Oct 23, 2024
By: Kapil Yadav
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Cyclones are powerful storm systems characterized by strong winds and heavy rain. They can inflict significant damage through flooding, storms, and destructive winds. India has experienced many such cyclones, and here is a list of the most destructive cyclones in India’s history.
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Considered one of the most destructive cyclones not just in India but in the entire world, the Hooghly cyclone made landfall on October 7, 1737, and killed over 3,00,000 people. It was recorded as the first super cyclone of the North Indian Ocean.
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Another deadly cyclone that claimed over 3,00,000 lives in Andhra Pradesh, the Coringa cyclone became a crucial part of history as it highlighted the sheer vulnerability of coastal areas and the extra steps needed to safeguard them.
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This cyclone brought extreme winds and torrential rains, leading to widespread destruction of homes, buildings and even ships. The death toll exceeded 60,000 and the city of Kolkata had to go through a major rebuilding.
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The Bhola cyclone is considered the deadliest recorded cyclone in the history of India and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Although the major impact was on Bangladesh, it also hit West Bengal hard. The estimated death toll ranges from 3,00,000 to 5,00,000, most of which were in Bangladesh.
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The 1977 Andhra Pradesh Cyclone hit coastal Andhra Pradesh, particularly Krishna and Guntur districts, causing a massive storm surge and floods. It resulted in an estimated 10,000–15,000 deaths and widespread destruction.
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Also known as the Paradip cyclone, the Odisha cyclone was one of the strongest cyclones of Indian history. It had wind speeds of about 250 km/h that killed over 10,000 people and millions were left homeless.
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Cyclone Nisha struck Tamil Nadu in November 2008, causing severe flooding and heavy rainfall. It led to the deaths of 204 people and widespread damage to agriculture and infrastructure.
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Cyclone Hudhud hit the state of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha in 2014 and was one of the strongest cyclones to strike the region. Due to better preparedness of the authorities the death toll was significantly low, around 124 casualties. However, it caused extensive property damage and displaced thousands of people.
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Amphan was a super cyclone that struck West Bengal in the peak month of Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The death tally was limited to about 100, but it caused widespread damage in Kolkata and some other places.
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Tauktae was a significantly strong cyclone that impacted regions of Maharashtra and Gujarat in 2021. The torrential rains and massive winds wreaked havoc, resulting in over 150 fatalities.
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