1876 Bengal cyclone

Great Backerganj Cyclone of 1876
Super cyclonic storm (IMD scale)
Category 4 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
Formed October 29, 1876
Dissipated November 1, 1876
Highest winds 3-minute sustained: 220 km/h (140 mph)
1-minute sustained: 230 km/h (145 mph)
Lowest pressure 945 hPa (mbar); 27.91 inHg
Fatalities 200,000 total
Damage Unknown
Areas affected Bangladesh, India

The Great Backerganj Cyclone of 1876 (October 29 – November 1, 1876) was one of the deadliest cyclones in history. It hit the coast of Backerganj (near Meghna estuary) in present-day Barisal, Bangladesh, killing about 200,000 people, half of whom were drowned by the storm surge, and the remainder died in the resultant famine.[1][2]

The cyclone formed over the SE Bay of Bengal as a depression near 10.0°N and 89.0°E on October 27, intensified into a cyclonic storm near 15.0°N and 89.0°E on October 30 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 October 31, the cyclone made landfall on Backerganj.[2]

The maximum wind was estimated at 220 km/h (140 mph) and the surge height was 3–13.6 m (9.8–44.6 ft).[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 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.
  2. 1 2 Chowdhury, Masud Hasan. "Cyclone". Banglapedia. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. Retrieved 6 August 2015.


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