Great Backerganj Cyclone of 1876

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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 by 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 (119 knots) and the surge height was 3–13.6 m (10–45 ft).[1]

According to Banglapedia, a cyclone with a storm-surge of 12.2 metres (40 ft) hit Meghna River estuary near Chittagong, Barisal, and Noakhali. Casualty: about 200,000. The storm also caused epidemic and famine, and vast property damage.

[edit] References

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ a b Banglapedia.
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