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Cyclone Bhola makes landfall in Bangladesh, killing up to 500,000

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Cyclone Bhola struck East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, on 12 November 1970, killing up to 500,000 people, making it the deadliest recorded tropical cyclone in history

Desk Report

Publisted at 7:26 AM, Tue Nov 12th, 2024

On 12 November 1970, Cyclone Bhola struck the coast of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), unleashing unprecedented destruction and becoming the deadliest tropical cyclone ever recorded.

With wind speeds reaching 115 mph and a massive storm surge, the cyclone obliterated coastal villages, sweeping entire communities away and claiming the lives of an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 people.

The catastrophe exposed vulnerabilities in the region's disaster preparedness and exacerbated political tensions, catalysing movements for change.

In its wake, Cyclone Bhola left lasting scars on the land and collective memory, illustrating the devastating force of nature and its human toll.

 

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