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1998 North Indian Ocean cyclone season

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1998 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
Season summary map
Seasonal boundaries
First system formedMay 18, 1998
Last system dissipatedDecember 17, 1998
Strongest storm
Name03A
 • Maximum winds195 km/h (120 mph)
(1-minute sustained)
 • Lowest pressure938 hPa (mbar)
Seasonal statistics
Deep depressions11
Cyclonic storms8
Severe cyclonic storms5
Total fatalities≥10,016 direct, 12 indirect, >100 missing
Total damageAt least $3 billion (1998 USD)
North Indian Ocean tropical cyclone seasons
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

The 1998 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. 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. The official Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre in this basin is the India Meteorological Department (IMD), while the Joint Typhoon Warning Center releases unofficial advisories. On average, 4 to 6 storms form in the North Indian Ocean every season.[1]

With 11 depressions and eight tropical cyclones, the 1998 season ranks as the second most active North Indian Ocean Cyclone season, along with 1987, 1996, and 2005.[2] During 1998, the IMD did not publish wind speeds, storms were referred to as "depressions", "deep depressions", or "cyclonic storms".[3] In addition to the above average activity, the season caused a large loss of life, most of which was from one storm. Over 10,000 people were killed in India when Tropical Cyclone 03A brought a 4.9 m (16 ft) storm surge to the Kathiawar Peninsula, inundating numerous salt mines. Total damages from the storm amounted to Rs. 120 billion ($3 billion USD). Tropical Cyclone 01B killed at least 14 people when it made landfall in eastern Bangladesh on May 20. Tropical Cyclone 06B killed two other people when it made landfall in eastern India during November. An additional 100 fishermen were listed as missing after Tropical Cyclone 07B impacted Bangladesh.

Season summary

The first storm of the season developed on May 18 out of an area of low pressure over the Bay of Bengal. It reached its peak intensity with winds of 130 km/h (80 mph) before making landfall near Chittagong, Bangladesh. The storm dissipated shortly after.[4] Later that month, a short lived storm developed over the Arabian Sea. The system dissipated the day after it formed without impacting land.[5] The most intense storm of the season formed in early June off the southwestern coast of India. It slowly traveled towards the west, remaining relatively weak before turning towards the north and intensifying. The storm reached its peak intensity with winds of 195 km/h (120 mph) shortly before making landfall near Porbandar in the Indian state of Gujarat. The cyclone rapidly dissipated the same day it made landfall.[6]

After three months of inactivity, five short lived storms developed in late September and October.[7] Two of the five systems strengthened into tropical storms, neither of which impacted land.[8][9] In early November, the sixth tropical cyclone of the season developed in the Bay of Bengal. The storm quickly developed and reached its peak intensity upon landfall with winds of 155 km/h (100 mph). The storm rapidly dissipated the same day it made landfall.[10] Shortly after 06B dissipated, the remnants of Tropical Storm Chip[11] triggered the development of a new cyclone over the Bay of Bengal. The storm tracked along the edge of a subtropical ridge, reaching its peak intensity over open waters with winds of 140 km/h (80 mph). The cyclone entered an area of higher wind shear shortly after and rapidly weakened before making landfall. It dissipated shortly after landfall in Bangladesh.[12] The final cyclone of the season developed in the Arabian Sea during mid-December. The storm reached its peak intensity with winds of 120 km/h (75 mph) before weakened due to strong wind shear. The storm ultimately made landfall in Oman on December 17 as a minimal tropical storm shortly before dissipating.[13]

Storms

Tropical Cyclone 01B

Category 1 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
 
DurationMay 18 – May 20
Peak intensity130 km/h (80 mph) (1-min);
972 hPa (mbar)

On May 13, a tropical disturbance developed over the southern Bay of Bengal to the southeast of Sri Lanka. With little development, the disturbance initially traveled towards the north-northeast before turning towards the west. On May 16, the system slowed down near the southeastern coast of India as it began to turn towards the northeast once more.[4] At 0700 UTC on May 17, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA) on the developing disturbance. A second TCFA was issued later that day as a new circulation associated with the system developed further towards the northeast.[14] At 0600 UTC on May 18, the first advisory on Tropical Cyclone 01B was issued by the JTWC.[4] At the time of the advisory, winds were estimated at 55 km/h (35 mph).[15] Continuing on a northeasterly track, 01B gradually intensified as it neared the Bangladesh coastline. About 12 hours after being designated a cyclone, the storm strengthened to the equivalent of a tropical storm with winds reaching 65 km/h (40 mph) while located 555 km (345 mi) south-southeast of Chittagong, Bangladesh.[14] Early on May 20, 01B reached its peak intensity with winds of 130 km/h (80 mph)[4] as an eye developed and made landfall several hours later near Chittagong.[14] After making landfall, the storm quickly weakened,[14] dissipating later that day.[4]

Ahead of the storm, officials in Bangladesh relocated an estimated 650,000 people, which resulted in a lower loss of life.[16] Tropical Cyclone 01B caused severe damage to the low-lying areas of Bangladesh,[4] destroying at least 6,000 homes[17] and damaging 9,945 others.[16] The cyclone produced a storm surge of 1.8 to 3 m (6 to 10 ft), inundating coastal towns.[18] A total of 1,876 hectares (4,635 acres) of salt fields and 25 hectares (61 acres) of shrimp farms were damaged by the storm.[17] At least 14 people were killed by the storm[14] and 504 others were injured. A total of 108,440 people were affected by the storm in Bangladesh.[16]

Tropical Cyclone 02A

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationMay 28 – May 29
Peak intensity65 km/h (40 mph) (1-min);
997 hPa (mbar)

On May 27, an area of low pressure developed over the central Arabian Sea.[5] Early the next day, the JTWC issued their first advisory on Tropical Cyclone 02A while the system was located about 740 km (460 mi) south of Masirah Island.[14] Upon being classified a tropical cyclone, 02A reached its peak intensity with winds of 65 km/h (40 mph).[5] Just as quickly as the storm appeared, it began to dissipate due to increasing vertical wind shear. The center of circulation quickly became devoid of convection. The storm weakened below tropical storm intensity later that day[14] before dissipating on May 29 over open waters.[5]

Tropical Cyclone 03A

Category 3 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
DurationJune 4 – June 9
Peak intensity195 km/h (120 mph) (1-min);
938 hPa (mbar)

On June 1, an area of low pressure developed over the Laccadive Islands. Two days later, the JTWC issued a TCFA for the system as it became better organized. Early on June 4, the JTWC issued their first advisory on Tropical Cyclone 03A.[6] The small storm moved slowly towards the west and weakened as wind shear began to increase. The storm weakened below tropical storm intensity later that day and the initial final advisory was issued. However, the system redeveloped and advisories resumed the next day. The storm gradually intensified as it moved towards the northwest. Dvorak satellite intensity estimates on June 6 reached T4.0, corresponding to an intensity of 120 km/h (75 mph).[19] Around this time, the storm began to turn towards the north and accelerate due to an approaching mid-level trough. As the storm neared the Indian coastline, an eye developed and the storm strengthened into the equivalent of a major hurricane with winds reaching 185 km/h (115 mph).[6] Early on June 9, after slightly weakening,[19] 03A reached its peak intensity with winds of 195 km/h (120 mph)[6] shortly before making landfall near Porbandar in the Indian state of Gujarat.[19] The storm rapidly weakened following landfall and dissipated later that day.[6]

Tropical Cyclone 03A brought a large storm surge of 4.9 m (16 ft) which devastated coastal communities and salt mines.[19] An estimated 10,000 people were killed by the storm,[20] many of whom were salt mine workers who did not own a radio and received little or no warning of the cyclone. The large loss of life was partially attributed to contractors who wanted to continue making profits and did not inform their workers of the approaching storm.[19] Power supply to numerous residences was lost due to the storms high winds.[21] A microwave tower in Porbandar collapsed during the storm, causing widespread telecommunication loss.[22] At least 893 people were injured by the storm and over 11,000 animals were killed. Over 162,000 structures were damaged or destroyed throughout the affected area and damages amounted to Rs. 120 billion ($3 billion USD).[23] The remnants of the storm produced heavy rains over Pakistan leading to the electrocutions of 12 people.[19] In the wake of the storm, the United States Government provided $25,000 (USD) for rehabilitation of the affected population. About 330 medical teams were deployed by the Gujarat government to the affected areas. Local aid, amounting to Rs 1 billion ($20.5 million USD) was provided to assist victims.[23]

Tropical Cyclone 04A

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 30 – October 1
Peak intensity65 km/h (40 mph) (1-min);
997 hPa (mbar)

In late September, an area of low pressure developed over the Arabian Sea within an east-west oriented surface trough while located about 740 km (460 mi) west of Mumbai, India. The system gradually intensified as it moved slowly towards the west.[8] Early on September 30, the JTWC issued their first advisory on Tropical Cyclone 04A, with winds peaking at 65 km/h (40 mph). Located within an area of moderate wind shear, the storm quickly weakened[24] and dissipated early on October 1.[8]

Deep Depression

On October 8, the India Meteorological Department began monitoring a tropical depression located about 835 km (520 mi) southwest of Mumbai, India. The depression was briefly classified as a deep depression with winds of 55 km/h (35 mph) as it moved towards the west-northwest. Shortly after reaching its peak intensity, the depression weakened. The last advisory was issued the next day while over open waters.[7]

Depression

On October 13, the IMD began monitoring a tropical depression off the eastern coast of India.[7] The depression remained relatively weak, with winds peaking at 45 km/h (30 mph) before making landfall near Narsapur in the Andhra Pradesh early on October 14.[3] The depression dissipated shortly after landfall.[7]

Tropical Cyclone 05A

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationOctober 15 – October 18
Peak intensity65 km/h (40 mph) (1-min);
997 hPa (mbar)

On October 10, the IMD began monitoring an area of low pressure over the Laccadive Islands. The low traveled towards the northwest with little development.[7] On October 15, the JTWC issued a TCFA as the system became better organized. Although wind shear increased, the first advisory was issued the next day. With minimal convection, the storm never intensified past 65 km/h (40 mph).[9] The system traveled towards the northeast and weakened due to strong wind shear. On October 17, the storm weakened below tropical storm status and made landfall on the Kathiawar Peninsula, near the same area where 03A made landfall in early June.[7] The storm dissipated shortly after landfall[9] without having any known effects on land.[7]

Deep Depression

Early on October 28, the IMD began monitoring a tropical depression located about 555 km (345 mi) south-southeast of Visakhapatnam in the Andhra Pradesh. The depression strengthened to a deep depression later that day with winds peaking at 55 km/h (35 mph) before undergoing a weakening trend. The depression dissipated the next day near the Andhra Pradesh coastline.[7]

Tropical Cyclone 06B

Category 2 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
 
DurationNovember 13 – November 16
Peak intensity155 km/h (100 mph) (1-min);
958 hPa (mbar)

On November 10, an area of low pressure developed over the Bay of Bengal within a monsoonal trough. Moving towards the northwest,[25] the low gradually developed and the JTWC issued a TCFA early on November 13. The next day, the first advisory on Tropical Cyclone 06B was issued.[10] A brief period of rapid development took place as the storm strengthened just below Category 1 status. Shortly before making landfall near Visakhapatnam,[25] 06B reached its peak intensity with winds of 155 km/h (100 mph).[10] Rapid weakening followed shortly after landfall[25] and the storm dissipated early on November 16.[10]

Major crop losses and significant property damage was reported as well as two fatalities in the areas affected by 06B.[10] Hundreds of trees and power lines were downed by strong winds produced by the storm.[26]

Tropical Cyclone 07B

Category 1 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
DurationNovember 16 – November 23
Peak intensity140 km/h (85 mph) (1-min);
967 hPa (mbar)

On November 15, Tropical Storm Chip dissipated over Vietnam.[11] The remnants of Chip crossed the Malay Peninsula on November 17 and entered the Bay of Bengal.[12] The system moved along the edge of a subtropical ridge within an area of strong wind shear. After turning towards the northwest, the low entered an area of lower wind shear and began to become better organized.[25] Between November 18 and 20, three TCFAs were issued before the first advisory on Tropical Cyclone 07B was written early on November 20.[12] While recurving towards the northeast,[25] 07B reached its peak intensity on November 22 with winds of 140 km/h (85 mph).[12] Shortly after reaching peak intensity, the cyclone entered an area of strong wind shear which caused convection associated with the storm to become dislocated from the center.[25] This caused 07B to rapidly weaken[12] before making landfall to the west of Chittagong, Bangladesh.[25] The storm dissipated shortly after landfall on November 23.[12]

Tropical Cyclone 07B produced a storm surge of 1.2 to 2.4 m (4 to 8 ft) which inundated coastal areas of Bangladesh,[27] leaving at least 100 people missing.[12] Winds gusting up to 80 km/h (47 mph) and heavy rains impacted a large area of the country. A large area of rice paddies was lost due to flooding and numerous homes were buried in mud.[28] A total of 5,780 families were left homeless by the storm. About 8,755 homes sustained severe damage and an estimated 300,000 people were affected by 07B.[29]

Tropical Cyclone 08A

Category 1 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
 
DurationDecember 11 – December 17
Peak intensity120 km/h (75 mph) (1-min);
976 hPa (mbar)

On December 7, a broad area of low pressure developed near southern India within an area of moderate wind shear. [30] On December 11, the JTWC issued a TCFA for the system as it drifted towards the northwest over the Arabian Sea. Two days later, the first advisory on Tropical Cyclone 08A was issued.[13] The large cyclone slowly organized and intensified as it turned towards the north.[30] By December 15, the storm reached its peak intensity with winds of 120 km/h (75 mph).[13] After reaching its peak intensity, the system turned towards the west into an area of higher wind shear.[30] The cyclone gradually weakened as it traveled towards Oman. Tropical Cyclone 08A made landfall in the country on December 17 with winds of 65 km/h (40 mph). The storm dissipated later that day.[13] Although the storm made landfall as a tropical storm, there were no known reports of damage from it.[30]

See also

Template:Tcportal

References

  1. ^ Staff Writer. "IMD Cyclone Warning Services: Tropical Cyclones". India Meteorological Department. Retrieved October 21, 2008.
  2. ^ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (2009). "Tracks for All Northern Hemisphere Tropical Cyclones". World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  3. ^ a b Gary Padgett (November 29, 1998). "Monthly Tropical Cyclone Tracks for October 1998". Typhoon 2000. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Joint Typhoon Warning Center (1999). "Tropical Cyclone 01B Preliminary Report" (PDF). World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved February 8, 2009.
  5. ^ a b c d Joint Typhoon Warning Center (1999). "Tropical Cyclone 02A Preliminary Report" (PDF). World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  6. ^ a b c d e Joint Typhoon Warning Center (1999). "Tropical Cyclone 03A Preliminary Report" (PDF). World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h Gary Padgett (November 29, 1998). "Monthly Tropical Cyclone Summary for October 1998". Typhoon 2000. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  8. ^ a b c Joint Typhoon Warning Center (1999). "Tropical Cyclone 04A Preliminary Report" (PDF). World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  9. ^ a b c Joint Typhoon Warning Center (1999). "Tropical Cyclone 05A Preliminary Report" (PDF). World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  10. ^ a b c d e Joint Typhoon Warning Center (1999). "Tropical Cyclone 06B Preliminary Report" (PDF). World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  11. ^ a b Joint Typhoon Warning Center (1999). "Tropical Storm Chip Preliminary Report" (PDF). World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g Joint Typhoon Warning Center (1999). "Tropical Cyclone 07B Preliminary Report" (PDF). World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  13. ^ a b c d Joint Typhoon Warning Center (1999). "Tropical Cyclone 08A Preliminary Report" (PDF). World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g Gary Padgett (June 6, 1998). "Monthly Tropical Cyclone Summary for May 1998". Typhoon 2000. Retrieved February 8, 2009.
  15. ^ Gary Padgett (July 15, 1998). "Monthly Tropical Cyclone Tracks for May 1998". Typhoon 2000. Retrieved February 8, 2009.
  16. ^ a b c Peter Rees-Gildea (May 25, 1998). "Bangladesh: Cyclone Information Bulletin No. 3" (PDF). Operations Fundraising and Reporting Department. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  17. ^ a b Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (May 25, 1998). "Bangladesh: Cyclone Situation Report No. 2". United Nations. Retrieved February 8, 2009.
  18. ^ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (May 19, 1998). "Bangladesh: Cyclone Situation Report No. 1". United Nations. Retrieved February 8, 2009.
  19. ^ a b c d e f Gary Padgett (July 14, 1998). "Monthly Tropical Cyclone Summary for June 1998". Typhoon 2000. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  20. ^ Staff Writer (December 29, 1998). "1998 Natural Catastrophes: Top 10". Munich Re. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  21. ^ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (June 10, 1998). "India: Cyclone Situation Report No. 1". United Nations. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  22. ^ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (June 11, 1998). "India: Cyclone Situation Report No. 2". United Nations. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  23. ^ a b Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (June 19, 1998). "India: Cyclone Situation Report No. 4". United Nations. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  24. ^ Gary Padgett (October 26, 1998). "Monthly Tropical Cyclone Summary for September 1998". Typhoon 2000. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  25. ^ a b c d e f g Gary Padgett (1998). "Monthly Tropical Cyclone Summary for November 1998". Typhoon 2000. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  26. ^ Staff Writer (November 26, 1998). "Earthwatch: A Diary of the Planet". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 9, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  27. ^ Staff Writer (January 2008). "Field Investigation on the Impact of Cyclone Sidr in the Coastal Region of Bangladesh" (PDF). Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  28. ^ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (November 24, 1998). "Bangladesh: Cyclone Situation Report No. 1". United Nations. Retrieved February 8, 2009.
  29. ^ Oxfam (February 5, 1999). "Emergency Bulletin: India". ReliefWeb. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  30. ^ a b c d Gary Padgett (1999). "Monthly Tropical Cyclone Summary for December 1998". Typhoon 2000. Retrieved February 9, 2009.

External links

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