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| {{Current|date=May 2008}} | |||
| {{Infobox Hurricane | |||
| | Name=Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Nargis | |||
| | Type=cyclone | |||
| | Year=2008 | |||
| | Basin=NIO | |||
| | Image location=Nargis 01 may 2008 0440Z.jpg | |||
| | Image name=Cyclone Nargis on ] | |||
| | Formed=], ] | |||
| | Dissipated=], ] | |||
| | 1-min winds=116 | |||
| | 3-min winds=90 | |||
| | Pressure=962 | |||
| | Damages= | |||
| | Inflated= | |||
| | Fatalities=≥3,972 total <!--3,969 in Burma, 3 in Sri Lanka--> | |||
| | Areas=], ], ], ] | |||
| | Hurricane season=] | |||
| }} | |||
| '''Cyclone Nargis''' (JTWC designation: '''''01B''''', also known as '''Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Nargis''') was the first ] to make ] on ] (formerly Burma) since ] in ]. The first named storm of the ], Nargis developed on ] in the central ]. Initially it tracked slowly northwestward, and encountering favorable conditions it quickly strengthened. Dry air weakened the cyclone on ], though after beginning a steady eastward motion Nargis rapidly intensified to attain peak winds of at least 165 km/h (105 mph) on ]; the ] assessed peak winds of 215 km/h (135 mph). The cyclone moved ashore in the ] of Myanmar near peak intensity, and after passing near the major city of ], Cyclone Nargis gradually weakened until dissipating near the border of Myanmar and ]. | |||
| ==Storm history== | |||
| In the last week of April, an area of deep ] persisted near a low-level circulation in the ] about 1150 km (715 mi) east-southeast of ], ].<ref>{{cite web|author=Charlie Forecast Team|year=2008|title=April 25 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2008042518-ABIO.PGTW}}</ref> With good ] and low ], the system slowly organized as its circulation consolidated.<ref>{{cite web|author=Charlie Forecast Team|year=2008|title=April 26 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2008042618-ABIO.PGTW}}</ref> At 0300 ] on ], the ] (IMD) classified the system as a depression,<ref>{{cite web|author=India Meteorological Department|year=2008|title=Depression over southeast Bay of Bengal|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www.webcitation.org/5XO85b97r}}</ref> and nine hours later the system intensified into a deep depression.<ref>{{cite web|author=India Meteorological Department|year=2008|title=Deep Depression over southeast and adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www.webcitation.org/5XOeOTJ1k}}</ref> At the same time, the ] classified it as Tropical Cyclone 01B. With a ] to its north, the system tracked slowly north-northwestward as ] improved.<ref name="disc1">{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning NR 001|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www.webcitation.org/5XOjoutuM}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning NR 002|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www.webcitation.org/5XOyMxsQ9}}</ref> At 0000 UTC on ], the IMD upgraded the system to Cyclonic Storm Nargis while it was located about 550 km (340 mi) east of Chennai, India.<ref name="imdcs">{{cite web|author=India Meteorological Department|year=2008|title=Cyclonic storm “NARGIS” over southwest and adjoining southeast and westcentral Bay of Bengal|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www.webcitation.org/5XPQAjkzn}}</ref> | |||
| On ], the motion of Nargis became nearly stationary while located between ridges to its northwest and southeast. That day, the JTWC upgraded the storm to cyclone status, or the equivalence of a minimal hurricane on the ].<ref>{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 004|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www.webcitation.org/5XPe7ByM8}}</ref> At around the same time, the IMD upgraded Nargis to a severe cyclonic storm.<ref>{{cite web|author=India Meteorological Department|year=2008|title=Severe Cyclonic storm “NARGIS” over southwest and adjoining southeast and westcentral Bay of Bengal|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www.webcitation.org/5XQ3nNFym}}</ref> The cyclone developed a ], which is an eyewall outside the inner dominant eyewall,<ref>{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 005|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2008042815-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> with warm waters aiding in further intensification.<ref>{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 006|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2008042821-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> Early on ], the JTWC estimated Nargis reached winds of 160 km/h (100 mph),<ref>{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 007|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2008042903-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> and at the same time the IMD classified the system as a very severe cyclonic storm.<ref>{{cite web|author=India Meteorological Department|year=2008|title=Very Severe Cyclonic storm “NARGIS” over westcentral and adjoining southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www.webcitation.org/5XR3dt6mQ}}</ref> Initially, the cyclone was forecasted to strike ] or southeastern India.<ref>{{cite web|author=Sify News|date=2008-04-28|title=Cyclone Nargis triggers fears in Tamil Nadu|accessdate=2008-05-03|url=http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14658136}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=The Daily Star|date=2008-04-29|title=Cyclone Nargis poised to strike in 4-5 days|accessdate=2008-05-03|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=34317}}</ref> Subsequently, the cyclone became disorganized and weakened due to ] and drier air; as a result, deep convection near the center markedly decreased. At the same time, the storm began a motion to the northeast around the periphery of a ridge to its southeast.<ref>{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 008|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2008042909-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> The circulation remained strong despite the diminishing convection, though satellite intensity estimates using the ] indicated the cyclone could have weakened to tropical storm status.<ref>{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 009|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2008042915-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> By late on ], convection had begun to rebuild,<ref>{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 010|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2008042921-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> though immediate restrengthening was prevented by increased wind shear.<ref>{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 012|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2008043009-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> | |||
| On ], after turning nearly due eastward, Cyclone Nargis began ], due to greatly improved outflow in association with an approaching upper-level ].<ref>{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 017|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2008050115-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> Strengthening continued as it developed a well-defined eye with a diameter of 19 km (12 mi), and early on ] the JTWC estimated the cyclone reached peak winds of 215 km/h (135 mph) as it approached the coast of ].<ref>{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 020|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2008050209-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> At the same time, the IMD assessed Nargis as attaining peak winds of 165 km/h (105 mph).<ref>{{cite web|author=India Meteorological Department|year=2008|title=Tropical Storm “Nargis" Advisory No. Thirty-Six Issued At 1100 UTC of 2 May, 2008 Based on 0900 UTC Charts of 2 May, 2008|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www.webcitation.org/5XW6PAkfW}}</ref> Around 1200 UTC on ], Cyclone Nargis made ] in the ] of Myanmar.<ref>{{cite web|author=India Meteorological Department|year=2008|title=May 2, 2008 Shipping Bulletin for Met. Area VIII North of Equator|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www.webcitation.org/5XWv3llQa}}</ref> The storm gradually weakened over land, with its proximity to the ] preventing rapid weakening. Its track turned to the northeast due to the approach of a mid-latitude trough to its northwest, passing just north of ] with winds of 130 km/h (80 mph).<ref name="disc23">{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 023|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2008050303-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> Early on ] the IMD issued its final advisory on the storm.<ref>{{cite web|author=India Meteorological Department|year=2008|title=Tropical Storm “Nargis" Advisory No. Forty-One Issued At 0200 UTC of 3 May, 2008 Based on 0000 UTC Charts of 3 May, 2008|accessdate=2008-05-02|url=http://www.webcitation.org/5XWvIrKQm}}</ref> It quickly weakened after turning to the northeast toward the rugged terrain near the Myanmar-Thailand border, and after deteriorating to minimal tropical storm status, the JTWC issued its last advisory on Nargis.<ref>{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2008|title=Cyclone Nargis Warning NR 025|accessdate=2008-05-03|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2008050315-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> | |||
| ==Impact== | |||
| ===Western Bay of Bengal=== | |||
| In ], the cyclone produced heavy rainfall, which led to flooding and landslides across ten ] in the country. The districts of ] and ] were the most affected, where more than 3,000 families were displaced. Thousands of houses were flooded, with 21 reported destroyed. The rainfall left 4,500 people homeless,<ref name="dm430">{{cite web|author=Daily Mirror|date=2008-04-30|title=Floods leave thousands homeless|accessdate=2008-05-03|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=13275}}</ref> and more than 35,000 people were affected on the island.<ref>{{cite web|author=Lakshmi de Silva|date=2008-04-30|title=Over 35,000 affected by floods, landslides|publisher=Upali Newspapers Limited|accessdate=2008-05-03|url=http://www.island.lk/2008/04/30/news2.html}}</ref> Three casualties were reported on the island.<ref name="dm430"/> | |||
| The ] recommended for fishermen to not sail into the ocean during the passage of Nargis. Strong waves and gusty winds were expected along the ] and ] coastline in ].<ref name="imdcs"/> Additionally, the influence of the cyclone lowered temperatures along the Indian coastline, which had been affected by a severe heat wave.<ref>{{cite web|author=Press Trust of India|accessdate=2008-05-03|date=2008-04-28|title=Orissa heat deaths rise to eight as cyclonic storm forms over Bay|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200804281964.htm}}</ref> | |||
| When the cyclone was originally expected to strike near ], officials requested for farmers to hurriedly finish harvesting the rice crop; at the time, the country was experiencing severe food shortages from ] in the previous year and flooding earlier in the year, and a direct strike from Nargis would have resulted in destroyed crops due to strong winds.<ref>{{cite news|author=Steve Herman|publisher=VOA News|date=04-29-2008|title=Bangladesh's Farmers Told Not to Panic About Approaching Cyclone|accessdate=2008-05-03|url=http://voanews.com/english/2008-04-29-voa19.cfm}}</ref> | |||
| ===Myanmar=== | |||
| Nearly 4,000 people were reported dead after Nargis hit Myanmar (Burma) and another 3,000 people are reported missing.<ref>, BBC News, 5 May 2008</ref> As a result the Burmese government has declared five regions - ], ], ] Divisions and ] and ] States currently as disaster areas. | |||
| A diplomat in the city of Yangon spoke to the Reuters news agency, giving them a description of the scene. He said that the area around him looked like a 'war zone' as a result of the cyclone. An official from the United Nations also commented on the situation, at the time of the event. "It’s a bad situation. Almost all the houses are smashed. People are in a terrible situation,” he said. Another UN representative also spoke on the incident. He reported that "The Irrawaddy delta was hit extremely hard not only because of the wind and rain but because of the storm surge." The ''Daily Telegraph'', a UK newspaper, reported at that the food price in Burma could be affected by this disaster.<ref>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24447510/</ref><ref></ref> | |||
| ==See also== | |||
| {{tcportal}} | |||
| * ] | |||
| <div style="clear:both;"></div> | |||
| {{Wikinews|351 dead after Burma cyclone}} | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{reflist|2}} | |||
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Nargis}} | |||
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