The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Since 1822 nine major storms hit in Bangladesh in different periods. The last major storm named Sidr, which hit the country on November 16.

Chronology of the major storms in the following:

In May 1822, a cyclone accompanied by storm surge, hit Barisal, Hatiya Island and Noakhali, claiming lives of about 40,000 people.

In October 31, 1876, a cyclone with a storm surge of 40-feet above the normal astronomical tide hit River Meghna estuary near Chittagong, Noakhali and Barisal, leaving about 200,000 people dead. In October 30 to 31, 1960, a severe cyclonic storm hit Chittagong, Noakhali, Bakerganj, Faridpur, Patuakhali and eastern Meghna estuary at a speed of 210 kilometres per hour, leaving about 10,000 people killed.

In May 9, 1961, a severe cyclonic storm at a speed of 161 kilometres per hour hit Bagerhat and Khulna, leaving about 11,468 people killed (mostly in Char Alexander).

In May 28 to 29, 1963, a sever cyclonic storm lashed Chittagong, Noakhali, Cox's Bazar and coastal islands of Sandwip, Kutubdia, Hatiya and Maheshkhali, killing about 11,520 people. In November 12, 1970, a cyclone hit the entire coast of Bangladesh with a maximum wind speed of 222 kilometres per hour. The official death toll was 500,000, but the unofficial figure was about 120,0000.

In May 24 to 25, 1985, a severe cyclone hit Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Noakhali and coastal islands where death toll was 11,069.

In April 29 to 30, 1991, another cyclone hit Bangladesh at late night of April 29. The storm originated in the Pacific Ocean and reached the Bay of Bengal coast after 20 days. The maximum wind speed reached 225 kilometres per hour. Official death toll rose to 150,000. At least on November 16, 2007 the hurricane Sidr hit 16 districts including coastal regions particularly Barisal and Khulna, as it started crossing the country from northern Bay of Bengal with high tidal surge and strong winds of over 200 kilometres per hour. Central part of the severe cyclone passed through the central part of the country, hitting entire Bangladesh fully or partially, levelling homes and standing 'aman' and 'robi' crops on its way. Thousands of cattle heads, deer and Royal Bengal Tiger of Sundarban and birds were also feared dead.