Odisha Super Cyclone

Super Cyclonic Storm1999Post-Monsoon
Odisha Super Cyclone - Image 1

Overview

The 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone was the strongest recorded tropical cyclone in the North Indian Ocean and one of the most destructive. The massive loss of life led to a complete overhaul of India's cyclone warning and disaster management systems. It was a turning point that led to the creation of better infrastructure and evacuation protocols.

Timeline

Formation
25 October 1999
Dissipation
4 November 1999
Duration
10 days

Affected Areas

OdishaWest Bengal

Key Statistics

Maximum Wind Speed
260 km/h
Peak Gusts
300 km/h
Estimated peak gust near Paradip; instruments failed during landfall.
Landfall
Near Paradip, Odisha
29 October 1999 · 260 km/h winds
Minimum Pressure
912 hPa
Basin
Bay of Bengal
Season
Post-Monsoon
Casualties
9887
Economic Damage
4.44 billion USD