![]() Satellite image of the cyclone near landfall on May 2 | |
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | April 29, 1994 |
Dissipated | May 3, 1994 |
Extremely severe cyclonic storm | |
3-minute sustained (IMD) | |
Highest winds | 215 km/h (130 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 940 hPa (mbar); 27.76 inHg |
Category 4-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
Highest winds | 230 km/h (145 mph) |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 350 |
Damage | $125 million |
Areas affected | Bangladesh, Northeast India, Myanmar |
Part of the 1994 North Indian Ocean cyclone season |
The 1994 Bangladesh cyclone was a powerful tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. The cyclone closely followed the path, strength, and time of year of a deadly cyclone in 1991 that killed more than 138,000 people. The 1994 cyclone formed on April 29 as a depression, which organized and intensified significantly over the subsequent few days. On May 2, the cyclone attained winds of 215 km/h (135 mph), according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). That day, the storm made landfall in southeastern Bangladesh, and rapidly weakened over land, before dissipating on May 3.
Ahead of the storm's landfall, about 450,000 people evacuated to storm shelters built since the 1991 storm. Upon moving ashore, the cyclone dropped 190 mm (7.5 in) of precipitation and produced winds of 278 km/h (173 mph) in Teknaf Upazila. Total storm damage was estimated at $125 million (1994 USD). The cyclone damaged or destroyed more than 78,000 houses, leaving about 500,000 people homeless. Along its path, the storm killed at least 350 people, including at least 126 fishermen from Thailand who were lost and presumed killed. In southeastern Bangladesh, the cyclone wrecked Rohingya refugee camps, killing 85 people. The Bangladeshi government managed the country's response to the disaster, providing food, clothing, and medical care.