Cyclone Chapala batters war-torn Yemen

[MowCowWhoHow III]

Source: BBC

A rare tropical cyclone has made landfall on Yemen's southern coast, flooding the port city of Mukalla.

Thousands fled as the storm, named Chapala, brought hurricane-force winds, heavy rain and huge waves to the area. There were no reports of casualties.

Mukalla is controlled by militants from al-Qaeda and residents warned it was ill-equipped to deal with a disaster. On Sunday, the cyclone battered the remote Yemeni island of Socotra, killing at least one person.

Chapala is believed to be the most powerful storm Yemen has seen in decades.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-34698709

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[muriel_volestrangler]

1. could be 10 times the annual average of rain in just 2 days

The cyclone could nevertheless deluge parts of the country with up to 50cm (20in) of rain in two days - 10 times the annual average.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-34698709

Chapala is the 23rd northern hemisphere cat4/5 cyclone this year. Compared with the previous record of 18 in 2004, and of course 2015 isn't over yet.