Somalia has faced numerous powerful storms throughout its history.
These storms have brought significant challenges, impacting the lives and infrastructure of the region.
The Horn of Africa, a key geographical location, has often been hit by these fierce weather events.
Exploring the biggest storms to ever hit Somalia reveals patterns in weather and highlights the region’s resilience.
Each storm has a unique story and impact, reflecting the harsh climate realities faced by this part of the world.
This article will dive into the ten most significant storms that have shaped Somalia’s recent history.
1. Cyclone Gati (2020)
Cyclone Gati was the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded to make landfall in Somalia.
It hit the country on November 22, 2020, bringing maximum sustained winds of 105 miles per hour. This storm was classified as a category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Gati was remarkable for the sheer amount of rain it brought.
In just two days, it delivered more rainfall than the region typically sees in an entire year. This led to significant flooding and widespread destruction.
Cyclone Gati was also deadly.
The storm resulted in eight fatalities and left many more injured or displaced.
The impact on infrastructure and agriculture worsened the already difficult living conditions in Somalia.
The cyclone struck after a period of severe drought and locust swarms, making recovery even more challenging.
Learn more about Gati’s historic landfall at NASA Earth Observatory here.
2. Cyclone Sagar (2018)
Cyclone Sagar was one of the strongest storms to ever hit Somalia.
Forming in May 2018, it made landfall in north-western Somaliland on May 19.
The cyclone brought wind gusts of up to 120 km/hour. This led to severe damage across regions such as Awdal, Togdheer, Sool, and Sanaag.
Sagar caused fatalities and displacement.
Many farms, infrastructures, and livestock were destroyed. It delivered a year’s worth of rainfall in a short span of time.
More details on Cyclone Sagar can be found here.
3. Cyclone Chapala (2015)
Cyclone Chapala was one of the most powerful tropical cyclones to hit Somalia.
It developed as a depression on October 28, 2015, and rapidly intensified into a cyclonic storm by the next day.
On November 2, 2015, Cyclone Chapala entered the Gulf of Aden as the strongest tropical cyclone on record in the region. It caused heavy rainfall in Puntland and Somaliland, leading to widespread damage.
The storm affected more than 500 families, totaling about 4,000 people, primarily in the Gardaful Region.
Many homes and infrastructures faced destruction.
For more details, see regions hit by Cyclone Chapala.
4. Cyclone Megh (2015)
Cyclone Megh formed on November 5, 2015, in the eastern Arabian Sea. It followed a path similar to Cyclone Chapala, causing significant impact on the Yemeni island of Socotra. The cyclone turned west and continued its path.
Cyclone Megh struck the Berbera and Bossaso Districts in Somalia.
It brought heavy rainfall, accounting for 300% of the annual average in those areas. The significant rain caused more flooding and damage.
The storm was notable for its impact on Puntland and Somaliland.
These regions experienced additional rains and destruction after Chapala had already hit them. The cyclone’s proximity to Cape Guardafui brought severe weather conditions.
For more details, Cyclone Megh is regarded as one of the most impactful storms in the history of the region. More information can be found on the Cyclone Megh Wikipedia page.
5. Cyclone Laila (2010)
Cyclone Laila formed in the Bay of Bengal on May 17, 2010. It was the first tropical cyclone of that year’s season. The storm developed from a persistent area of convection and quickly intensified.
Laila reached wind speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph).
It made landfall in southeastern India, affecting Andhra Pradesh. This marked the first cyclonic storm to hit the region in May since the 1990 Andhra Pradesh cyclone.
The storm caused significant damage in the affected areas.
High winds and heavy rains led to flooding and destruction of infrastructure. More details can be found on the event’s overview.
6. Cyclone Murjan (2012)
Cyclone Murjan struck Somalia in late October 2012. The storm formed over the south Arabian Sea and moved west-southwestwards. It crossed the Somali coast on October 25.
Murjan brought heavy rain and strong winds to the Bari region.
Wind speeds reached up to 68.4 km/h (40.2 mph), and rainfall amounts ranged from 100 to 200 mm.
The cyclone caused severe flash flooding, which led to the loss of livestock and infrastructure.
Around 100,000 livestock were reported to have died due to the storm.
Areas affected included Bossaso, Bandarbeyla, Iskushuban, Garoowe, and Eyl District. The impacts were felt not only in Somalia but also stretched into neighboring Ethiopia.
7. Cyclone Keila (2011)
Cyclone Keila was the first named storm of the 2011 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. It formed in the western Arabian Sea in late October amid marginally favorable conditions. By November 2, Keila briefly intensified.
Keila brought heavy rainfall to the Arabian Peninsula during early November.
There were reports of at least a dozen fatalities and around 200 injuries due to torrential rains. The storm caused localized flooding and disrupted daily life.
For more information, visit Tropical Storm Keila on NASA Earth Observatory.
8. Cyclone Bandu (2010)
Cyclone Bandu, also known as Tropical Storm 02A, struck Somalia in May 2010. The storm hit the Bossaso District on May 21, packing winds near 45 knots (52 mph).
The cyclone moved into the Gulf of Aden, making landfall in northeast Somalia.
Heavy rains and strong winds resulted in significant flooding and human displacement in the affected areas.
Bandu primarily impacted the Bari Region and caused disruptions to local communities.
Cooler waters and higher atmospheric conditions led to the storm dissipating within 24 hours. For more information, you can visit this detailed report.
9. Cyclone Hikaa (2019)
Cyclone Hikaa formed in the Arabian Sea in September 2019. It developed west of India and quickly intensified. By September 24, its maximum sustained winds reached over 140 km/h (85 mph).
The cyclone struck eastern Oman, causing significant damage.
Although it didn’t directly hit Somalia, its wide-reaching effects were felt in the region. Coastal areas took precautionary measures as the storm approached.
For more information about Cyclone Hikaa, you can visit its Wikipedia page.
10. Cyclone Hudhud (2014)
Cyclone Hudhud was an extremely severe cyclonic storm. It struck in October 2014. The storm began in the Andaman Sea on October 6, under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation.
Hudhud made landfall near Visakhapatnam, India, on October 12.
At its peak, the cyclone reached the equivalent of a category 4 hurricane, with wind speeds up to 130 miles per hour. It caused extensive damage and flooding.
The storm significantly impacted eastern India and Nepal, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.
Around 300,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas in India, highlighting the severity of the storm’s impact.
Cyclone Hudhud is one of the most memorable storms to have affected the region due to its intensity and damage. For more details, visit Cyclone Hudhud.
Historical Significance of Major Storms in Somalia
Major storms in Somalia have had profound effects on local communities and the economy.
Impact on Local Communities
Severe storms such as Cyclone Gati have had devastating impacts on communities.
For instance, when Gati made landfall with wind speeds of 170 kilometers per hour, it caused widespread flooding.
Communities were displaced, and infrastructure was severely damaged. The storm brought more than a year’s worth of rain in just two days, leading to flash floods that swept through homes and streets.
These storms also exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.
Poorly constructed homes are often destroyed, leaving families without shelter.
Public services like healthcare and education are disrupted. The local authorities are often overwhelmed by the scale of the destruction, leading to delayed recovery efforts.
Economic Consequences
The economic fallout from major storms in Somalia is substantial.
For example, the intense flooding caused by storms can wipe out crops, which are a primary source of livelihood for many in the region.
Agriculture, a key sector in Somalia, suffers as fields are submerged, and livestock are lost.
This leads to food shortages and increased prices, putting a strain on already vulnerable populations.
Moreover, storms damage critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
This hinders the movement of goods and people, thereby slowing down trade and affecting market activities.
The cost of rebuilding and repairing this infrastructure places a heavy burden on the national budget, diverting funds from other essential services.
Climate Change and Storms in Somalia
Climate change has dramatically impacted the frequency and intensity of storms in Somalia. Rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns play significant roles in escalating these weather events.
Influence of Global Warming
Global warming has a direct effect on the climate in Somalia.
Warmer sea surface temperatures contribute to the formation of stronger storms.
For example, Cyclone Gati, which struck in November 2020, was the strongest storm recorded in Somalia with winds of 105 miles per hour.
This storm’s strength was linked to unusually high ocean temperatures in the northern Indian Ocean.
Heavy rains, like those seen in the recent floods, are also becoming more common.
Scientists note that climate change intensifies El Niño events, leading to increased rainfall.
In 2023, torrential rains affected about 2 million people, causing severe flooding and displacement.
Future Projections
Future projections indicate that Somalia will experience even more severe storms.
Climate models suggest that warming oceans will lead to more frequent and intense tropical cyclones.
This trend could worsen flooding, as seen in the 2023 events, and heighten risks to life and property.
Experts warn that in the coming decades, the Horn of Africa will continue to face extreme weather.
This includes not just floods and cyclones but also more erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts.
The United Nations has already warned of potential “once-in-a-century” events becoming more common due to climate change.
These projections underline the need for urgent climate action and better disaster preparedness to protect vulnerable communities.