Great Backerganj Cyclone of 1876
Meteorological history
Formed29 October 1876
Dissipated1 November 1876
Super cyclonic storm
3-minute sustained (IMD)
Highest winds220 km/h (140 mph)
Lowest pressure945 hPa (mbar); 27.91 inHg
Category 4-equivalent tropical cyclone
1-minute sustained (SSHWS)
Highest winds230 km/h (145 mph)
Overall effects
Fatalities200,000 total
DamageUnknown
Areas affectedBackergunge 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, 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

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

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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