This is the 6954th most frequent Dutch word.
afschuwelijke
"Horrible" or "terrible."
The word 'afschuwelijke' here is used as an adjective to describe the extent of the damage caused by the storm, emphasizing how horrifying or despicable the situation was.
De storm veroorzaakte afschuwelijke schade aan het dorp.
The storm caused terrible damage to the village.
In this sentence, 'afschuwelijk' is used as an adverb, expressing the subjective emotional response of the person regarding the incident they have to witness.
Het is afschuwelijk om zoiets te moeten zien.
It is horrible to have to witness something like that.
Here, 'afschuwelijke' is modifying 'scènes', characterizing them as repulsive or unpleasant in nature.