Yemen has experienced some of the most intense tropical cyclones in the Arabian Peninsula. These storms have not only caused massive damage to infrastructure but also impacted the lives of thousands of residents.
Over the years, the frequency and severity of these storms have highlighted the vulnerability of this desert nation to natural disasters.
Understanding the largest storms helps to grasp the significant challenges faced by Yemen. These events often bring about devastating floods, wind damage, and long-term economic setbacks.
By looking at the ten biggest storms to hit Yemen, one can see a pattern of increasing concern and the urgent need for better disaster preparedness and response.
1. Cyclone Chapala (2015)
Cyclone Chapala hit Yemen in early November 2015. It made landfall along the Gulf of Aden coast, an area that doesn’t typically see such storms.
With winds around 140 kph (85 mph), it brought a significant threat.
The cyclone dumped massive amounts of rain on Yemen. Some regions experienced three to four times their average yearly rainfall in just a few days. This caused severe flooding in desert areas.
Chapala was notable for being one of the strongest cyclones on record in the Arabian Sea. It was also the first hurricane-strength storm known to make landfall in Yemen, making it a historic event for the country.
For further details, see the CNN report on Cyclone Chapala. Another extensive report is available on The Weather Channel.
2. Cyclone Megh (2015)
Cyclone Megh formed on November 5, 2015, in the eastern Arabian Sea. It followed a similar path to another cyclone, Chapala, which had struck just days before.
Megh made a direct hit on Socotra Island on November 8. The storm reached the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane, with winds of 127 mph.
After Socotra, Megh continued towards mainland Yemen. It made landfall near the port city of Aden on November 10, causing significant damage. Megh is considered one of the strongest cyclones to ever hit Yemen.
Cyclone Megh brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, leading to widespread destruction. It is remembered for exacerbating the damage caused by Cyclone Chapala, making the recovery efforts even more challenging for the affected regions.
For more on Cyclone Megh, visit the BBC or Wikipedia.
3. Cyclone Luban (2018)
Cyclone Luban was a significant tropical cyclone that impacted the Arabian Peninsula in October 2018. It followed cyclones Sagar and Mekunu, occurring earlier in the same year.
Luban developed on October 6 in the central Arabian Sea and maintained a west-northwest trajectory for much of its lifespan. On October 10, the India Meteorological Department upgraded it to a very severe cyclonic storm.
Cyclone Luban made landfall in Yemen near the border with Oman on October 14. The storm brought heavy rainfall and caused significant flooding in the region between Mukalla and Al Ghaidah.
The storm resulted in substantial damage, particularly in storm-hit Yemen. Flooding and heavy rain overwhelmed infrastructure and displaced many people, exacerbating the region’s humanitarian crisis.
For more information about Cyclone Luban, visit NASA Earth Observatory and Wikipedia.
4. Cyclone Sagar (2018)
Cyclone Sagar struck Yemen in May 2018. It formed in the Gulf of Aden and intensified quickly. The cyclone reached peak intensity on May 18, brushing Yemen’s coast with strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The storm caused significant damage. It led to severe flooding in several areas. The intense rainfall and high winds affected infrastructure and homes.
Cyclone Sagar was a rare event for the region. It also impacted Somalia, Somaliland, and Ethiopia. The related FloodList report mentions that at least 16 people died due to the cyclone.
5. 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 2011 and affected Yemen in early November.
Keila brought strong winds and heavy rains to the region. Roads in Yemen were flooded, vehicles were swept away, and hospitals faced emergency evacuations.
The storm resulted in 14 deaths and more than 200 injuries. Cyclone Keila had sustained winds near 40 mph when it made landfall. You can read more details about Keila on NASA Earth Observatory.
Keila’s impact was severe, though it was classified as a weak tropical storm. Its effects were felt across Yemen, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to such natural events.
6. Cyclone Murjan (2012)
Cyclone Murjan struck Yemen in October 2012. This storm brought heavy rains and strong winds, impacting areas along the coast and inland regions.
Murjan formed over the Arabian Sea and moved toward Somalia before affecting Yemen. The storm’s maximum wind speed reached 65 km/h, causing significant disruptions.
Murjan’s rains and winds led to flooding and damage in many communities. It also affected neighboring Ethiopia, bringing heavy rainfall of over 40 mm.
7. Cyclone Hikaa (2019)
Cyclone Hikaa was a severe tropical storm that struck the Arabian Peninsula in September 2019. It formed in the Arabian Sea on September 22 and quickly intensified.
Hikaa reached its peak intensity on September 24 with winds exceeding 85 mph (140 km/h). The storm made landfall in eastern Oman later that day.
Though primarily affecting Oman, Cyclone Hikaa’s impact was felt in Yemen as well. The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds, causing significant disruptions.
For more details, refer to Cyclone Hikaa on Wikipedia.
8. Cyclone Bandu (2010)
Cyclone Bandu formed in May 2010 and was first named as it moved into the Gulf of Aden. The storm reached maximum sustained winds of about 52 mph.
Bandu hit the Bari region in northern Somalia, causing significant flooding and displacement. The cyclone’s impact extended to nearby areas, including Yemen, which experienced heavy rains and strong winds.
For more details on its path and effects, visit Tropical Cyclone Bandu Path.
9. Cyclone Gati (2020)
Cyclone Gati struck Yemen on November 22, 2020. As it made landfall, it became the strongest storm to ever hit Somalia before moving inland, impacting parts of Yemen. The cyclone was recorded with maximum sustained winds of 170 kilometers (105 miles) per hour.
Gati brought significant rainfall, causing widespread flooding in Yemen. In just two days, certain areas experienced more than a year’s worth of rain, leading to severe damage and disruption. The storm’s intensity and swift impact are notable for the region.
The extreme weather event posed challenges to local communities, affecting their agriculture and infrastructure. Cyclone Gati highlighted the region’s vulnerability to tropical cyclones and the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies.
10. Cyclone Kyarr (2019)
Cyclone Kyarr was one of the most powerful storms to hit the Arabian Sea, reaching peak winds of 250 kph. It was the strongest cyclone in the region since Tropical Cyclone Gonu in 2007.
Kyarr intensified quickly after forming near the Equator. By October 24, 2019, it had become a significant storm, moving eastward and reaching Super Cyclonic Storm status.
The cyclone caused substantial damage as it approached Yemen. The island of Socotra faced heavy rains and strong winds, affecting about 68,000 people with winds up to 150 km/h.
Kyarr eventually weakened into a depression but not before leaving a lasting impact on the region. For more information, visit the Washington Post article and read about the UN report.
Understanding Storms in Yemen
Yemen experiences severe weather conditions due to its geographic location and climatic patterns. Significant factors include tropical cyclones originating from the Arabian Sea and the impact of the monsoon season.
Climatic Conditions
Yemen is located on the southern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. Its unique position makes it susceptible to tropical cyclones, particularly during the monsoon season.
Cyclones in this region typically develop in the Arabian Sea. These storms can generate heavy rainfall, strong winds, and severe flooding.
For instance, Cyclone Tej dropped 20 inches of rain in a single night, an extraordinary amount considering Yemen’s average annual rainfall.
Flash floods and heavy rains exacerbate humanitarian issues, especially in a nation already facing severe challenges. The rainy season, running from April to October, often brings sudden and intense downpours.
Historical Context
Yemen has a history of devastating storms. One such example is the recent torrential rain and flash flooding in 2024 that caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure and resulted in loss of life.
Another notable event was the heavy rains in mid-2020, which killed over 130 people in Yemen’s capital.
Historically, Yemen has experienced 64 known tropical cyclones. These storms often bring large-scale damage, disrupting lives and communities. The combination of an ongoing civil war and frequent severe weather events creates an environment where recovery and resiliency are incredibly challenging.
Impact of Major Storms
Major storms in Yemen have caused severe economic damage and deeply affected social and cultural life. These impacts have been felt nationwide and have led to significant disruptions.
Economic Consequences
Storms have devastated Yemen’s economy. For example, a tropical depression resulted in an estimated $1.638 billion in damages, impacting 6% of the country’s GDP. This figure illustrates how significant the financial burden can be from these natural disasters.
Buildings, roads, and vital infrastructure often incur heavy damage. In 2021, flash flooding caused substantial destruction, including the collapse of several buildings in historic areas.
Agriculture also suffers greatly. Many families rely on farming for their livelihood, and storm damage to crops means loss of food and income. Repair and rebuilding efforts are expensive and slow, further hampering economic recovery.
Social and Cultural Effects
Storms disrupt daily life and lead to large-scale displacement. Since the conflict began, storms and flooding have displaced around 600,000 people.
This displacement strains resources and complicates humanitarian efforts.
The cultural heritage of Yemen is also at risk. Historical sites and ancient buildings have been damaged or destroyed.
For instance, the collapse of buildings in Tarim has led to the loss of precious cultural landmarks.
Additionally, frequent natural disasters contribute to mental health issues. Communities face stress, uncertainty, and the trauma of losing loved ones or homes.
Providing adequate mental health support remains a challenge in such a crisis-ridden country.
Preparation and Recovery Efforts
Preparation and recovery efforts in Yemen involve a combination of government action and community engagement. These efforts are vital in minimizing the impact of devastating storms and helping communities rebound quickly.
Government Initiatives
The Yemeni government has been instrumental in setting up disaster response protocols.
Early warning systems and emergency response teams play a key role in alerting the population before storms hit.
These systems have helped reduce casualties and damage to property.
Infrastructure projects have also been started to strengthen buildings against high winds and flooding. Shelters are set up in safe zones and stocked with essential supplies.
Additionally, training programs for government employees aim to improve their skills in disaster management and response.
These initiatives have shown promise in creating a more resilient society.
Community Response
Local communities contribute significantly to preparation and recovery efforts.
Volunteer groups often come together to provide immediate help to affected families.
They assist in evacuations, distribute supplies, and help with cleanup efforts once the storm has passed.
Local NGOs and international organizations like the UN also play a big role.
They work on long-term rebuilding efforts and offer support through funding and technical expertise.
Educational campaigns focus on teaching residents how to prepare for upcoming storms, such as securing their homes and creating emergency kits.
These grassroots efforts are indispensable in ensuring that the entire community is better prepared for future storms.