This article's lead section may be too short to adequately summarize the key points. (December 2017) |
![]() Satellite image of the storm on 19 November, prior to making landfall in Andhra Pradesh | |
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | 14 November 1977 |
Remnant low | 20 November 1977 |
Dissipated | 21 November 1977 |
Super cyclonic storm | |
3-minute sustained (IMD) | |
Highest winds | 230 km/h (145 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 943 hPa (mbar); 27.85 inHg |
Category 3-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
Highest winds | 205 km/h (125 mph) |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 10,000 (official) Estimated up to 50,000 |
Damage | $196 million (1977 USD) |
Areas affected | Andhra Pradesh |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1977 North Indian Ocean cyclone season |
The 1977 Andhra Pradesh cyclone was a devastating tropical cyclone that hit Andhra Pradesh in November 1977, killing at least 10,000 people.[1] The worst affected areas were in the Krishna River delta region. The island of Diviseema, which was hit by a seven-metre-high (20 ft) storm surge, experienced a loss of life running into the thousands. The large loss of life prompted the establishment of early warning meteorological stations on the coast of Andhra Pradesh. Cyclone shelters and other measures for disaster management were also taken. A memorial, at the point of furthest advance of the tidal wave, near the town of Avanigadda, was built in memory of the people who died in the storm.