Difference between revisions of "Cyclone Akash" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Infobox Hurricane
 
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'''Cyclone Akash''' (JTWC designation: '''''01B''''', also known as '''Cyclonic Storm Akash''') marked the first named [[tropical cyclone]] of the 2007 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. Warned by both [[India Meteorological Department]] (IMD) and [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC), it formed from an area of disturbed weather on the [[Bay of Bengal]] on May 12, and gradually organized as it drifted northward. An [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] began to develop as it approached land, and after reaching peak 3-min sustained winds of 85 km/h (50 mph) it struck about 115 km (70 mi) south of [[Chittagong]] in [[Bangladesh]]. Akash rapidly weakened over land, advisories discontinuing on May 15.
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'''Cyclone Akash''' (JTWC designation: '''''01B,''''' also known as '''Cyclonic Storm Akash''') marked the first named [[tropical cyclone]] of the 2007 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. Tracked by both [[India Meteorological Department]] (IMD) and [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC), it formed from an area of disturbed weather on the [[Bay of Bengal]] on May 12, and gradually organized as it drifted northward. An [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] began to develop as it approached land, and after reaching peak 3-min sustained winds of 85 km/h (50 mph), it struck about 115 km (70 mi) south of [[Chittagong]] in [[Bangladesh]]. Akash rapidly weakened over land, with advisories discontinuing on May 15.  
 
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The storm initially brought heavy rainfall to the [[Andaman Islands|Andaman]] and [[Nicobar Islands]]. Upon striking [[Bangladesh]], Cyclonic Storm Akash produced a moderate [[storm tide]], along with strong winds and heavy rains. The storm left dozens of boats missing, with three fisherman confirmed killed and another fifty missing. Near the coast, the flooding caused by the storm damaged thousands of houses. In [[Burma]], its storm tide caused some coastal flooding.
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The storm initially brought heavy rainfall to the [[Andaman Islands|Andaman]] and [[Nicobar Islands]]. Upon striking [[Bangladesh]], Cyclonic Storm Akash produced a moderate [[storm tide]], along with strong winds and heavy rains. The storm left dozens of boats missing, with three fisherman confirmed killed and another fifty missing. In [[Burma]], its storm tide caused some coastal flooding. Unavoidable damage resulted from Cyclone Akash. Coastal areas flooded from storm tides of 5 to 10 feet, destroying thirty five businesses and 205 homes, while damaging 845 more. Crops sustained damage. The India Meteorological Department played a key role in sparing Bangladesh from disaster.
  
 
==Storm history==
 
==Storm history==
 
{{storm path|Akash 2007 track.png}}
 
{{storm path|Akash 2007 track.png}}
 
[[Image:Akash 14 may 2007 1102Z.jpg|thumb|right|Visible satellite image of Cyclone Akash]]
 
[[Image:Akash 14 may 2007 1102Z.jpg|thumb|right|Visible satellite image of Cyclone Akash]]
During the second week of May, [[low pressure area|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.<ref name="imd512">{{cite web|author=India Meteorological Department|year=2007|title=May 12 Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean|accessdate=2008-07-01|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/New-Delhi/2007051306.DEMS}}</ref> The system drifted northward,<ref name="imd513">{{cite web|author=India Meteorological Department|year=2007|title=May 13 Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/New-Delhi/2007051318.DEMS}}</ref> and initially moderate [[wind shear]] kept the deep convection on the periphery of the consolidating low-level circulation center.<ref name="512stwa">{{Cite web|author=Charlie Forecast Team|year=2007|title=May 12 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051210-ABIO.PGTW}}</ref> Gradually, [[tropical cyclone#structure|banding features]] developed along the eastern semicircle, and with decreasing amounts of wind shear the system organized further.<ref name="512stwa2">{{Cite web|author=Delta Forecast Team|year=2007|title=May 12 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean (2)|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051218-ABIO.PGTW}}</ref> By May 13, the pressure had dropped to 1000&nbsp;[[mbar]] as wind shear levels dropped significantly.  
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During the second week of May, [[low pressure area|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.<ref name="imd512">India Meteorological Department, [ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/New-Delhi/2007051306.DEMS May 12 Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean.] Retrieved July 1, 2008.</ref> The system drifted northward,<ref name="imd513">India Meteorological Department, [ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/New-Delhi/2007051318.DEMS May 13 Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> and initially moderate [[wind shear]] kept the deep convection on the periphery of the consolidating low-level circulation center.<ref name="512stwa">Charlie Forecast Team, [ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051210-ABIO.PGTW May 12 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean,] Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> Gradually, [[tropical cyclone#structure|banding features]] developed along the eastern semicircle, and with decreasing amounts of wind shear the system organized further.<ref name="512stwa2">Delta Forecast Team, [ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051218-ABIO.PGTW May 12 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean (2),] Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> By May 13, the pressure had dropped to 1000&nbsp;[[mbar]] as wind shear levels dropped significantly.  
  
An [[anticyclone]] developed over the system, while a mid-latitude [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] over northeastern [[India]] provided favorable outflow. Convection continued to consolidate around the low-level circulation,<ref name="513stwa">{{Cite web|author=Delta Forecast Team|year=2007|title=May 13 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051318-ABIO.PGTW}}</ref> and with well-defined banding features and a [[eye (cyclone)|central dense overcast]] over the center of circulation, the [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC) upgraded it to Tropical Cyclone 01B at 1121&nbsp;UTC on May 13 while located about 545&nbsp;km (340&nbsp;mi) west-northwest of [[Yangon]], [[Burma]].<ref name="disc1">{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2007|title=Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning NR 001|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051321-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref>
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An [[anticyclone]] developed over the system, while a mid-latitude [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] over northeastern [[India]] provided favorable outflow. Convection continued to consolidate around the low-level circulation,<ref name="513stwa">Delta Forecast Team,[ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051318-ABIO.PGTW May 13 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean,] Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved July 5, 2008.</ref> and with well-defined banding features and a [[eye (cyclone)|central dense overcast]] over the center of circulation, the [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC) upgraded it to Tropical Cyclone 01B at 1121&nbsp;UTC on May 13 while located about 545&nbsp;km (340&nbsp;mi) west-northwest of [[Yangon]], [[Burma]].<ref name="disc1">Joint Typhoon Warning Center, [ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051321-WTIO.PGTW Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning NR 001.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref>
  
Upon first being upgraded, the storm tracked steadily northward due to a break in a mid-level [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]].<ref name="disc1"/> Early on May 14, IMD upgraded the system to deep depression status,<ref name="imd514">{{cite web|author=India Meteorological Department|year=2007|title=May 14 Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/New-Delhi/2007051400.DEMS}}</ref> and six hours later classified it as Cyclonic Storm Akash after attaining 3-min sustained winds of 40&nbsp;mph (65&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="imddisc1">{{Cite web|author=India Meteorological Department|year=2007|title=Tropical Cyclone Akash Warning NR 001|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/New-Delhi/2007051406.DEMS}}</ref> Akash continued to organize, with deep convection wrapping fully around the low-level circulation.<ref name="disc2">{{Cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2007|title=Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning NR 002|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051409-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> An [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] began to form as the storm approached land, and at 1800 UTC on May 14 JTWC estimated 1-min sustained winds of 120&nbsp;km/h (75&nbsp;mph). Officially, Akash attained peak 3-min sustained winds of 85&nbsp;km/h (50&nbsp;mph) and a minimum central pressure of 988&nbsp;[[hPa]].
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Upon first being upgraded, the storm tracked steadily northward due to a break in a mid-level [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]].<ref name="disc1"/> Early on May 14, IMD upgraded the system to deep depression status,<ref name="imd514">India Meteorological Department, [ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/New-Delhi/2007051400.DEMS May 14 Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> and six hours later classified it as Cyclonic Storm Akash after attaining 3-min sustained winds of 40&nbsp;mph (65&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="imddisc1">India Meteorological Department, [ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/New-Delhi/2007051406.DEMS Tropical Cyclone Akash Warning NR 001.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> Akash continued to organize, with deep convection wrapping fully around the low-level circulation.<ref name="disc2">Joint Typhoon Warning Center, [ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051409-WTIO.PGTW Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning NR 002.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> An [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] began to form as the storm approached land, and at 1800 UTC on May 14 JTWC estimated 1-min sustained winds of 120&nbsp;km/h (75&nbsp;mph). Officially, Akash attained peak 3-min sustained winds of 85&nbsp;km/h (50&nbsp;mph) and a minimum central pressure of 988&nbsp;[[hPa]].
  
Additionally, meteorologists in [[Burma]] estimated Akash peaked with winds of 160&nbsp;km/h (100&nbsp;mph). As it interacted with the mid-latitude westerlies, it began to become [[extratropical cyclone|extratropical]].<ref name="disc3">{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2007|title=Tropical Cyclone 01B (Akash) Warning NR 003|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051421-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> Shortly after reaching peak winds, Akash made [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] about 115&nbsp;km (70&nbsp;mi) south of [[Chittagong]]. The storm weakened rapidly as it continued inland,<ref name="disc4">{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2007|title=Tropical Cyclone 01B (Akash) Warning NR 004|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051503-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> and early on May 15 IMD issued its final advisory on the system;<ref name="imd515">{{cite web|author=India Meteorological Department|year=2007|title=Special Bulletin for Met. Area North of Equator|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/New-Delhi/2007051501.DEMS}}</ref> shortly thereafter, JTWC discontinued advisories.<ref name="disc4">{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2007|title=Tropical Cyclone 01B (Akash) Warning NR 004|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051503-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> India contributed the name, Akash, meaning Sky in [[Hindi]] language.
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Additionally, meteorologists in [[Burma]] estimated Akash peaked with winds of 160&nbsp;km/h (100&nbsp;mph). As it interacted with the mid-latitude westerlies, it began to become [[extratropical cyclone|extratropical]].<ref name="disc3">Joint Typhoon Warning Center, [ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051421-WTIO.PGTW Tropical Cyclone 01B (Akash) Warning NR 003.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> Shortly after reaching peak winds, Akash made [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] about 115&nbsp;km (70&nbsp;mi) south of [[Chittagong]]. The storm weakened rapidly as it continued inland,<ref name="disc4">Joint Typhoon Warning Center, [ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051503-WTIO.PGTW Tropical Cyclone 01B (Akash) Warning NR 004.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> and early on May 15 IMD issued its final advisory on the system;<ref name="imd515">India Meteorological Department, [ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/New-Delhi/2007051501.DEMS Special Bulletin for Met. Area North of Equator.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> shortly thereafter, JTWC discontinued advisories.<ref name="disc4">Joint Typhoon Warning Center, [ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051503-WTIO.PGTW Tropical Cyclone 01B (Akash) Warning NR 004.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> India contributed the name, Akash, meaning "sky" in [[Hindi]] language.
  
 
==Preparations==
 
==Preparations==
In its daily tropical weather outlook, the India Meteorological Department warned fishermen on the [[Andaman Islands|Andaman]] and [[Nicobar Islands]] to forgo putting out to sea due to the anticipated rough seas.<ref name="imd513"/> 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, ultimately closing it for a period of nineteen hours.<ref name="ds515">{{cite web|author=The Daily Star|year=2007|title=Cyclone Akash spawns tidal surge in coasts|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/05/15/d7051501033.htm}}</ref> In preparation for Akash, officials advised coastal residents to evacuate further inland; about 80,000 total residents left for emergency shelters.<ref name="ds515"/> About 40,000 [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]] volunteers prepared to aid those potentially affected.<ref name="ms514">{{cite web|author=Malaysia Sun|date=2007|title=Bangladesh airport, seaport shut as cyclone 'Akash' intensifies|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/b8de8e630faf3631/id/248708/cs/1/}}</ref>
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In its daily tropical weather outlook, the India Meteorological Department warned fishermen on the [[Andaman Islands|Andaman]] and [[Nicobar Islands]] to forgo putting out to sea due to the anticipated rough seas.<ref name="imd513"/> 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, ultimately closing it for a period of nineteen hours.<ref name="ds515">The Daily Star, [http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/05/15/d7051501033.htm Cyclone Akash spawns tidal surge in coasts.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> In preparation for Akash, officials advised coastal residents to evacuate further inland; about 80,000 total residents left for emergency shelters.<ref name="ds515"/> About 40,000 [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]] volunteers prepared to aid those potentially affected.<ref name="ms514">Malaysia Sun, [http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/b8de8e630faf3631/id/248708/cs/1/ Bangladesh airport, seaport shut as cyclone "Akash" intensifies.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref>
  
 
==Impact==
 
==Impact==
 
The [[India Meteorological Department]] estimated winds of 45&mdash;55 km/h (28&mdash;34 mph) affected the [[Andaman Islands|Andaman]] and [[Nicobar Islands]], though no one reported land fall.<Ref name="imd513"/> In [[Sittwe]] in [[Burma]], the storm produced a [[storm tide]] of 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft), which flooded coastal areas.
 
The [[India Meteorological Department]] estimated winds of 45&mdash;55 km/h (28&mdash;34 mph) affected the [[Andaman Islands|Andaman]] and [[Nicobar Islands]], though no one reported land fall.<Ref name="imd513"/> In [[Sittwe]] in [[Burma]], the storm produced a [[storm tide]] of 3&nbsp;m (10&nbsp;ft), which flooded coastal areas.
  
In [[Chittagong]], about 115&nbsp;km (70&nbsp;mi) north of where Akash moved ashore, surface stations reported peak winds of 37&nbsp;km/h (23&nbsp;mph) and a pressure of 996.8v[[hPa]].<ref name="disc4"/> Near its landfall location, Akash produced high tides that flooded coastal areas with up to 1.5&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft) of water,<ref name="ds515"/> destroying at least 30&nbsp;businesses. The cyclone destroyed 205&nbsp;houses and left an additional 845 damaged. Akash caused moderate crop damage near the coast,<ref name="reuters515">{{cite web|author=Nizam Ahmed, Nurul Islam, Aung Hla Tun|year=2007|title=Tidal surge floods Bangladesh coastal villages|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/JBRN-738GAF?OpenDocument&rc=3&cc=bgd}}</ref> including 2&nbsp;ha (4.9&nbsp;acres) of destroyed lands of shrimp farms. Meteorologists reported heavy precipitation with one station reporting a total of 53&nbsp;mm (2.12&nbsp;in); <ref name="rw517">{{cite web|author=International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies|year=2007|title=Bangladesh: Cyclonic Storm Information Bulletin No. 01/2007|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/YSAR-73ASHX?OpenDocument&rc=3&emid=TC-2007-000060-BGD}}</ref> the rainfall caused flooding in inland areas.<ref name="ds515"/>  
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In [[Chittagong]], about 115&nbsp;km (70&nbsp;mi) north of where Akash moved ashore, surface stations reported peak winds of 37&nbsp;km/h (23&nbsp;mph) and a pressure of 996.8v[[hPa]].<ref name="disc4"/> Near its landfall location, Akash produced high tides that flooded coastal areas with up to 1.5&nbsp;m (5&nbsp;ft) of water,<ref name="ds515"/> destroying at least 30&nbsp;businesses. The cyclone destroyed 205&nbsp;houses and left an additional 845 damaged. Akash caused moderate crop damage near the coast,<ref name="reuters515">Nizam Ahmed, Nurul Islam, and Aung Hla Tun, [http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/JBRN-738GAF?OpenDocument&rc=3&cc=bgd Tidal surge floods Bangladesh coastal villages.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> including 2&nbsp;ha (4.9&nbsp;acres) of destroyed lands of shrimp farms. Meteorologists reported heavy precipitation with one station reporting a total of 53&nbsp;mm (2.12&nbsp;in); the rainfall caused flooding in inland areas.<ref name="ds515"/>  
  
The heavy rains, caused by outer bands of the cyclone before it made landfall, limited play in Chittagong in the [[Indian cricket team in Bangladesh in 2007#3rd ODI|third One Day International]] [[cricket]] match between [[India national cricket team|India]] and [[Bangladesh national cricket team|Bangladesh]], before officials called off the match.<ref name="odi515">{{cite web|author=Asian News International|year=2007|title=India, Bangladesh third ODI called off|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=http://www.newkerala.com/news5.php?action=fullnews&id=29648}}</ref> Strong winds caused power outages throughout [[Cox's Bazar District]],<ref name="ds515"/> and downed about 200 trees on [[St. Martin's Island]]. The cyclone left a total of 10&nbsp;boats unaccounted for, with about 50&nbsp;fishermen missing. In total, three fisherman had been confirmed killed, all on St. Martin's Island, <ref name="ds516">{{cite web|author=The Daily Star|year=2007|title=3 killed, 50 missing as cyclone Akash makes landfall|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/05/16/d7051601044.htm}}</ref> with two people left hospitalized.<ref name="non517">{{cite web|author=Narinjara News|year=2007|title=No Relief for Akash's Victims in Arakan|accessdate=2008-07-02|url=http://www.narinjara.com/details.asp?id=1261}}</ref> The passage of Cyclone Akash left many people homeless. Initially the government made no response.<ref name="non517"/>
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The heavy rains, caused by outer bands of the cyclone before it made landfall, limited play in Chittagong in the [[Indian cricket team in Bangladesh in 2007#3rd ODI|third One Day International]] [[cricket]] match between [[India national cricket team|India]] and [[Bangladesh national cricket team|Bangladesh]], before officials called off the match. Strong winds caused power outages throughout [[Cox's Bazar District]],<ref name="ds515"/> and downed about 200 trees on [[St. Martin's Island]]. The cyclone left a total of 10&nbsp;boats unaccounted for, with about 50&nbsp;fishermen missing. In total, three fisherman had been confirmed killed, all on St. Martin's Island, <ref name="ds516">The Daily Star, [http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/05/16/d7051601044.htm 3 killed, 50 missing as cyclone Akash makes landfall.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> with two people left hospitalized.<ref name="non517">Narinjara News, [http://www.narinjara.com/details.asp?id=1261 No Relief for Akash's Victims in Arakan.] Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref> The passage of Cyclone Akash left many people homeless. Initially the government made no response.<ref name="non517"/>
  
 
==India Meteorological Department==
 
==India Meteorological Department==
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD), also referred to as the Met Office, constitutes a [[Government of India]] organization responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasts, and detecting earthquakes. The IMD, located in [[India]]'s capital, [[New Delhi]], also functions as the [[Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre]] responsible for forecasting [[tropical cyclone]]s in the [[Arabian Sea]] and the [[Bay of Bengal]].
 
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), also referred to as the Met Office, constitutes a [[Government of India]] organization responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasts, and detecting earthquakes. The IMD, located in [[India]]'s capital, [[New Delhi]], also functions as the [[Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre]] responsible for forecasting [[tropical cyclone]]s in the [[Arabian Sea]] and the [[Bay of Bengal]].
  
'''Organization'''. A Director General of Meteorology heads the department, served by four junior Additional Directors General at New Delhi and one at [[Pune]]. Additionally, twenty Deputy Directors General, ten of them located in New Delhi, serve the department. Six regional meteorological centers, each under a Deputy Director General, operate from [[Mumbai]] (Bombay), [[Chennai]] (Madras), New Delhi, [[Kolkata]] (Calcutta), [[Nagpur]] and [[Guwahati]]. Sub-units exist in each state capitals.
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'''Organization.''' A Director General of Meteorology heads the department, served by four junior Additional Directors General at New Delhi and one at [[Pune]]. Additionally, twenty Deputy Directors General, ten of them located in New Delhi, serve the department. Six regional meteorological centers, each under a Deputy Director General, operate from [[Mumbai]] (Bombay), [[Chennai]] (Madras), New Delhi, [[Kolkata]] (Calcutta), [[Nagpur]], and [[Guwahati]]. Sub-units exist in each state capitals.
  
'''History'''. After a [[tropical cyclone]] hit [[Kolkata|Calcutta]] in 1864, and the subsequent famines in 1866 and 1871 due to the failure of the monsoons, the government decided to set up a meteorological organization under one roof. [[Henry Francis Blanford|H.F. Blanford]] received the appointment as the first meteorological reporter to the government of India. In May 1889, Sir [[John Eliot]] became the first Director General of Observatories in the erstwhile capital Calcutta. The headquarters shifted to [[Shimla]], [[Pune]] and then to [[New Delhi]].
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'''History.''' After a [[tropical cyclone]] hit [[Kolkata|Calcutta]] in 1864, and the subsequent famines in 1866 and 1871, due to the failure of the monsoons, the government decided to set up a meteorological organization under one roof. [[Henry Francis Blanford|H.F. Blanford]] received the appointment as the first meteorological reporter to the government of India. In May 1889, Sir [[John Eliot]] became the first Director General of Observatories in the erstwhile capital Calcutta. The headquarters shifted to [[Shimla]], [[Pune]] and then to [[New Delhi]].
  
'''Tasks'''. The meteorological department undertakes observations, communications, forecasting and weather services. IMD became the first organization in India to have a message switching computer for supporting its global data exchange. In collaboration with the [[Indian Space Research Organisation]], the IMD uses the [[Indian National Satellite System]] (INSAT) for weather monitoring of the Indian subcontinent, being the first weather bureau of a developing country to develop and maintain its own geostationary satellite system.
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'''Tasks.''' The meteorological department undertakes observations, communications, forecasting and weather services. IMD became the first organization in India to have a message switching computer for supporting its global data exchange. In collaboration with the [[Indian Space Research Organisation]], the IMD uses the [[Indian National Satellite System]] (INSAT) for weather monitoring of the Indian subcontinent, being the first weather bureau of a developing country to develop and maintain its own geostationary satellite system.
  
The IMD numbers among six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centers within the World Weather Watch program of the [[World Meteorological Organization]], responsible for forecasting [[tropical cyclone]] activity in the [[Indian Ocean]] north of the [[equator]], including the [[Arabian Sea]] and the [[Bay of Bengal]].<ref>[http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/static/welcome.htm Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre</ref>
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The IMD numbers among six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centers within the World Weather Watch program of the [[World Meteorological Organization]], responsible for forecasting [[tropical cyclone]] activity in the [[Indian Ocean]] north of the [[equator]], including the [[Arabian Sea]] and the [[Bay of Bengal]].<ref>IMD, [http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/static/welcome.htm Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre.] Retrieved July 3, 2008.</ref>
  
 
{{National Meteorological Organisations}}
 
{{National Meteorological Organisations}}
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<!--{{credits|India_Meteorological_Department|216917417}}—>
 
<!--{{credits|India_Meteorological_Department|216917417}}—>
  
==See also==
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==Notes==
 
==Notes==
{{reflist|2}}
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<references/>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
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*Anthes, Richard A. ''Tropical Cyclones: Their Evolution, Structure and Effects.'' Boston: American Meteorological Society, 1982. ISBN 0933876548
*Anthes, Richard A. ''Tropical Cyclones: Their Evolution, Structure and Effects.'' Boston, MA: American Meteorological Society, 1982. ISBN 0933876548
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*Dugan, Michael. ''Cyclones. Australian Disasters.'' South Melbourne: Macmillan Education Australia, 1996.
*Dugan, Michael. ''Cyclones. Australian disasters.'' South Melbourne: Macmillan Education Australia, 1996. ISBN 0732929105
 
 
*Longshore, David. ''Encyclopedia of Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Cyclones''. New York: Facts on File, 1998. ISBN 0816033986
 
*Longshore, David. ''Encyclopedia of Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Cyclones''. New York: Facts on File, 1998. ISBN 0816033986
  
==External Links==
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==External links==
* [http://www.imd.ernet.in/main_new.htm India Meteorological Department Official site]. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
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All links retrieved June 23, 2022.
* [http://www.imd.gov.in India Meteorological Department mirror site].Retrieved July 2, 2008.
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* [http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hurricanes/archives/2007/h2007_akash.html Cyclone Akash Strikes Bangladesh with Heavy Rains and High Winds]
 
 
  
{{DEFAULTSORT:Akash}}
 
  
 
[[Category:Physical sciences]]
 
[[Category:Physical sciences]]

Revision as of 21:58, 23 June 2022

Cyclonic Storm Akash
Cyclonic storm (IMD)
Category 1 cyclone (SSHS)
Tropical Cyclone 01B shortly after forming

Tropical Cyclone 01B shortly after forming
Formed May 12, 2007
Dissipated May 15, 2007
Highest
winds
85 km/h (50 mph) (3-minute sustained)
120 km/h (75 mph) (1-minute sustained)
Lowest pressure 988 hPa (mbar)
Fatalities 3 direct
Damage Unknown
Areas
affected
Andaman Islands, Nicobar Islands, Bangladesh, Burma
Part of the
2007 North Indian Ocean cyclone season

Cyclone Akash (JTWC designation: 01B, also known as Cyclonic Storm Akash) marked the first named tropical cyclone of the 2007 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. Tracked by both India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), it formed from an area of disturbed weather on the Bay of Bengal on May 12, and gradually organized as it drifted northward. An eye began to develop as it approached land, and after reaching peak 3-min sustained winds of 85 km/h (50 mph), it struck about 115 km (70 mi) south of Chittagong in Bangladesh. Akash rapidly weakened over land, with advisories discontinuing on May 15.

The storm initially brought heavy rainfall to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Upon striking Bangladesh, Cyclonic Storm Akash produced a moderate storm tide, along with strong winds and heavy rains. The storm left dozens of boats missing, with three fisherman confirmed killed and another fifty missing. In Burma, its storm tide caused some coastal flooding. Unavoidable damage resulted from Cyclone Akash. Coastal areas flooded from storm tides of 5 to 10 feet, destroying thirty five businesses and 205 homes, while damaging 845 more. Crops sustained damage. The India Meteorological Department played a key role in sparing Bangladesh from disaster.

Storm history

Storm path
Visible satellite image of Cyclone Akash

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 (340 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). Officially, Akash attained peak 3-min sustained winds of 85 km/h (50 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 988 hPa.

Additionally, meteorologists in Burma estimated Akash peaked with winds of 160 km/h (100 mph). 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 (70 mi) south of Chittagong. The storm weakened rapidly as it continued inland,[11] and early on May 15 IMD issued its final advisory on the system;[12] shortly thereafter, JTWC discontinued advisories.[11] India contributed the name, Akash, meaning "sky" in Hindi language.

Preparations

In its daily tropical weather outlook, the India Meteorological Department warned fishermen on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to forgo putting out to sea 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, ultimately closing it for a period of nineteen hours.[13] In preparation for Akash, officials advised coastal residents to evacuate further inland; about 80,000 total residents left for emergency shelters.[13] About 40,000 Red Cross volunteers prepared to aid those potentially affected.[14]

Impact

The India Meteorological Department estimated winds of 45—55 km/h (28—34 mph) affected the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, though no one reported land fall.[2] In Sittwe in Burma, the storm produced a storm tide of 3 m (10 ft), which flooded coastal areas.

In Chittagong, about 115 km (70 mi) north of where Akash moved ashore, surface stations reported peak winds of 37 km/h (23 mph) and a pressure of 996.8vhPa.[11] Near its landfall location, Akash produced high tides that flooded coastal areas with up to 1.5 m (5 ft) of water,[13] destroying at least 30 businesses. The cyclone destroyed 205 houses and left an additional 845 damaged. Akash caused moderate crop damage near the coast,[15] including 2 ha (4.9 acres) of destroyed lands of shrimp farms. Meteorologists reported heavy precipitation with one station reporting a total of 53 mm (2.12 in); the rainfall caused flooding in inland areas.[13]

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 officials called off the match. Strong winds caused power outages throughout Cox's Bazar District,[13] 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 had been confirmed killed, all on St. Martin's Island, [16] with two people left hospitalized.[17] The passage of Cyclone Akash left many people homeless. Initially the government made no response.[17]

India Meteorological Department

IMD logo

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), also referred to as the Met Office, constitutes a Government of India organization responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasts, and detecting earthquakes. The IMD, located in India's capital, New Delhi, also functions as the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre responsible for forecasting tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Organization. A Director General of Meteorology heads the department, served by four junior Additional Directors General at New Delhi and one at Pune. Additionally, twenty Deputy Directors General, ten of them located in New Delhi, serve the department. Six regional meteorological centers, each under a Deputy Director General, operate from Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras), New Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta), Nagpur, and Guwahati. Sub-units exist in each state capitals.

History. After a tropical cyclone hit Calcutta in 1864, and the subsequent famines in 1866 and 1871, due to the failure of the monsoons, the government decided to set up a meteorological organization under one roof. H.F. Blanford received the appointment as the first meteorological reporter to the government of India. In May 1889, Sir John Eliot became the first Director General of Observatories in the erstwhile capital Calcutta. The headquarters shifted to Shimla, Pune and then to New Delhi.

Tasks. The meteorological department undertakes observations, communications, forecasting and weather services. IMD became the first organization in India to have a message switching computer for supporting its global data exchange. In collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation, the IMD uses the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) for weather monitoring of the Indian subcontinent, being the first weather bureau of a developing country to develop and maintain its own geostationary satellite system.

The IMD numbers among six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centers within the World Weather Watch program of the World Meteorological Organization, responsible for forecasting tropical cyclone activity in the Indian Ocean north of the equator, including the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.[18]


Notes

  1. India Meteorological Department, May 12 Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean. Retrieved July 1, 2008.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 India Meteorological Department, May 13 Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  3. Charlie Forecast Team, May 12 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean, Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  4. Delta Forecast Team, May 12 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean (2), Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  5. Delta Forecast Team,May 13 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean, Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved July 5, 2008.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning NR 001. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  7. India Meteorological Department, May 14 Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  8. India Meteorological Department, Tropical Cyclone Akash Warning NR 001. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  9. Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning NR 002. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  10. Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Tropical Cyclone 01B (Akash) Warning NR 003. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Tropical Cyclone 01B (Akash) Warning NR 004. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  12. India Meteorological Department, Special Bulletin for Met. Area North of Equator. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 The Daily Star, Cyclone Akash spawns tidal surge in coasts. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  14. Malaysia Sun, Bangladesh airport, seaport shut as cyclone "Akash" intensifies. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  15. Nizam Ahmed, Nurul Islam, and Aung Hla Tun, Tidal surge floods Bangladesh coastal villages. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  16. The Daily Star, 3 killed, 50 missing as cyclone Akash makes landfall. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  17. 17.0 17.1 Narinjara News, No Relief for Akash's Victims in Arakan. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  18. IMD, Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre. Retrieved July 3, 2008.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Anthes, Richard A. Tropical Cyclones: Their Evolution, Structure and Effects. Boston: American Meteorological Society, 1982. ISBN 0933876548
  • Dugan, Michael. Cyclones. Australian Disasters. South Melbourne: Macmillan Education Australia, 1996.
  • Longshore, David. Encyclopedia of Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Cyclones. New York: Facts on File, 1998. ISBN 0816033986

External links

All links retrieved June 23, 2022.


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