Cyclone Sidr - Horrible, But Not the Worst

While not the deadliest storm to reach Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) this century, Tropical Cyclone Sidr has left much devastation in its wake. The storm, which developed earlier last week, made landfall on Thursday, November 15, 2007. While Bangladesh is prone to flooding at just 39 feet above seas level, a tropical cyclone (the same as a hurricane in the Atlantic) can increase the potential for inland flooding. Bangladesh is one of the lowest-lying and most heavily populated areas in the world and that spells tragedy.

So far, more than 1700 deaths have been attributed to the storm. More bodies are expected to be recovered. A map of the affected areas can be seen here. While the storm was a category 4 the day before, there was some weakening of the winds before landfall. In fact, the storm seemed to have gone from a powerhouse to one of little central organization. This satellite photo on November 15, 2007 (left image) shows the storm with a definite central eye, although it is cloudy. But by November 16th, 2007, the storm appeared to have lost most all its organization (right image).

The US government has assisted in the relief efforts by sending boats for emergency operations. Six water treatment systems and ten water ambulances were also available. With partners CARE and Save the Children 30,000 Emergency Survival Packages were pre-positioned in areas facing the oncoming cyclone. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is currently seeking 3.5 million dollars for aid, but the amount of money needed will likely be much higher. If you would like to donate to flood victims, go to WorldVision.org.

On November 12th, 1970, one of the worst natural disasters in this century occurred in Bangladesh - Tropical Cyclone Bhola hit Bangladesh and India killing an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 people (With some estimates as high as 1 million people). In addition a storm in 1991 killed more than 138,000 people. (That storm is unofficially known as cyclone Gorky.)