Cyclone not linked to global warming

Dubai: Cyclone Gonu cannot be linked to climate change according to an expert as meteorological events similar to this do not happen regularly enough and last took place about 30 years ago.

"If another cyclone takes place say in a month, then perhaps we can say that climatic conditions in the regions are causing this and it would be possible to relate it to climate change," said Mohamed Raouf, senior environment researcher at the Gulf Research Centre.

"But for the time being I don't think it is possible to say that. It is normal to witness things like this here every now and again. With 30 years between cyclones I don't think this is because of climate change," he said.

"Sea life will not be affected much by this and especially now as it is not as severe. The biggest damage will be caused by dust. There is a lot of wind and dust from the desert will sweep across and cause a lot of damage to property and it is bad for health," said Raouf.

He added that temperature in general in the region may have increased by one degree over past decades but this does not link the cyclone to global warming.