The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to journalists, say Cyclone Chapala has seriously damaged or destroyed at least 20 homes on the island today.
They say many residents living near the coast are taking shelter in caves. The island is being hit by heavy rain and strong winds, and rising waves are battering the coast. The officials say coastal areas are flooded.
The UN weather agency said Friday that Cyclone Chapala could dump more than a year's worth of rainfall on Yemen. It's expected to hit the country's mainland tomorrow.