Bangladesh has a long history of being battered by some of the most powerful and deadly tropical cyclones. These storms have caused significant loss of life, widespread destruction, and long-term impacts on the livelihoods of millions of people.
The country’s unique geography, bordered by the Bay of Bengal, makes it particularly vulnerable to these natural disasters.
What are the biggest storms that have ever struck this densely populated nation? This article explores ten of the most significant cyclones to hit Bangladesh, providing insight into their devastating effects and the resilience of the communities affected.
Understanding these historical events is essential for appreciating the challenges the region faces and the ongoing efforts to improve preparedness and response.
1. Cyclone Sidr (2007)
Cyclone Sidr struck Bangladesh on November 15, 2007. This storm is remembered as one of the worst natural disasters in the country’s history.
Wind speeds reached up to 260 km/h (160 mph), making Sidr a Category-5 equivalent tropical cyclone.
Sidr caused severe damage, taking more than 3,500 lives and leaving many others homeless.
The cyclone’s fierce winds and heavy rains led to widespread flooding and destruction along the coast.
Significant efforts were made to evacuate people before the storm hit. Despite these efforts, the impact was devastating, affecting millions and causing extensive property damage.
2. Cyclone Gorky (1991)
Cyclone Gorky struck Bangladesh on April 29, 1991. The cyclone caused widespread devastation and was one of the deadliest storms in the country’s history.
Winds reached speeds of around 155 mph, causing massive destruction.
The storm hit near Chittagong, a densely populated area. This resulted in over 135,000 deaths and damage worth more than $1.5 billion.
Entire villages were washed away by a storm surge over six meters high.
Millions of people were left homeless. Relief efforts were massive, but rebuilding took years.
Cyclone Gorky remains a stark reminder of the vulnerability of coastal communities in the region.
Learn more about Cyclone Gorky from History and Wikipedia.
3. Cyclone Bhola (1970)
Cyclone Bhola struck East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and India’s West Bengal on November 12, 1970. It is considered the deadliest tropical cyclone ever recorded.
Wind speeds reached up to 115 mph, causing widespread destruction.
The cyclone generated a storm surge estimated to be 20-30 feet high, which inundated coastal areas. It led to massive flooding and extensive loss of life.
Estimates of the death toll range from 300,000 to 500,000 people.
Cyclone Bhola remains one of the world’s deadliest humanitarian disasters. The impact on infrastructure and agriculture was devastating.
For more detailed information, you can visit the detailed page on the 1970 Bhola cyclone.
4. Cyclone Aila (2009)
Cyclone Aila struck on May 25, 2009, affecting coastal regions of Bangladesh. It hit southwestern districts like Khulna and Satkhira hard.
The storm brought winds of up to 120 km/h and caused major flooding.
The cyclone caused the death of around 190 people and severely damaged over 200,000 homes.
Seawater flooded villages, displacing more than 2 million people.
About 3.9 million individuals were affected by Aila’s destructive path. The natural disaster also had lasting effects on agriculture and infrastructure in the region.
Learn more by visiting Cyclone Aila on Wikipedia.
5. Cyclone Roanu (2016)
Cyclone Roanu struck Bangladesh on May 21, 2016. It caused heavy winds, rain, and severe flooding.
The cyclone led to the evacuation of approximately 500,000 people.
Roanu claimed at least 24 lives and displaced around half a million residents.
The storm was relatively weak compared to other cyclones but still caused significant damage.
Economically, losses were estimated at $508.83 million. The government’s response helped mitigate the impact, saving many lives.
Learn more details about Roanu’s impact on the Bangladesh coast.
6. Cyclone Mora (2017)
Cyclone Mora hit Bangladesh in May 2017, causing significant damage.
The storm originated from a low-pressure area over the southeastern Bay of Bengal.
It intensified and made landfall in Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong.
With wind speeds up to 117 km/h, Mora destroyed thousands of homes, impacting Rohingya refugee camps drastically.
Mora also caused widespread flooding and severe disruptions in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Northeast India.
Learn more about Cyclone Mora.
7. Cyclone Amphan (2020)
Cyclone Amphan hit Bangladesh in May 2020. It caused severe damage in both India and Bangladesh with wind speeds reaching 150 km/h.
At least 26 people lost their lives in Bangladesh. The cyclone also injured seven others and left thousands homeless.
Amphan devastated the coastal districts. It impacted 10 million people across 19 districts.
The damage was estimated to be around $13.2 billion.
Homes, crops, and infrastructure suffered greatly.
The storm came during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding to the struggles of the affected communities. Residents faced a double hardship from both the natural disaster and the ongoing health crisis.
8. Cyclone Akash (2007)
Cyclone Akash was the first named tropical cyclone of the 2007 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. It formed in the Bay of Bengal on May 12 and gradually drifted northward.
The cyclone struck about 115 km south of Chittagong on May 14, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 km per hour.
The storm caused significant damage, resulting in 14 fatalities and financial losses amounting to approximately $982 million.
Both the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) tracked and monitored the cyclone from its inception.
An eye even began to develop as it approached land, indicating its growing intensity.
Cyclone Akash is notable for being an early-season storm that had a considerable impact on southern Bangladesh. It serves as a reminder of the severe weather events that can affect the region.
9. Cyclone Bijli (2009)
Cyclone Bijli was a significant storm that occurred during the 2009 North Indian Ocean cyclone season.
It formed from a low-pressure area on April 14, 2009. Soon after, it was upgraded to a depression and received the name BOB 01.
Cyclone Bijli brought severe weather to the region, especially hitting the Chittagong Cox’s Bazar coast hardest.
The storm caused heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts reaching up to 55 mph (90 km/h).
The impact on Bangladesh included significant damage, particularly in 24 upazilas and 76 unions.
Rapid response and early warnings helped mitigate some of the disaster’s effects. Despite these efforts, the storm left a lasting mark on the affected areas.
10. Cyclone Komen (2015)
Cyclone Komen formed as a depression on July 26, 2015, over the Ganges delta. It followed a circular path around the northern Bay of Bengal.
By July 29, Komen intensified into a cyclonic storm with winds reaching 75 km/h (45 mph). It made landfall in southeastern Bangladesh.
Komen brought several days of heavy rainfall to Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India.
The storm caused severe flooding and landslides in these regions.
Significant damage occurred due to the intense weather conditions. Relief efforts were crucial to support the affected communities.
The monsoon depression that led to Cyclone Komen highlighted the vulnerability of the affected areas. More information can be found here.
Geographic Impact
Bangladesh’s unique geography, bordering the Bay of Bengal and having extensive river systems, plays a significant role in how storms impact the country. Coastal areas and river systems are particularly vulnerable.
Vulnerable Coastal Areas
The coastal region of Bangladesh faces frequent storms due to its location along the Bay of Bengal.
The funnel-shaped coast amplifies storm surges, making hurricanes and cyclones more destructive.
For example, Cyclone Bhola in 1970 caused devastating storm surges, leading to nearly 500,000 deaths.
Towns like Chittagong and Barisal are often hit hard. When storms hit these areas, the water levels rise dramatically, leading to severe flooding.
Coastal erosion also increases the risk, as protective barriers are gradually worn away, leaving communities exposed.
River Systems and Flooding
Bangladesh is crisscrossed by major rivers including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. These rivers contribute to serious flooding during storms.
When a storm hits, it brings torrential rain that causes rivers to overflow.
Inland areas suffer as excess water washes away homes, farmlands, and infrastructure.
Dhaka, the capital, often sees its streets turn into rivers during heavy rains. Floodwater can take a long time to recede due to poor drainage, prolonging the impact on daily life and the economy.
Historical Context
Bangladesh has faced numerous significant storms throughout history. The patterns and impact of these storms are rooted in both colonial records and advancements in modern climate monitoring.
Colonial Era and Early Records
During the colonial period, extensive records of cyclones were kept due to British administrative practices.
As a region prone to natural disasters, present-day Bangladesh saw many cyclones documented through antiquated methods.
One of the earliest recorded cyclones occurred in 1584. Another destructive storm hit in 1787, causing heavy casualties.
The 19th century also witnessed severe storms, including the 1876 cyclone, which killed approximately 200,000 people.
These early records showed the devastating impact cyclones had on coastal communities.
The British administration took note, leading to the construction of protective embankments and early warning systems.
Modern Climate Tracking
In the modern era, climate tracking technology has advanced significantly, enabling better preparation and response to cyclones.
The implementation of satellite imagery and weather radar has greatly improved forecasting accuracy.
One key example is the 1970 Bhola Cyclone, which remains the deadliest storm in recorded history, with an estimated death toll of 500,000.
Modern technology alongside international aid efforts has since enhanced early warning systems, reducing casualties in later storms.
Cyclones like Cyclone Aila in 2009, which killed 150 people and damaged 200,000 houses, demonstrate how advancements in tracking and government response can mitigate impacts.
Improving coastal infrastructure and community readiness continues to be a significant focus.
Economic Consequences
Storms in Bangladesh have significant economic impacts, particularly on agriculture and infrastructure. These damages lead to long-term setbacks in economic growth and development.
Agricultural Losses
Storms in Bangladesh often devastate farmland, causing extensive crop failures.
Heavy rains and flooding can submerge vast areas, washing away topsoil and nutrients. This affects the primary crops like rice and jute, leading to food shortages and economic strain on farmers.
Livestock losses are another critical issue.
Animals either drown or disease spreads due to unsanitary conditions post-storm. Farmers struggle to recover, facing financial ruin without their primary income sources.
The country also grapples with reduced agricultural exports, impacting its overall economy.
Infrastructure Damage
Storms wreak havoc on Bangladesh’s infrastructure, destroying roads, bridges, and buildings.
Many homes and schools collapse under strong winds and floods, leading to significant rebuilding costs.
Transport disruptions further complicate relief efforts and economic activities.
Fishing communities along the coastal regions suffer heavily. Boats and equipment get damaged or lost, affecting their livelihood.
Rebuilding these essentials takes time and money, hindering economic recovery.
The cumulative effect of these damages slows development, requiring substantial investments to rebuild and improve resilience.
Storms also disrupt electricity and communication networks, amplifying the economic toll.
Power outages and lost connectivity affect businesses and emergency services, adding to the country’s recovery challenges.
The strain on Bangladesh’s financial resources is immense, often needing international aid.