A cyclone strikes the Chittagong district of southeastern Bangladesh with winds of around 155 miles per hour (249 km/h), killing at least 138,000 people and leaving as many as ten million homeless.

The year 1991 witnessed one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in recorded history, as a monstrous tropical cyclone devastated the densely populated coastal regions of Bangladesh. This particular event stands out as among the deadliest tropical cyclones ever documented globally, leaving an indelible mark on the nation and its people.

Its genesis began subtly, emerging from a vast area of atmospheric convection over the tranquil waters of the Bay of Bengal on April 24. For a few days, the nascent tropical cyclone developed gradually, taking its time to organize and strengthen while meandering somewhat unpredictably over the southern reaches of the Bay. This initial, seemingly slow progression belied the immense power it would soon unleash.

A Gathering Storm: Rapid Intensification

The calm before the storm began to dissipate by April 28. Under the influence of powerful southwesterly winds, the storm's trajectory shifted dramatically, and it began to accelerate northeastwards directly towards the vulnerable coastline of Bangladesh. What followed was an alarming period of rapid intensification. Within a mere 24 hours, the tropical cyclone explosively strengthened, reaching the terrifying classification of a "super cyclonic storm" by April 29, just as it neared the coast.

This designation signifies an extraordinarily powerful system, and indeed, it made landfall in the Chittagong district of southeastern Bangladesh with destructive sustained winds estimated at around 250 kilometers per hour (approximately 155 miles per hour). Such wind speeds are comparable to a high-end Category 4 or even a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, capable of tearing through even robust structures. After its devastating impact on the coast, the cyclone rapidly weakened as it moved further inland through northeastern India, eventually degenerating into a remnant low over the Yunnan province in western China.

Unleashed Fury: The Devastating Storm Surge

While the ferocious winds caused widespread destruction, the true harbinger of calamity was the colossal storm surge that accompanied the cyclone's arrival. This immense wall of water, driven by the storm's low pressure and powerful winds, rose to an astonishing height of 6.1 meters (approximately 20 feet). For a nation like Bangladesh, much of whose coastline is low-lying and densely populated, this was a death sentence. The gargantuan surge inundated vast stretches of the coastline, sweeping away homes, villages, and entire communities in its path. Many people, particularly in the isolated islands and coastal areas, had little to no warning or means of escape from the rapidly advancing waters, underscoring the extreme vulnerability of the region.

The scale of the human tragedy was immense. At least 138,866 lives were tragically lost, a stark reminder of the vulnerability of coastal populations to such extreme weather events. Beyond the heartbreaking loss of life, the cyclone inflicted an estimated US$1.7 billion in damage (calculated in 1991 US dollars). This figure encompassed the destruction of countless homes, agricultural lands, critical infrastructure, and the livelihoods of millions, pushing an already economically challenged region further into crisis. The sheer force and widespread nature of the damage underscored the cyclone's standing as one of the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded in the Bay of Bengal basin.

Operation Sea Angel: A Global Response

In the immediate aftermath of such unimaginable devastation, the international community rallied to support Bangladesh. The catastrophic impact spurred one of the largest military relief efforts ever undertaken: "Operation Sea Angel." Spearheaded by the United States, with significant contributions from other nations, this massive humanitarian operation involved a significant deployment of naval assets, aircraft, and personnel. Their mission was critical: to deliver essential aid, food, clean water, medical supplies, and shelter to the survivors, many of whom were cut off by the floodwaters and destroyed infrastructure. The operation played a crucial role in mitigating further loss of life and helping to stabilize the immediate crisis, providing a beacon of hope amidst widespread despair.

The 1991 Bangladesh cyclone remains a somber lesson in disaster preparedness and the profound impact of climate-related events on vulnerable populations. It highlighted the urgent need for robust early warning systems, improved infrastructure, and effective evacuation plans in areas prone to such natural furies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What caused the 1991 Bangladesh cyclone to be so deadly?

The extreme deadliness of the 1991 Bangladesh cyclone was primarily due to the immense 6.1-meter (20-foot) storm surge that inundated densely populated, low-lying coastal areas and islands. Combined with a lack of adequate early warning systems, robust shelters, and efficient evacuation routes for a large population, the surge proved catastrophic.

When and where did the 1991 Bangladesh cyclone make landfall?

The cyclone made landfall on April 29, 1991, in the Chittagong district of southeastern Bangladesh, particularly impacting the coastal regions and offshore islands.

How strong were the winds associated with the cyclone?

Upon landfall, the cyclone carried sustained winds estimated at around 250 kilometers per hour (155 miles per hour), classifying it as a super cyclonic storm and comparable to a powerful Category 4 or 5 hurricane.

What was Operation Sea Angel?

Operation Sea Angel was a massive international military relief effort, primarily led by the United States, launched in response to the devastating damage caused by the cyclone. Its aim was to provide critical humanitarian aid, including food, water, and medical supplies, to the affected regions of Bangladesh.

What was the estimated financial cost of the damage?

The cyclone caused an estimated US$1.7 billion in damages, calculated in 1991 US dollars, encompassing widespread destruction to infrastructure, agriculture, and homes.