Cyclone Gonu

Description:

Cyclone Gonu was the strongest tropical cyclone to ever hit the Arabian Peninsula. It developed from a persistent area of convection in the eastern Arabian Sea on June 1, 2007, and dissipated on June 7, 2007. The cyclone dropped heavy rainfall which reaching upto 610mm, and winds reached upto 270km/h. This caused flooding and heavy damage. The cyclone was considered to be the UAE's worst natural disaster as it measured a category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Impacts:

Cyclone Gonu had several impacts on the UAE. Strong winds knocked out power and telephone lines across the eastern region of the country, leaving thousands isolated. Fierce waves pushed large amounts of water to coastal areas in Fujairah forcing roads to be closed and traffic diverted. The waves along the coastline destroyed about a dozen fishing boats. The cyclone caused 28 deaths and resulted in $216 million in damage.