 BOB 01 near peak intensity off the coast of Bangladesh | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | May 14, 1997 |
| Dissipated | May 20, 1997 |
| Extremely severe cyclonic storm | |
| 3-minute sustained (IMD) | |
| Highest winds | 165 km/h (105 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 964 hPa (mbar); 28.47 inHg |
| Category 4-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 215 km/h (130 mph) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 332-765 total |
| Missing | 750 |
| Damage | Unknown |
| Areas affected |
|
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1997 North Indian Ocean cyclone season | |
The May 1997 Bangladesh cyclone was a powerful and deadly storm that caused widespread damage and death throughout Bangladesh. Originating from a near-equatorial trough on May 15, 1997, the cyclone tracked in a general northward direction throughout its existence. The system gradually intensified over the following days, reaching the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale by May 17. The following day, the storm attained its peak intensity with winds of 215 km/h (135 mph) according to the JTWC and 165 km/h (105 mph) according to the IMD along with a barometric pressure of 964 mbar (hPa; 28.47 inHg). On May 19, the cyclone made landfall near Chittagong, Bangladesh before rapidly dissipating the next day.
Prior to the storm's landfall, official in Bangladesh prompted more than 500,000 residents to evacuate from coastal areas and seek shelter. Despite the large-scale evacuation, more than 1,000 people perished as a result of the cyclone, most of which took place offshore. Numerous structures were damaged or destroyed throughout the affected region and electricity was lost for millions of people. In some areas, entire villages were leveled by the cyclone's storm surge. In the wake of the storm, water-borne diseases began to spread due to standing water and bodies being left out in the open. In response to the disaster, funds from across the globe were sent into Bangladesh to help the country recover.