This is the 8991st most frequent Swedish word.
drabba
To affect, strike, or befall.
In this sentence, 'drabbade' is used to describe the impact of an event (the economic crisis) on a group (many companies).
Den ekonomiska krisen drabbade många företag.
The economic crisis affected many companies.
Here, 'drabbade' conveys the notion of striking or hitting a location (the coast) as caused by a weather phenomenon (the storm).
Stormen drabbade kusten med våldsamma vindar.
The storm hit the coast with violent winds.
In this example, 'drabbad' represents being affected personally and severely, often by circumstances or conditions (a rare disease).