1999 Pakistan cyclone
The 1999 Pakistan cyclone was a deadly tropical cyclone that brought further devastation to a region struck by a powerful storm nearly a year earlier. It caused flooding and landslides and destroyed many villages. The disaster killed over 6,000 people and affected more than 2 million.
Meteorological history
In the Arabian Sea, the India Meteorological Department monitored an area of disturbed weather in early May for possible development. Strong convection developed over the next two weeks, and by May 16, the convection had become constant, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert at 0100Z. The low became a tropical storm by 0900Z, and was designated as Tropical Storm 02A. It intensified as it moved northwest and reached cyclone status on May 17 at 0600Z. A mid-latitude trough weakened the subtropical ridge, allowing 02A to curve into Pakistan. 02A continued to intensify, and by May 19, it had reached its peak of, just below Category 4 status on the Saffir–Simpson scale. 02A made landfall on May 20 near Karachi, Pakistan at peak intensity. The storm began to weaken as it continued inland over the Indus River Valley on May 21 before dissipating the next day.Impact and aftermath
India
In India, officials evacuated more than 50,000 from coastal towns and cities as a precaution. However, the powerful cyclone caused relatively little damage during its passage. Moderate rainfall was recorded across Gujarat and only one person was killed. Some areas were cut off from the surrounding region after strong winds, estimated to have been between downed power lines.Pakistan
Upon striking Pakistan, officials feared the worst, with memories of the deadly 1998 Gujarat cyclone fresh in their minds. Reports released hours after the storm moved inland stated that at least 700 people were feared to be dead and at least 3,500 were thought to be missing. Hundreds of villages along the coastline were inundated by the cyclone's large storm surge and flooding rains. High winds downed power lines throughout the region, severing communication with many affected cities. In Karachi 70 km winds lashed the city with only little showers. At least 70% of the rice crop was estimated to have been lost due to the cyclone. Near the storm's center, wind gusts were estimated to have reached.By May 23, officials in Pakistan recovered 200 bodies; 50 were found across islands of the mainland and 150 were in the Badin District. During a rescue attempt, 11 Pakistani soldiers were washed away in a swift current. None of the soldiers are believed to have survived the incident. Throughout the country, damage was estimated to have exceeded $6 million. By May 24, 400 bodies had been recovered but at least 6,000 more were known to be missing and believed dead. Many of these people are believed to have been swept out to sea.
Following the storm's destructive landfall, hundreds of soldiers from the Pakistan army were deployed to the region. They assisted in search and rescue operations as well as relocating survivors to shelters. According to the Associated Press, the Government of Pakistan made no attempts to evacuate residents before the cyclone made landfall, likely resulting in the large number of fatalities. At least $1 million in relief funds was to be supplied by the government.