Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Cyclone Death Toll Up to 3,100 in Bangladesh, May Rise
From National Geographic News.
November 19, 2007
Azahar Ali huddled with his family, reading from the Koran, as the cyclone roared in. First the power went out, then screaming winds blew out the windows and ripped off the roof. Then the sea rushed in, washing him and his family away.
The 80-year-old awoke in a rice paddy to find his son, daughter-in-law, three grandchildren, and three other relatives dead, among the more than 3,100 people killed by Cyclone Sidr.
"I have lost everything," he said Monday while recounting the terror of the worst cyclone in more than a decade to hit this low-lying South Asian nation of 150 million people.
Details of the devastation and the stories of the survivors began to emerge as rescuers reached areas cut off four days earlier when the storm washed out roads and downed telephone lines.
At least 3,113 people were known dead and more than a thousand were missing, said Lt. Col. Main Ullah Chowdhury, a spokesperson for Bangladesh's army.
The Red Crescent Society, the Islamic cousin of the Red Cross, warned that the death toll could rise to 10,000 once rescuers reach outlying islands.
Mike Kiernan, spokesperson for the charity Save the Children, said the final toll could be between 5,000 and 10,000 deaths but added that "we won't know for certain for days or weeks."
He said hundreds of thousands of people managed to escape physical harm, but many lost their homes and crops.
"Just the fact that people were able to survive this does not mean they will survive the second wave of death that comes from catastrophes like this—from lack of clean water, food, basic medicines, and shelter," Kiernan said.
Swept Away
In the village of Parulkhel, residents and rescuers used bamboo poles to probe flooded fields, looking for submerged bodies.
When a woman's corpse was discovered, workers rushed in with sacks and a plastic sheet to lift the body out. Onlookers gathered, and one weeping man identified her as his mother.
"Some were identified and taken away by relatives. We buried dozens of others near where we found them," said Ali Akbar, a volunteer.
Survivors picked through the village's wreckage, looking for anything salvageable in a jumble of splintered wood, bamboo and corrugated iron houses, fallen trees, and bloated animal carcasses. A stench filled the air.
In the neighboring village of Bainsamarta, Sheikh Mubarak, 40, sat among the ruins of his hut weeping for his 12-year-old daughter.
"As our house was washed away by walls of water, I grabbed my daughter and ran for shelter. The monster waves swept her away from me," he said. "Allah should have taken me instead."
Survivors said many of the deaths could have been prevented, but people failed to heed warnings to move to higher ground as the storm approached Thursday.
"Nothing is going to happen—that was our first thought, and we went to bed," said Dhalan Mridha, a 45-year-old farm worker from the village of Galachipa.
"Just before midnight the winds came like hundreds of demons. Our small hut was swept away like a piece of paper, and we all ran for shelter," he said.
On the way, Mridha was separated from his wife, mother, and two children. He found their bodies the next morning, stuck in a battered bush.
Relief Efforts
Government and relief agencies stepped up efforts to get help to devastated areas.
Army helicopters flew in high-protein cookies supplied by the World Food Program, said Emamul Haque, a spokesperson for the UN agency's office in the capital, Dhaka.
International groups promised initial aid totaling $25 million during a meeting with Bangladesh agencies Monday, Haque said.
Tents, water, rice, and other relief items have been slow to reach many.
In the town of Barguna long lines of anxious people formed at the market, hoping for word that help was on the way.
"We have been waiting here for several hours, but no relief," said Uthan Ching, who left clutching an empty plastic bag.
Government officials defended relief efforts and expressed confidence that authorities were up to the task.
"We have enough food and water," said Shahidul Islam, the top official in Bagerhat, a battered district near Barguna. "We are going to overcome the problem."
Aid Money
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement that several million dollars were available from the United Nations' emergency response funds, depending on the need.
Many foreign governments and international groups also pledged to help.
The United States offered $2.1 million and two U.S. Marine Corps transport planes arrived in Dhaka with medical supplies, said Chowdhury, the Bangladeshi army spokesman.
A U.S. military medical team was already in Bangladesh and two U.S. Navy ships, each carrying at least 20 helicopters and tons of supplies, would be made available if the Bangladesh government requested them, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in a statement.
The European Union promised $2.2 million and the British government $5.1 million. Italy's Roman Catholic bishops conference said it would donate $2.9 million. The governments of Germany and France each pledged $730,000, Japan sent $318,000 in relief supplies, and the Philippines said it would provide a medical team.
Bangladesh is a densely populated nation sitting on a vast river delta. Storms batter its low-lying lands every year, often killing large numbers of people.
Only two people were killed in Bangladesh by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
November 19, 2007
Azahar Ali huddled with his family, reading from the Koran, as the cyclone roared in. First the power went out, then screaming winds blew out the windows and ripped off the roof. Then the sea rushed in, washing him and his family away.
The 80-year-old awoke in a rice paddy to find his son, daughter-in-law, three grandchildren, and three other relatives dead, among the more than 3,100 people killed by Cyclone Sidr.
"I have lost everything," he said Monday while recounting the terror of the worst cyclone in more than a decade to hit this low-lying South Asian nation of 150 million people.
Details of the devastation and the stories of the survivors began to emerge as rescuers reached areas cut off four days earlier when the storm washed out roads and downed telephone lines.
At least 3,113 people were known dead and more than a thousand were missing, said Lt. Col. Main Ullah Chowdhury, a spokesperson for Bangladesh's army.
The Red Crescent Society, the Islamic cousin of the Red Cross, warned that the death toll could rise to 10,000 once rescuers reach outlying islands.
Mike Kiernan, spokesperson for the charity Save the Children, said the final toll could be between 5,000 and 10,000 deaths but added that "we won't know for certain for days or weeks."
He said hundreds of thousands of people managed to escape physical harm, but many lost their homes and crops.
"Just the fact that people were able to survive this does not mean they will survive the second wave of death that comes from catastrophes like this—from lack of clean water, food, basic medicines, and shelter," Kiernan said.
Swept Away
In the village of Parulkhel, residents and rescuers used bamboo poles to probe flooded fields, looking for submerged bodies.
When a woman's corpse was discovered, workers rushed in with sacks and a plastic sheet to lift the body out. Onlookers gathered, and one weeping man identified her as his mother.
"Some were identified and taken away by relatives. We buried dozens of others near where we found them," said Ali Akbar, a volunteer.
Survivors picked through the village's wreckage, looking for anything salvageable in a jumble of splintered wood, bamboo and corrugated iron houses, fallen trees, and bloated animal carcasses. A stench filled the air.
In the neighboring village of Bainsamarta, Sheikh Mubarak, 40, sat among the ruins of his hut weeping for his 12-year-old daughter.
"As our house was washed away by walls of water, I grabbed my daughter and ran for shelter. The monster waves swept her away from me," he said. "Allah should have taken me instead."
Survivors said many of the deaths could have been prevented, but people failed to heed warnings to move to higher ground as the storm approached Thursday.
"Nothing is going to happen—that was our first thought, and we went to bed," said Dhalan Mridha, a 45-year-old farm worker from the village of Galachipa.
"Just before midnight the winds came like hundreds of demons. Our small hut was swept away like a piece of paper, and we all ran for shelter," he said.
On the way, Mridha was separated from his wife, mother, and two children. He found their bodies the next morning, stuck in a battered bush.
Relief Efforts
Government and relief agencies stepped up efforts to get help to devastated areas.
Army helicopters flew in high-protein cookies supplied by the World Food Program, said Emamul Haque, a spokesperson for the UN agency's office in the capital, Dhaka.
International groups promised initial aid totaling $25 million during a meeting with Bangladesh agencies Monday, Haque said.
Tents, water, rice, and other relief items have been slow to reach many.
In the town of Barguna long lines of anxious people formed at the market, hoping for word that help was on the way.
"We have been waiting here for several hours, but no relief," said Uthan Ching, who left clutching an empty plastic bag.
Government officials defended relief efforts and expressed confidence that authorities were up to the task.
"We have enough food and water," said Shahidul Islam, the top official in Bagerhat, a battered district near Barguna. "We are going to overcome the problem."
Aid Money
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement that several million dollars were available from the United Nations' emergency response funds, depending on the need.
Many foreign governments and international groups also pledged to help.
The United States offered $2.1 million and two U.S. Marine Corps transport planes arrived in Dhaka with medical supplies, said Chowdhury, the Bangladeshi army spokesman.
A U.S. military medical team was already in Bangladesh and two U.S. Navy ships, each carrying at least 20 helicopters and tons of supplies, would be made available if the Bangladesh government requested them, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in a statement.
The European Union promised $2.2 million and the British government $5.1 million. Italy's Roman Catholic bishops conference said it would donate $2.9 million. The governments of Germany and France each pledged $730,000, Japan sent $318,000 in relief supplies, and the Philippines said it would provide a medical team.
Bangladesh is a densely populated nation sitting on a vast river delta. Storms batter its low-lying lands every year, often killing large numbers of people.
Only two people were killed in Bangladesh by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
Amazingly heavy rain
Now (8:18 AM) it's raining heavy from 6AM. As if it's like compensating for the last 15 dry days.
Night we had intermittent small showers
I used the word amazing because there's no cloud visible on the latest satellite pic.
Take a look...
Now the monthly rain stands at - 73.4mm (Nov. normal - 350 mm)
Forecast for the day:
Heavy rain will continue till mid-morning and after that there will be drizzles and showers in the evening.
This forecast is based on the latest satellite pic.
Night we had intermittent small showers
I used the word amazing because there's no cloud visible on the latest satellite pic.
Take a look...
Now the monthly rain stands at - 73.4mm (Nov. normal - 350 mm)
Forecast for the day:
Heavy rain will continue till mid-morning and after that there will be drizzles and showers in the evening.
This forecast is based on the latest satellite pic.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Rainy day ahead?
Yesterday night it was raining, Today morning we had light showers and after that it was cloudy thru the day.
Evening at around 5PM rain showers started again.
I think a LOW pressure trough is forming over the coast and the Rain rate might increase from Tonight.
Going by the rapid cloud formation over the coastal tamilnadu...and Bay, it's obvious that the North-East is alive, but for How many days???
Take a look at the latest satellite pic...
Today's Highs and Lows
Temperature: Hi: 29.7°C @ 10:53am ,Low: 22.9°C @ 12:01am
Humidity: Hi: 95% @ 3:21am ,Low: 72% @ 10:50am
Last 24hr rain: 7.8mm
Now take a look at the WIND direction.... for a surprise it shows that predominantly from WEST.
Evening at around 5PM rain showers started again.
I think a LOW pressure trough is forming over the coast and the Rain rate might increase from Tonight.
Going by the rapid cloud formation over the coastal tamilnadu...and Bay, it's obvious that the North-East is alive, but for How many days???
Take a look at the latest satellite pic...
Today's Highs and Lows
Temperature: Hi: 29.7°C @ 10:53am ,Low: 22.9°C @ 12:01am
Humidity: Hi: 95% @ 3:21am ,Low: 72% @ 10:50am
Last 24hr rain: 7.8mm
Now take a look at the WIND direction.... for a surprise it shows that predominantly from WEST.
Latest satellite pic from weather.com
You can always follow this LINK to view various SATELLITE pics from weather.com, accuweather.com,IMD and more...
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Good it's raining
After noon today we had 3 or 4 moderate showers. This is very pleasing for Chennai's Northeast monsoon.
I think a low pressure trough might form over west bay along the coast of North-Tamilnadu.
Anyway the NorthEast Monsoon is back Online.
I'm curious to see the day-break tomorrow...
Today's MAX temp 27.6°C @ 10:13am ...cool
I think a low pressure trough might form over west bay along the coast of North-Tamilnadu.
Anyway the NorthEast Monsoon is back Online.
I'm curious to see the day-break tomorrow...
Today's MAX temp 27.6°C @ 10:13am ...cool
Signs of North-East rejunuvation
Today(18-Nov-07) also it was a thinly-cloudy Morning and cold (22°C), but soon after 8 AM RAIN bearing clouds started moving in and drizzled too.
Now(2PM) it's very heavily clouded and chances of light shower is high!
Chennai needs the much needed rain not the Chill.
Here is the latest rainfall record for Nov-2007, 36.6mm (November. normal - 350 mm)
Take a look at some numeric forecast... looks like nothing for us..
Now(2PM) it's very heavily clouded and chances of light shower is high!
Chennai needs the much needed rain not the Chill.
Here is the latest rainfall record for Nov-2007, 36.6mm (November. normal - 350 mm)
Take a look at some numeric forecast... looks like nothing for us..
Chennai - Lowest temperature of the Year
For most of past week, it was DRY and nights were COLD as far as Chennai is concerned.
And interestingly there was no sign of WET north-east wind... this is bad news for Chennai.
Suprisingly, Month and Year low 18.5°C (15/11/07)
17-Nov-2007
Hi: 31.9°C @ 1:23pm Low: 19.5°C @ 5:09am
And interestingly there was no sign of WET north-east wind... this is bad news for Chennai.
Suprisingly, Month and Year low 18.5°C (15/11/07)
17-Nov-2007
Hi: 31.9°C @ 1:23pm Low: 19.5°C @ 5:09am
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Last day for "sidr"? -- see for yourself
Here is "sidr's" LAST path...
-- Reuters (report & video below)
Nov. 16 - Cyclone Sidr triggered a tidal surge on the Bangladeshi coast, devastating three villages. The storm also battered the capital Dhaka.
The death toll has topped 500, and is rising, with thousands injured or missing.
Television news reports said more than 100 fishing boats caught in Cyclone Sidr in the Bay of Bengal had failed to return to shore.
Michelle Carlile-Alkhouri reports.
-- See the latest and last remains of "sidr" (satellite pic) ---
Ha..ha.. nothing visible... that's interesting.
-- Reuters (report & video below)
Nov. 16 - Cyclone Sidr triggered a tidal surge on the Bangladeshi coast, devastating three villages. The storm also battered the capital Dhaka.
The death toll has topped 500, and is rising, with thousands injured or missing.
Television news reports said more than 100 fishing boats caught in Cyclone Sidr in the Bay of Bengal had failed to return to shore.
Michelle Carlile-Alkhouri reports.
-- See the latest and last remains of "sidr" (satellite pic) ---
Ha..ha.. nothing visible... that's interesting.
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