2002 West Bengal cyclone
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | November 10, 2002 |
Dissipated | November 12, 2002 |
Severe cyclonic storm | |
3-minute sustained (IMD) | |
Highest winds | 100 km/h (65 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 984 hPa (mbar); 29.06 inHg |
Tropical storm | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
Highest winds | 100 km/h (65 mph) |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 173 total |
Areas affected | India, Bangladesh |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2002 North Indian Ocean cyclone season |
The 2002 West Bengal cyclone (JTWC designation: 03B, officially known as Severe Cyclonic Storm BOB 03) was a deadly tropical cyclone that affected India and Bangladesh in November 2002. The sixth tropical cyclone and fourth cyclonic storm of the 2002 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, it developed in the Bay of Bengal northeast of Sri Lanka on November 10, as a tropical depression. After tracking northeast, the system strengthened into a cyclonic storm on November 11, as maximum sustained winds exceeded 65 km/h (40 mph). On November 12, it further intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. Later that day, the storm made landfall on Sagar Island in West Bengal with winds of 100 km/h (60 mph). After moving inland, it rapidly weakened and dissipated over Bangladesh on November 12.
Rough seas offshore Odisha caused two fishing trawlers to collide, resulting in 18 fatalities, while two additional trawlers were reported missing. In West Bengal, the storm uprooted trees and dropped heavy rainfall. Throughout India, 124 deaths were confirmed. Strong winds and heavy rainfall in Bangladesh impacted many cities and villages, including the capital city of Dhaka, forcing thousands to evacuate. Ten wooden trawlers carrying 150 men sank offshore Bangladesh, with only 11 reaching safety. Eight additional boats with 60 occupants were reported missing. One death was reported in Bangladesh after a man attempted to cross a swollen river. Overall, there were 49 fatalities in Bangladesh. The storm was attributed to at least 173 fatalities in India, Bangladesh, and offshore areas.
Meteorological history
Around 0300 UTC on November 10, a depression developed in the southwestern Bay of Bengal.[1] Three hours later, a bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated that BOB 03 formed about 265 km (165 mi) east-southeast of Chennai, India. The system steadily intensified and headed northeastward.[2] At 1200 UTC on November 11, the depression reached gale force and was upgraded to Cyclonic Storm BOB 03. At that time, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) initiated warnings on Tropical Cyclone 03B. Further strengthening briefly slowed later on November 11. However, early on the following day, the storm resumed intensification.[1]
At 0600 UTC on November 12, BOB 03 became a severe cyclonic storm and reached its
Impact
As the storm approached, residents of low-lying areas were advised to seek shelter. According to the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, the communication system had been activated and collectors in coastal districts were given satellite telephones. Additionally, district authorities collected food, water, and other essential emergency supplies.
Prime Minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia urged senior officials in Dhaka and coastal districts to prepare for the storm. Officials in Chittagong asked that all 24 ships be moved out of the harbor and river channel. In coastal areas, thousands of Red Crescent volunteers reported for duty in order to assist vulnerable villages in preparation of the storm.[8] Winds destroyed bamboo huts, uprooted trees, and disrupted road transport between towns and villages on the shore of the Bay of Bengal.[2] Torrential rainfall in the area flooded dozens of villages, forcing thousands to evacuate.[9] Heavy precipitation also lashed the capital city of Dhaka, inundating streets, which caused a shutdown of electricity and interrupting public transportation.[2] One death was reported after a man drowned while attempting to cross a river in southern Bhola Island.[10] Ten wooden trawlers carrying 150 men sank near Cox's Bazar; only 11 of them were known to have survived. An additional eight fishing boats transporting 60 people was reported missing off of Barisal Division.[9] By November 15, 47 fishing vessels were still unaccounted for.[2] A navy motor boat also sunk near Kutubdia, though its six crew members swam ashore.[9] In the aftermath of the storm, the number of deaths in Bangladesh rose to 49.[7]
Overall, the storm resulted in 173 confirmed fatalities.
See also
Notes
- ^ The India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses 3-minute sustained wind speeds.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d e Panel on tropical cyclones annual review 2002 (PDF). World Meteorological Organization (Report). Prevention Web. 2004. Retrieved August 26, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f Gary Padgett. Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary (Report). Australian Severe Weather. Retrieved August 26, 2012.
- ^ Tropical Cyclone Operational Plan for the North Indian Ocean (PDF). World Meteorological Organization (Report). India Meteorological Department. 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-07-09. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
- ^ Kenneth R. Knapp; Michael C. Kruk; David H. Levinson; Howard J. Diamond; Charles J. Neumann (2010). "2002 MISSING (2002314N12083)". The International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS): Unifying tropical cyclone best track data. University of North Carolina. Archived from the original on July 7, 2016. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
- ^ "Orissa cyclone weakening, 100-120 kmph winds still likely". The Times of India. Press Trust of India. November 12, 2002. Archived from the original on October 5, 2013. Retrieved August 27, 2012.
- ^ a b Sailendra Sil (November 14, 2002). "49 fishermen killed, more missing in killer cyclone in Bengal Bay". Agence France-Presse.
- ^ a b c Disaster List. Université Catholique de Louvain (Report). EM-DAT: The OFDA/CRED International Disaster Database. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Cyclone reaches Bangladesh coast". Agence France-Presse. November 12, 2002.
- ^ a b c "200 feared dead as storm sinks boats in Bangladesh". Deseret News. Associated Press. November 13, 2002. Retrieved August 26, 2012.
- ^ "Three dead, 200 fishermen reported missing after Bangladesh cyclone warning". Agence France-Presse. November 13, 2002.
- ^ India: Cyclone Information Bulletin No. 1. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Report). ReliefWeb. November 15, 2002. Retrieved August 27, 2012.