Cyclone Akash

Last updated

Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
Disc Plain black.svg Tropical cyclone
Solid black.svg Subtropical cyclone
ArrowUp.svg Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression
Image of Tropical Cyclone 01B (Akash) right after formation. Tropical Storm 01B (2007).jpg
Image of Tropical Cyclone 01B (Akash) right after formation.

During the second week of May, low pressures persisted across the Bay of Bengal. An area of convection developed on May 11, and the next day the India Meteorological Department (IMD) classified it as a depression. [1] The system drifted northward, [2] and initially moderate wind shear kept the deep convection on the periphery of the consolidating low-level circulation center. [3] Gradually, banding features developed along the eastern semicircle, and with decreasing amounts of wind shear the system organized further. [4] By May 13, the pressure had dropped to 1000  mbar as wind shear levels dropped significantly. An anticyclone developed over the system, while a mid-latitude trough over northeastern India provided favorable outflow. Convection continued to consolidate around the low-level circulation, [5] and with well-defined banding features and a central dense overcast over the center of circulation, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) upgraded it to Tropical Cyclone 01B at 1121 UTC on May 13 while located about 545 km (339 mi) west-northwest of Yangon, Burma. [6]

Upon first being upgraded, the storm tracked steadily northward due to a break in a mid-level ridge. [6] Early on May 14, IMD upgraded the system to deep depression status, [7] and six hours later classified it as Cyclonic Storm Akash after attaining 3-min sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h). [8] Akash continued to organize, with deep convection wrapping fully around the low-level circulation. [9] An eye began to form as the storm approached land, and at 1800 UTC on May 14 JTWC estimated 1-min sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph). [10] Officially, Akash attained peak 3-min sustained winds of 85 km/h (55 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 988  hPa. [11] Additionally, meteorologists in Burma estimated Akash peaked with winds of 160 km/h (100 mph). [12] As it interacted with the mid-latitude westerlies, it began to become extratropical. [10] Shortly after reaching peak winds, Akash made landfall about 115 km (71 mi) south of Chittagong. The storm weakened rapidly as it continued inland, [13] and early on May 15 IMD issued its final advisory on the system; [14] shortly thereafter, JTWC discontinued advisories. [13] The name was contributed by India, Akash means Sky in Hindi language.

Preparations

In its daily tropical weather outlook, the India Meteorological Department warned fishermen on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to not go into the ocean due to the anticipated rough seas. [2] Upon approaching the coast of Bangladesh, officials canceled all flights to and from the Shah Amanat International Airport. Additionally, authorities at the port of Chittagong worked to protect cargo ships from the storm, [15] and it was ultimately closed for a period of 19 hours. [16] [17] In preparation for Akash, officials advised coastal residents to evacuate further inland; [15] about 80,000 total residents left for emergency shelters. [16] About 40,000 Red Cross volunteers were prepared to aid those potentially affected. [15]

Impact

Cyclonic Storm Akash
Akash May 14 2007 0700Z.jpg
Akash on May 14
Wettest tropical cyclones and their remnants in Bangladesh
Highest-known totals
PrecipitationStormLocationRef.
Rankmmin
11,051.241.39 Komen 2015 Chittagong [18]
2~300~12.00 Rashmi 2008 [19]
328011.02Monsoon Depression — Sep. 2004 Barisal [20]
425310.00 Viyaru 2013 Patuakhali [21]
5227.28.94Trop. Depression — Oct. 2004Rangpur [22]
6220.08.66 Bhola 1970 Maya Bandar [23]
72007.87 Sidr 2007 [24]
81305.11 Aila 2009 Chittagong [25]
91295.07 Bijli 2009 [26]
10532.13 Akash 2007 [27]

The India Meteorological Department estimated winds of 45–55 km/h (28–34 mph) affected the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, though no land reports were received. [2] In Sittwe in Burma, the storm produced a storm tide of 3 m (9.8 ft), which flooded coastal areas. [12]

In Chittagong, about 115 km (71 mi) north of where Akash moved ashore, surface stations reported peak winds of 37 km/h (23 mph) and a pressure of 996.8  hPa. [13] Near its landfall location, Akash produced high tides that flooded coastal areas with up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) of water, [16] destroying at least 30 businesses. [12] The cyclone destroyed 205 houses and left an additional 845 damaged. [27] Akash caused moderate crop damage near the coast, [12] including 2 hectares (4.9 acres) of destroyed lands of shrimp farms. [17] Heavy precipitation was reported, with one station reporting a total of 53 mm (2.1 in); [27] the rainfall caused flooding in inland areas. [16] The heavy rains, caused by outer bands of the cyclone before it made landfall, limited play in Chittagong in the third One Day International cricket match between India and Bangladesh, before the match was abandoned. [28] Strong winds caused power outages throughout Cox's Bazar District, [16] and downed about 200 trees on St. Martin's Island. The cyclone left a total of 10 boats unaccounted for, with about 50 fishermen missing. In total, three fisherman were confirmed killed, all on St. Martin's Island, [17] with two people left hospitalized. [29] The passage of Cyclone Akash left many people homeless. Initially there was no response from the government. [29] In all, 14 people were killed by Akash and damages amounted to US$982 million. [30]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1991 Bangladesh cyclone</span> North Indian tropical cyclone in 1991

The 1991 Bangladesh cyclone was among the deadliest tropical cyclones on record. Forming out of a large area of convection over the Bay of Bengal on April 24, the tropical cyclone initially developed gradually while meandering over the southern Bay of Bengal. On April 28, the storm began to accelerate northeastwards under the influence of the southwesterlies, and rapidly intensified to super cyclonic storm strength near the coast of Bangladesh on April 29. After making landfall in the Chittagong district of southeastern Bangladesh with winds of around 250 km/h (155 mph), the cyclone rapidly weakened as it moved through northeastern India, degenerating into a remnant low over the Yunnan province in western China.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1992 North Indian Ocean cyclone season</span>

The 1992 North Indian Ocean cyclone season was unofficially the most active year on record for the basin, with 10 tropical storms developing, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). There are two main seas in the North Indian Ocean – the Bay of Bengal to the east of the Indian subcontinent – and the Arabian Sea to the west of India. The official Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre in this basin is the India Meteorological Department (IMD), while the JTWC releases unofficial advisories. An average of four to six storms form in the North Indian Ocean every season with peaks in May and November. Cyclones occurring between the meridians 45°E and 100°E are included in the season by the IMD.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Agni</span> North Indian Ocean severe cyclonic storm in 2004

Severe Cyclonic Storm Agni was a tropical cyclone of the 2004 North Indian Ocean cyclone season notable for its record proximity to the equator. It was the second North Indian Ocean cyclone to receive a name, after Onil earlier in the year. Agni formed on November 28 well to the southwest of India in the Arabian Sea, and steadily intensified as it tracked northwestward. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) estimated peak 1 minute sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph), while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) estimated peak 3 minute sustained winds of 100 km/h (60 mph); the IMD is the official warning center for the north Indian Ocean. After peaking, it weakened due to wind shear, dry air, and cooler waters, and the JTWC issued its final advisory on December 3 as it approached the coast of Somalia. The remnants of Agni moved along the Somalian coastline until dissipating on December 5.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2007 North Indian Ocean cyclone season</span> North Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season

The 2007 North Indian Ocean cyclone season was one of the most active North Indian Ocean cyclone seasons on record. The North Indian Ocean cyclone season has no official bounds, but cyclones tend to form between April and December, with peaks in May and November. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northern Indian Ocean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timeline of the 2007 North Indian Ocean cyclone season</span>

Below is a timeline of the 2007 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, documenting major events with regards to tropical cyclone formation, strengthening, weakening, landfall, extratropical transition, as well as dissipation. The 2007 North Indian Ocean cyclone season was an ongoing event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2000 North Indian Ocean cyclone season</span> Cyclone season in the North Indian ocean

The 2000 North Indian Ocean cyclone season was fairly quiet compared to its predecessor, with all of the activity originating in the Bay of Bengal. The basin comprises the Indian Ocean north of the equator, with warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in New Delhi. There were six depressions throughout the year, of which five intensified into cyclonic storms – tropical cyclones with winds of 65 mph (105 km/h) sustained over 3 minutes. Two of the storms strengthened into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, which has winds of at least 120 km/h (75 mph), equivalent to a minimal hurricane. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) also tracked storms in the basin on an unofficial basis, estimating winds sustained over 1 minute.

1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar, the 1991st year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 991st year of the 2nd millennium, the 91st year of the 20th century, and the 2nd year of the 1990s decade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timeline of the 2008 North Indian Ocean cyclone season</span>

The 2008 North Indian Ocean cyclone season officially ran throughout the year during 2008, with the first depression forming on April 27. The timeline includes information that was not operationally released, meaning that information from post-storm reviews by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), such as information on a storm that was not operationally warned on. This timeline documents all the storm formations, strengthening, weakening, landfalls, extratropical transitions, as well as dissipation's during the 2008 North Indian Ocean cyclone season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1991 North Indian Ocean cyclone season</span>

The 1991 North Indian Ocean Cyclone season was an extremely deadly and destructive season causing the deaths of more than 138,000 people and over $1.5 billion in damages. It was the period in which tropical cyclones formed to the north of the equator in the Indian Ocean. During the season tropical cyclones were monitored by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. The IMD assigned all depressions that it monitored with BOB followed by a number in numerical order. The JTWC also assigned a number and either the letter A or B depending on where the depression was when the first advisory was issued.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 North Indian Ocean cyclone season</span> North Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season

The 2009 North Indian Ocean cyclone season was an event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. The North Indian Ocean cyclone season has no official bounds, but cyclones tend to form between April and December, with peaks in May and November. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northern Indian Ocean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Rashmi</span>

Cyclonic Storm Rashmi was the seventh tropical cyclone of the 2008 North Indian Ocean cyclone season and second cyclonic storm, as well as the fifth tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal that year. A fairly weak tropical cyclone, it caused some notable damage in Bangladesh and India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Bijli</span> North Indian cyclone in 2009

Cyclonic Storm Bijli, was the first tropical cyclone to form during the 2009 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. Bijli formed from an area of Low Pressure on April 14. Later that evening, RSMC New Delhi upgraded the low-pressure area to a Depression and designated it as BOB 01. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) then issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert for the system and soon after designated it as Tropical Depression 01B. On the evening of April 15, both RSMC New Delhi and the JTWC reported that the system had intensified into a tropical storm, with the former naming it Bilji. Soon after, Bilji reached its peak intensity as it approached the coast of Bangladesh. However, on the morning of April 17, Bijli weakened to a deep depression due to land interaction, before making landfall just south of Chittagong. The remnants of Bilji continued to weaken as they tracked across northern Myanmar, before RSMC New Delhi issued their last advisory on April 18. The word Bijli refers to lightning in Hindi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Phyan</span>

Cyclonic Storm Phyan developed as a tropical disturbance to the southwest of Colombo in Sri Lanka on November 4, 2009. Over the next couple of days, the disturbance gradually developed before weakening as it made landfall on Southern India on November 7. After the disturbance emerged into the Arabian Sea, it rapidly became more of a concern to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting early on November 9 that the disturbance had intensified into a Depression, and designated it as Depression ARB 03 whilst the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert. Later that day, the JTWC designated the system as Cyclone 04A. During the next day, the Depression turned towards the northeast the IMD reported that it had intensified into a Cyclonic Storm and named it as Phyan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 North Indian Ocean cyclone season</span> North Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season

The 2011 North Indian Ocean cyclone season was the least active tropical cyclone season in the North Indian Ocean since 1993. Only two cyclonic storms formed, below the average of four to six. The North Indian Ocean cyclone season has no official bounds, but cyclones tend to form between April and December, with peaks in May and November. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northern Indian Ocean. The scope of this article is limited to the Indian Ocean in the Northern Hemisphere, east of the Horn of Africa and west of the Malay Peninsula. There are two main seas in the North Indian Ocean — the Arabian Sea to the west of the Indian subcontinent, abbreviated ARB by the India Meteorological Department (IMD); and the Bay of Bengal to the east, abbreviated BOB by the IMD.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timeline of the 2012 North Indian Ocean cyclone season</span>

The 2012 North Indian Ocean cyclone season was an event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. The scope of this article is limited to the Indian Ocean in the Northern Hemisphere, east of the Horn of Africa and west of the Malay Peninsula. There are two main seas in the North Indian Ocean — the Arabian Sea to the west of the Indian subcontinent, abbreviated ARB by the India Meteorological Department (IMD); and the Bay of Bengal to the east, abbreviated BOB by the IMD. The official Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre in this basin is the India Meteorological Department (IMD), while the Joint Typhoon Warning Center releases unofficial advisories. This timeline includes information that was operationally released, meaning that data from post-storm reviews by the IMD, such as a storm that was not operationally warned upon, has not been included. This timeline documents tropical cyclone formations, strengthening, weakening, landfalls, and dissipations during the season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 North Indian Ocean cyclone season</span> North Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season

The 2013 North Indian Ocean cyclone season was an event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation, in which tropical cyclones formed in the North Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. The season had no official bounds, but cyclones typically formed between May and December, with the peak from October to November. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northern Indian Ocean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 North Indian Ocean cyclone season</span> North Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season

The 2016 North Indian Ocean cyclone season was an event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. It was the deadliest season since 2010, killing more than 400 people. The season was an average one, seeing four named storms, with one further intensifying into a very severe cyclonic storm. The first named storm, Roanu, developed on 19 May while the season's last named storm, Vardah, dissipated on 18 December. The North Indian Ocean cyclone season has no official bounds, but cyclones tend to form between April and December, with the two peaks in May and November. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northern Indian Ocean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Fani</span> North Indian Ocean cyclone in 2019

Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Fani was the worst tropical cyclone to strike the Indian state of Odisha since the 1999 Odisha cyclone. The second named storm and the first severe cyclonic storm of the 2019 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, Fani originated from a tropical depression that formed west of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean on 26 April. Vertical wind shear at first hindered the storm's development, but conditions became more favorable for Fani on 30 April. Fani rapidly strengthened, peaking at Category 5-equivalent intensity with winds of 280 km/h, tying with Cyclone Mocha as the strongest storm on record in the north Indian Ocean, in terms of 1-minute sustained winds. Fani slightly weakened before making landfall, and its convective structure rapidly degraded thereafter, degenerating into a remnant low on 4 May, and dissipating on the next day. It was succeeded by Cyclone Amphan in 2020 which caused a greater overall damage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclone Titli</span> Deadly tropical cyclone that impacted the East coast of India

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Titli was a deadly and destructive tropical cyclone that caused extensive damage to Eastern India in October 2018. Titli was the twelfth depression and fifth named storm to form in the 2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. Titli originated from a low pressure area in the Andaman Sea on October 7. With warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear, the low developed into a depression on October 8 in the central Bay of Bengal. It was tracked and followed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which also issued warnings and notices for the public. Titli continued to intensify at it moved toward the southeast Indian coast, becoming a very severe cyclonic storm, equivalent to a minimal hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale. It attained the intensity at the same time Cyclone Luban in the Arabian Sea was at the same intensity, marking the first instance since 1977 of simultaneous storms. The IMD estimated peak winds of 150 km/h (95 mph), while the American-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) estimated peak winds of 195 km/h (120 mph). Late on October 10, Titli made landfall in Andhra Pradesh, and it quickly weakened over land as it turned to the northeast. It degenerated into a remnant low on October 12.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season</span> North Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season

The 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season is an ongoing event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. The North Indian Ocean cyclone season has no official bounds, but cyclones tend to form between April and December, with the peak from May to November. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northern Indian Ocean.

References

  1. ↑ India Meteorological Department (2007). "May 12 Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean" . Retrieved 2007-05-13.[ permanent dead link ]
  2. 1 2 3 India Meteorological Department (2007). "May 13 Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean" . Retrieved 2007-05-13.[ permanent dead link ]
  3. ↑ Charlie Forecast Team (2007). "May 12 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved 2007-05-13.[ permanent dead link ]
  4. ↑ Delta Forecast Team (2007). "May 12 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean (2)". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved 2007-05-13.[ permanent dead link ]
  5. ↑ Delta Forecast Team (2007). "May 13 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved 2007-05-13.[ permanent dead link ]
  6. 1 2 Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning NR 001" . Retrieved 2007-05-13.[ permanent dead link ]
  7. ↑ India Meteorological Department (2007). "May 14 Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean" . Retrieved 2007-05-13.[ permanent dead link ]
  8. ↑ India Meteorological Department (2007). "Tropical Cyclone Akash Warning NR 001" . Retrieved 2007-05-14.[ permanent dead link ]
  9. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning NR 002" . Retrieved 2007-05-14.[ permanent dead link ]
  10. 1 2 Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Tropical Cyclone 01B (Akash) Warning NR 003" . Retrieved 2007-05-14.[ permanent dead link ]
  11. ↑ India Meteorological Department (2007). "TC Advisory on Cyclonic Storm Akash". Archived from the original on May 15, 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-15.
  12. 1 2 3 4 Nizam Ahmed; Nurul Islam; Aung Hla Tun (2007). "Tidal surge floods Bangladesh coastal villages". Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-05-15.
  13. 1 2 3 Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2007). "Tropical Cyclone 01B (Akash) Warning NR 004" . Retrieved 2007-05-15.[ permanent dead link ]
  14. ↑ India Meteorological Department (2007). "Special Bulletin for Met. Area North of Equator" . Retrieved 2007-05-15.[ permanent dead link ]
  15. 1 2 3 Malaysia Sun (2007). "Bangladesh airport, seaport shut as cyclone 'Akash' intensifies". Archived from the original on 2007-05-17. Retrieved 2007-05-14.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 The Daily Star (2007). "Cyclone Akash spawns tidal surge in coasts". Archived from the original on 2007-05-17. Retrieved 2007-05-15.
  17. 1 2 3 The Daily Star (2007). "3 killed, 50 missing as cyclone Akash makes landfall". Archived from the original on 2007-05-18. Retrieved 2007-05-15.
  18. ↑ Nick Wiltgen (July 31, 2015). "Tropical Cyclone Komen Soaking Waterlogged Bangladesh, Myanmar; At Least 33 Reported Dead, 6 Missing". The Weather Channel. Retrieved July 31, 2015.
  19. ↑ "Bangladesh: Tropical Cyclone Rashmi" (PDF). World Food Program. United Nations. 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 11, 2013. Retrieved March 30, 2010.
  20. ↑ Padgett, Gary; Kevin Boyle; John Wallace; Huang Chunliang; Simon Clarke (2005-05-17). "Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary September 2004". Australian Severe Weather Index. Jimmy Deguara. Retrieved 2007-01-13.
  21. ↑ "Crops on 1.28 lakh hectares land damaged". The Daily Star. May 18, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  22. ↑ Padgett, Gary; Kevin Boyle; John Wallace; Huang Chunliang; Simon Clarke (2005-05-17). "Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary October 2004" . Retrieved 2007-01-13.
  23. ↑ 1970 Annual Summary Part C — Storms & Depressions (PDF) (India Weather Review). India Meteorological Department. p. 10. Archived from the original on 2012-06-01. Retrieved 2012-06-01.
  24. ↑ "Cyclone Sidr Rainfall Total". NASA. 2007. Retrieved June 15, 2009.
  25. ↑ Staff Writer (2009). "Cyclone Aila Preliminary Report" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Retrieved June 15, 2009.
  26. ↑ Hal Pierce and Rob Gutro (April 20, 2009). "Hurricane Season 2009: Bijli (Northern Indian Ocean)". NASA. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
  27. 1 2 3 International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies (2007). "Bangladesh: Cyclonic Storm Information Bulletin No. 01/2007" . Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  28. ↑ Asian News International (2007). "India, Bangladesh third ODI called off". Archived from the original on 2007-10-22. Retrieved 2007-05-15.
  29. 1 2 Narinjara News (2007). "No Relief for Akash's Victims in Arakan". Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  30. ↑ Myint Thein (2008-03-05). "Relief and Resettlement Department" (PDF). Social Welfare Department. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-06-04. Retrieved 2009-05-13.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.