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}. They also forecasted that the storm would continue its general trajectory and strike the Arabian Peninsula.{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 05A (Luban) Warning NR 010|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522033645/https://www.webcitation.org/735IV7f9g?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810100900.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2024|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810100900.htm|access-date=October 21, 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite report|author=D. Joardar|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=October 22, 2018|title=Bulletin NO.: 22 (BOB 08/2018) and Bulletin NO. : 32 (ARB 04/2018)|publisher=India Meteorological Department|archive-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/735Gg0lrR?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/INDIAN_201810102100.pdf|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/INDIAN_201810102100.pdf|url-status=dead}}

Caught between two ridges, Luban moved slowly toward the Arabian Peninsula. The slow movement caused upwelling, which cooled the waters, thus weakening the cyclone despite otherwise favorable conditions. The central core of convection diminished and became restricted to the eastern side of the circulation.{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 05A (Luban) Warning NR 015|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|date=October 12, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522033724/https://www.webcitation.org/736rykbNj?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810111500.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2024|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810111500.htm|access-date=October 22, 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 05A (Luban) Warning NR 017|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522033724/https://www.webcitation.org/736rykbNj?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810111500.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2024|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810120300.htm|access-date=October 22, 2018|url-status=dead}} On October 13, thunderstorm activity increased over the center, signaling some re-intensification.{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 05A (Luban) Warning NR 022|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522034004/https://www.webcitation.org/739uGHH9e?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810130900.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2024|date=October 13, 2018|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810130900.htm|access-date=October 22, 2018|url-status=dead}} Luban again weakened as it approached land, affected by the cooler water and air temperatures.{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 05A (Luban) Warning NR 025|date=October 13, 2018|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522033925/https://www.webcitation.org/739uF2FzW?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810140300.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2024|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810140300.htm|access-date=October 22, 2018|url-status=dead}} On October 14, around 06:00 UTC, Luban made landfall in eastern Yemen, about 30 km (20 mi) south of Al Ghaydah, with winds of {{convert|75|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}.{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone Advisory Bulletin No. 51|date=October 14, 2018|access-date=October 22, 2018|publisher=India Meteorological Department|archive-date=October 14, 2018|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/739tpVcHA?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/RSMC_201810140800.pdf|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/RSMC_201810140800.pdf|url-status=dead}} The storm rapidly weakened over the dry and mountainous terrain,{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone 05A (Luban) Warning NR 026|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522033847/https://www.webcitation.org/739uEfHUm?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810140900.htm|archive-date=May 22, 2024|date=October 14, 2018|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201810140300.htm|access-date=October 22, 2018|url-status=dead}} degenerating into a well-marked low on October 15.

The IMD advised fishermen not to go into deep waters of the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden.{{Cite report|author=Sunitha Devi|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=October 22, 2018|title=Bulletin NO.: 19 (BOB 08/2018) and Bulletin NO. : 29 (ARB 04/2018)-Modified|publisher=India Meteorological Department|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/indian_1539193947.pdf}} Omani officials closed schools and recommended that residents in the storm's path to avoid low-lying areas.{{cite news|title=Cyclone Luban: Storm closing in on Salalah, heavy rains in Dhofar|date=October 14, 2018|access-date=October 22, 2018|newspaper=Lhaleej Times|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/region/oman/Cyclone-Luban-Storm-closing-in-/on-Salalah-Heavy-rains-in-Dhofar}} As Luban made landfall, the storm dropped heavy rainfall in southern Oman that caused flash flooding. Dalkout reported a 24-hour precipitation total of {{convert|5.71|in|mm|abbr=on|order=flip}} and Salalah of {{convert|5.43|in|mm|abbr=on|order=flip}}.{{cite web|author=Dr. Jeff Masters|date=October 15, 2018|publisher=Weatherunderground.com|access-date=October 22, 2018|url=https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/94L-Headed-Towards-Belize-Tara-Drenching-Mexico-Luban-Floods-Yemen|title=94L Headed Towards Belize; Tara Drenching Mexico; Luban Floods Yemen}} The rains created temporary lakes between desert dunes, which produced a small locust outbreak.{{cite report|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/DL483e.pdf|at=ReliefWeb|title=Desert Locust Bulletin 483 (December 2018)|date=January 9, 2019|access-date=January 26, 2019|work=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations}} To the south of the center, the outer rainbands of Luban dropped rains in Puntland, Somalia.{{cite report|title=Somalia Rainfall Forecast - Issued: 17 October 2018|work=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |date=October 17, 2018|at=ReliefWeb|url=https://reliefweb.int/map/somalia/somalia-rainfall-forecast-issued-17-october-2018|access-date=December 7, 2018}}

Cyclone Luban struck Yemen in the midst of a civil war and a cholera outbreak.{{cite report|date=October 16, 2018|title=Global Emergency Overview Weekly Picks, 16 October 2018|work=Assessment Capacities Project|at=ReliefWeb|access-date=October 22, 2018|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/world/global-emergency-overview-weekly-picks-16-october-2018}} The United Nations Population Fund moved 1,250 rapid response kits to coastal areas of Yemen in anticipation of Luban's landfall. Medical teams also moved to the region on standby in preparation for storm victims.{{cite report|title=UNFPA rushes emergency supplies for cyclone-affected South-east Yemen|date=October 15, 2018|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/unfpa-rushes-emergency-supplies-cyclone-affected-south-east-yemen|work=United Nations Population Fund|at=ReliefWeb|access-date=October 22, 2018}} Luban dropped heavy rainfall upon moving ashore, reaching {{convert|290|mm|in|abbr=on}} in Al Ghaydah; there, wind gusts reached 102 km/h (63 mph). Luban caused about US$1 billion in damage in Yemen,{{cite news|url=https://debriefer.net/en/news-4442.html|title=Govt. Report: Luban Storm cost US$ one billion|publisher=Debriefer|date=November 2, 2018|access-date=November 8, 2018}} with the worst effects in Al Mahrah Governorate,{{cite web|date=October 26, 2018|title=Yemen UNHCR Update, 13 - 26 October 2018|agency=High Commissioner for Refugees|at=ReliefWeb|access-date=November 1, 2018|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/External%20Update%20Yemen%202018-10-26%20FINAL.PDF}} where about 90% of the infrastructure was damaged. The storm killed 14 people in the country, and 124 people were injured, with 10 people missing. About 8,000 people were left homeless because of Luban.{{cite news|title=Yemen says 14 killed in Cyclone Luban|access-date=October 30, 2018|url=https://www.apnews.com/705065c5517545adae9e4fb313bb8381|work=Associated Press News|date=October 28, 2018}} Storm damage forced 2,203 families to leave their houses, using 38 schools for shelter.{{cite report|title=Yemen: Cyclone Luban Flash Update #3 (21 October 2018) |date=October 21, 2018|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Cyclone%20Luabn%20Flash%20Update%203.pdf|work=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|at=ReliefWeb|access-date=October 22, 2018}} Flooding washed away thousands of livestock,{{cite news|title=Update: Cyclone Luban Hits Yemen, Injuring Dozens, Destroying Property|author=Ahmed Al-Haj|date=October 17, 2018|newspaper=Insurance Journal|access-date=October 22, 2018|url=https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2018/10/17/504804.htm}} and damaged Yemen's coastal roads and bridges, which disrupted relief efforts. Dirt roads were washed away, isolating seven villages and about 3,000 people.{{cite news|author=Hassan Bashir|agency=Emirates News Agency|title=ERC ends isolation of cyclone-hit Mukalla villages|date=October 27, 2018|access-date=November 1, 2018|at=ReliefWeb|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/erc-ends-isolation-cyclone-hit-mukalla-villages}} The port of Nishtun was closed during the storm, but was reopened in the subsequent weeks. In Al-Masilah, flooding damaged or destroyed 62 houses. The storm damaged the hospital in Qishn District, forcing all workers to evacuate, and shutting down the facility for at least a week. The storm damaged about 90% of the power grid in Al Ghaydah.{{cite report|title=Yemen: Cyclone Luban Flash Update #1 (15 October 2018)|date=October 15, 2018|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-cyclone-luban-flash-update-1-15-october-2018-enar|work=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|at=ReliefWeb|access-date=October 22, 2018}} Many areas lost access to clean water after wells were destroyed. The Yemeni Red Crescent operated search and rescue missions, with help from a helicopter sent by Saudi Arabia.

In the storm's aftermath, various governments and non-governmental organizations provided emergency supplies to residents affected by Luban. The King Salman Relief Centre sent two trucks from Aden to the worst affected areas to distribute tents, blankets, and mattresses. The Oman Charitable Organization sent seven trucks with food and other supplies to eastern Yemen. The World Health Organization sent three tons of medical supplies, including kits for cholera, malaria, and general trauma. About 10 days after the storm struck, the Emirates Red Crescent reconnected seven villages after clearing debris and restoring the dirt roads. Al Mahrah Governorate allocated ﷼‎2 billion (US$2.55 million) for repairing public facilities.

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