1876 Bengal cyclone
The Great Backerganj Cyclone of 1876 (29 October – 1 November 1876) was one of the deadliest tropical cyclones in history. It hit the coast of Backerganj, British Raj (near Meghna estuary) in present-day Barisal, Bangladesh, killing about 200,000 people, half of whom were drowned by the storm surge, while the rest died from the subsequent famine.[1][2]
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 29 October 1876 |
| Dissipated | 1 November 1876 |
| Super cyclonic storm | |
| 3-minute sustained (IMD) | |
| Highest winds | 220 km/h (140 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 945 hPa (mbar); 27.91 inHg |
| Category 4-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS) | |
| Highest winds | 230 km/h (145 mph) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 200,000 total |
| Damage | Unknown |
| Areas affected | Backergunge District, British Raj |
Part of the 1876 North Indian Ocean cyclone season | |
Meteorological history edit
The cyclone formed over the SE Bay of Bengal as a depression near 10.0°N and 89.0°E on 27 October, intensified into a cyclonic storm near 15.0°N and 89.0°E on 30 October and subsequently intensified into a severe cyclonic storm with a core of hurricane winds. The cyclone moved north up to the North Bay and then NNE.[1] On 31 October, the cyclone made landfall on Backerganj.[2]
The maximum wind speed was estimated at 220 km/h (140 mph) and the surge height was 3–13.6 m (9.8–44.6 ft).[1]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b c SMRC-No.1 – The impact of tropical cyclones on the coastal regions of SAARC countries and their influence in the region, SAARC Meteorological Research Center (SMRC),1998.
- ^ a b Chowdhury, Masud Hasan. "Cyclone". Banglapedia. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. Retrieved 6 August 2015.