Cyclone Megh Makes Direct Hit in Yemen; 2 Killed

Less than a week after being hit by Cyclone Chapala, inhabitants of Socotra Island in Yemen are in a panic as Cyclone Megh thrashes the island.

Megh made a direct hit as the equivalent of a Category 2 or 3 hurricane Sunday.

At least two people were killed and dozens of others were injured, reports Gulf News. 

People who returned to their seafront homes, already destroyed by Chapala, have fled again, heading to government buildings or highlands as heavy floods hit again, according to World Meteorological Organization spokeswoman Clare Nulls. 

“A storm of this strength is likely to cause widespread destruction, and is easily capable of damaging homes and snapping trees,” said Al Jazeera weather presenter Steff Gaulter. "The damage caused by Megh is likely to be extensive, particularly for an island which has been hit by a similar cyclone less than a week ago."

Back-to-back cyclones such as Chapala and Megh affecting Socotra Island within the span of a week is unprecedented in historical record. According to NOAA's historical hurricane tracks database, only once before on record have a pair of cyclones tracked within 200 nautical miles of Socotra Island within the same season.

At least three people were killed and more than 300 others were injured on Socotra after Chapala's landfall. The island suffered huge property loss and an estimated 2,000 people have been displaced.

This is breaking news. Check back for more updates.

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