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 |
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, Bengal Presidency, British India (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
[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.