Cyclone Luban forms in Arabian Sea off sultanate of Oman

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Forecasters say a tropical cyclone has formed in the Arabian Sea off Oman.

The India Meteorological Department said Monday the storm was some 1,040 kilometres (645 miles) east-southeast of Salalah, Oman, moving around 20 kph (12.5 mph).

Forecasters warn it could develop into a severe cyclonic storm with winds gusting to 135 kph (83 mph). They still aren’t sure where it will make landfall.

Forecasters named the storm Cyclone Luban, or “frankincense” in Arabic. Oman offered the name to authorities, as the aromatic resin used for perfumes and incense is grown on trees in the sultanate.

Cyclone Mekunu struck Salalah and neighbouring Yemen in May, killing at least 30 people.

A tropical cyclone is called a hurricane or a typhoon in other parts of the world.