Impact 1970 Bhola cyclone

1 impact

1.1 east pakistan
1.2 india
1.3 death toll

impact

although north indian ocean least active of tropical cyclone basins, coast of bay of bengal particularly vulnerable effects of tropical cyclones. exact death toll never known, estimated 300,000 500,000 people in total. bhola cyclone not powerful of these, however; 1991 bangladesh cyclone stronger when made landfall in same general area category 5-equivalent cyclone 260 km/h (160 mph) winds.

the bhola cyclone nonetheless deadliest tropical cyclone on record , 1 of deadliest natural disasters in recent history. comparable number of people died result of 1976 tangshan earthquake , 2004 indian ocean earthquake, because of uncertainty in number of deaths in 3 disasters, may never known 1 deadliest.

east pakistan

the meteorological station in chittagong, 95 km (59 mi) east of storm made landfall, recorded winds of 144 km/h (89 mph) before anemometer blown off @ 2200 utc. ship anchored in port in same area recorded peak gust of 222 km/h (138 mph) 45 minutes later. storm made landfall, caused 10-metre (33 ft) high storm surge @ ganges delta. in port @ chittagong, storm tide peaked @ 4 m (13 ft) above average sea level, 1.2 m (3.9 ft) of storm surge.

pakistani radio reported there no survivors on 13 islands near chittagong. flight on area showed devastation complete throughout southern half of bhola island, , rice crops of bhola island, hatia island , nearby mainland coastline destroyed. several seagoing vessels in ports of chittagong , mongla reported damaged, , airports @ chittagong , cox s bazar under 1 m (3.3 ft) of water several hours.

over 3.6 million people directly affected cyclone, , total damage storm estimated @ $86.4 million (1970 usd, $450 million 2006 usd). survivors claimed approximately 85% of homes in area destroyed or severely damaged, greatest destruction occurring along coast. ninety percent of marine fishermen in region suffered heavy losses, including destruction of 9,000 offshore fishing boats. of 77,000 onshore fishermen, 46,000 killed cyclone, , 40% of survivors affected severely. in total, approximately 65% of fishing capacity of coastal region destroyed storm, in region 80% of protein consumed comes fish. agricultural damage severe loss of $63 million worth of crops , 280,000 cattle. 3 months after storm, 75% of population receiving food relief workers, , on 150,000 relied upon aid half of food.

india

the cyclone brought widespread rain andaman , nicobar islands, heavy rain falling in places on november 8 , 9. port blair recorded 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain on november 8, , there number of floods on islands. mv mahajagmitra, 5,500-ton freighter en route calcutta kuwait, sunk storm on november 12, loss of 50 people on board. ship sent out distress signal , reported experiencing hurricane-force winds before sank. there widespread rain in west bengal , southern assam. rain caused damage housing , crops in both indian states, worst damage occurring in southernmost districts.

death toll

two medical relief surveys carried out pakistan-seato cholera research laboratory: first in november , second in february , march. purpose of first survey establish immediate medical needs in affected regions, , second, more detailed, survey designed basis long-term relief , recovery planning. in second survey, approximately 1.4% of area s population studied.

the first survey concluded surface water in of affected regions had comparable salt content drawn wells, except in sudharam, water undrinkable salt content of 0.5%. mortality estimated @ 14.2%—equivalent death toll of 240,000. cyclone-related morbidity restricted minor injuries, phenomenon dubbed cyclone syndrome observed. consisted of severe abrasions on limbs , chest caused survivors clinging trees withstand storm surge. initially, there fears of outbreak of cholera , typhoid fever in weeks following storm, survey found no evidence of epidemic of cholera, smallpox or other disease in region affected storm.

the totals second survey considerable underestimate several groups not included. 100,000 migrant workers collecting rice harvest, families wiped out storm , had migrated out of region in 3 months not included, , excluding these groups, risk of hearsay , exaggeration reduced. survey concluded overall death toll was, @ minimum, 224,000. worst effects felt in tazumuddin, mortality 46.3%, corresponding approximately 77,000 deaths in thana alone. mean mortality throughout affected region 16.5%.

the results showed highest survival rate adult males aged 15–49, while more half deaths children under ten, formed third of pre-cyclone population. suggests young, old , sick @ highest risk of perishing in cyclone , surge. in months after storm, mortality of middle-aged lower in cyclone area in control region, near dhaka. reflected storm s toll on less healthy individuals.