Cyclone Giri
Encyclopedia
Cyclone Giri was a powerful tropical cyclone
which caused catastrophic damage in parts of Myanmar
in late October 2010. Originating from an area of low pressure
over the Bay of Bengal
on October 19, the system began as a weak depression 250 km (155 mi) south of Myanmar. Over the following few days, the depression underwent explosive intensification
, reaching its peak intensity with winds of 165 km/h (105 mph 3-minute sustained) on October 22. Cyclone Giri made landfall
roughly 50 km (31.1 mi) northwest of Kyaukpyu
, shortly after peaking. Within hours of moving onshore, the system had substantially weakened. Bt the following day, Giri had degenerated into a land depression and the final advisory was issued on the storm.
Unlike during Cyclone Nargis
in 2008, the Government of Myanmar took steps to ensure the safety of residents in the path of Cyclone Giri. An estimated 53,000 are believed to have evacuated Kyaukphyu before the arrival of the storm. Throughout central Myanmar, at least 157 people are known to have been killed by Giri. Thousands of structures near where the storm made landfall were destroyed, leaving more than 70,000 people homeless. An international relief effort began shortly after the storm passed to assist survivors of the storm. Initially, local and foreign media initially criticized the Myanmar government for not giving residents enough warning of the storm and later for keeping quiet on the situation. However, since then, focus has shifted to the loss of life and relief efforts.
(IMD) area of low pressure
that formed on October 19 over the Bay of Bengal
. Early on October 20, the system was classified as a depression and given the name BOB 04; and at that time, the system was situated roughly 250 km (155 mi) southwest of Sittwe
, Myanmar
. Continued development took place as convection
consolidated around the system and banding features
formed along the western side of the low. Situated in an area of weak wind shear
, further development was anticipated over the following days. Early on October 21, the IMD upgraded the system to a deep depression and expected it to further intensify into a cyclonic storm within 24 hours. Shortly thereafter, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center
(JTWC) issue their first advisory on the depression, classifying it as Tropical Cyclone 04B. The system rapidly developed throughout the day on October 21, developing an eye
embedded within deep convection. In response to a near-equatorial
ridge
to the south, the system slowly tracked towards the northeast, placing Myanmar within its path. Around 0600 UTC
, the IMD upgraded the system to a cyclonic storm, assigning it with the name "Giri".
Tracking over an area of high sea surface temperature
s, rapid intensification
ensued during the latter half of October 21. Following the development of very intense convection, with estimated cloud tops between -70 C, Giri strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm, having sustained winds of at least 95 km/h (60 mph 3-minute sustained). Around 1800 UTC, the JTWC estimated that the system intensified into a Category 1 equivalent cyclone on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. Early on October 22, Giri further strengthened into a very severe cyclonic storm as it slowly moved towards the central coast of Myanmar. Throughout the day, the storm underwent explosive deepening, attaining winds of 240 km/h (145 mph 1-minute sustained) by 0900 UTC. Satellite imagery depicted a well-defined 46 km (28.6 mi) wide eye surrounded by deep convection. Accompanied by strong poleward outflow
, additional strengthening took place despite Giri's proximity to land.
In the hours before landfall on October 22, Giri attained its peak intensity with winds of 165 km/h (105 mph 3-minute sustained) and a barometric pressure of 950 mbar (hPa; 28.05 inHg). However, the JTWC estimated that Giri was a substantially stronger storm, nearly attaining Category 5 status; peak winds were believed to have reached 250 km/h (155 mph 1-minute sustained) and the pressure bottoming out at 922 mbar (hPa; 27.23 inHg). Around 1400 UTC, Cyclone Giri made landfall
near Hunter's Bay, roughly 50 km (31.1 mi) northwest of Kyaukpyu at peak intensity. Upon doing so, Giri became the most intense storm to ever strike Myanmar, surpassing Cyclone Nargis
which struck the Irrawaddy Delta
region as a low-end Category 4 equivalent in May 2008
. However, according to the International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies
, substantial weakening had taken place within the hours before landfall; they estimated that Cyclone Giri struck the coastline with winds of 175 km/h (110 mph 1-minute sustained). Once overland, the cyclone rapidly decayed as convection dissipated. Despite having estimated winds of 150 km/h (90 mph 1-minute sustained), the JTWC issued their final advisory on Giri just six hours after landfall. By early October 23, only scattered bursts of convection remained around the center of Giri as it degenerated into a land depression. The final advisory from the IMD was issued later that day as the system weakened further.
did in 2008. Upon information from JWTC, the chief of Myanmar Climate Change Watch of Myanmar Meteorology and Hydrology Department asked people to move to strong buildings and high ground so as to survive the strong winds. According to the military junta, an estimated 53,000 are believed to have evacuated Kyaukphyu before the arrivial of the storm.
Even though the storm wasn't expected to hit Bangladesh
, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department issued storm signal five at ports of Cox's Bazar
and Chittagong
. Ships and vessels were also asked to return to shore quickly. Later on October 23, the Met Office asked maritime ports to lower danger signal number five and hoist local cautionary signal number three.
up to 3.7 m (12.1 ft), along with waves up to 8 m (26.2 ft) and winds in excess of 260 km/h (160 mph). In Kyaukphyu, much of the city was left more than 1.2 m (3.9 ft) under water by the storm. Residents stated that most of Kyaukphyu destroyed by Giri, with nearly every tree and lamppost felled and all structures damaged or destroyed. Later reports confirmed that roughly 70% of the city had been destroyed by Giri. In the Ashey Paing ward, an entire village was flattened by the storm as roughly 1,000 homes were destroyed. Near the Gangawtaw Pagoda in the city, nearly 100 homes were completely destroyed. The local Red Cross office in the city was also destroyed after a large tree fell on it due to high winds. Myebon Township
was the hardest-hit area in the country: several villages were completely destroyed by the storm and many others were severely damaged. According to the United Nations
, roughly 15,000 homes were destroyed by the storm throughout Arakan State.
In the Seikphyu Township, flood waters up to 4.6 m (15.1 ft) deep inundated 20 villages after overflow from a dam was released without warning. Thousands of residents were stranded by the flood and left in dire need of assistance. Of the few reports coming from the region, there were indications of fatalities in outlying villages. Most of the livestock in the area perished as there was no time to bring them to higher ground safely. The overall timing of the cyclone's landfall was also devastating for the region. It came at the only harvest of the year for Rakhine State. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 16,187 hectares (40,000 acres) of rice paddies were destroyed and another 40,468 hectares (100,000 acres) were damaged.
Within a day of Giri striking Myanmar, three people were reported to have been killed by the storm and tens of thousands of residents were believed to have been left homeless. By October 25, officials in Myanmar stated that the death toll had risen to 50 and at least 30 people in the Pyin Wan Village were missing. According to press reports, "The situation here is alarming"; the death toll is believed to continue to increase over the following days as bodies continue to be found. Offshore, more than 100 fishermen from Myanmar and Bangladesh were reported missing after 21 ships were caught in rough seas produced by the cyclone. As of October 29, the at least 94 people were confirmed to have been killed by Giri. Of these fatalities, 84 were in Myebon Township (Mray Bon) and 10 in Pauktaw Township. However, according to local relief groups, the death toll had risen over 100 by October 28.
As of November 2, 157 fatalities had been confirmed as a result of Cyclone Giri. Of these fatalities, 138 were in Myebon Township, 11 in Pauktaw Township, 5 in Minbya Township and 3 in Kyaukpyu Township. According to officials in Kyaukpyu Township, damage from the storm amounted to 2.34 billion kyat
(US$359 million).
Cyclone Giri (IMD
designation: BOB 04, JTWC designation: 04B, also known as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Giri) was a powerful tropical cyclone
which caused catastrophic damage in parts of Myanmar
in late October 2010. Originating from an area of low pressure
over the Bay of Bengal
on October 19, the system began as a weak depression 250 km (155 mi) south of Myanmar. Over the following few days, the depression underwent explosive intensification
, reaching its peak intensity with winds of 165 km/h (105 mph 3-minute sustained) on October 22. Cyclone Giri made landfall
roughly 50 km (31.1 mi) northwest of Kyaukpyu
, shortly after peaking. Within hours of moving onshore, the system had substantially weakened. Bt the following day, Giri had degenerated into a land depression and the final advisory was issued on the storm.
Unlike during Cyclone Nargis
in 2008, the Government of Myanmar took steps to ensure the safety of residents in the path of Cyclone Giri. An estimated 53,000 are believed to have evacuated Kyaukphyu before the arrival of the storm. Throughout central Myanmar, at least 157 people are known to have been killed by Giri. Thousands of structures near where the storm made landfall were destroyed, leaving more than 70,000 people homeless. An international relief effort began shortly after the storm passed to assist survivors of the storm. Initially, local and foreign media initially criticized the Myanmar government for not giving residents enough warning of the storm and later for keeping quiet on the situation. However, since then, focus has shifted to the loss of life and relief efforts.
(IMD) area of low pressure
that formed on October 19 over the Bay of Bengal
. Early on October 20, the system was classified as a depression and given the name BOB 04; and at that time, the system was situated roughly 250 km (155 mi) southwest of Sittwe
, Myanmar
. Continued development took place as convection
consolidated around the system and banding features
formed along the western side of the low. Situated in an area of weak wind shear
, further development was anticipated over the following days. Early on October 21, the IMD upgraded the system to a deep depression and expected it to further intensify into a cyclonic storm within 24 hours. Shortly thereafter, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center
(JTWC) issue their first advisory on the depression, classifying it as Tropical Cyclone 04B. The system rapidly developed throughout the day on October 21, developing an eye
embedded within deep convection. In response to a near-equatorial
ridge
to the south, the system slowly tracked towards the northeast, placing Myanmar within its path. Around 0600 UTC
, the IMD upgraded the system to a cyclonic storm, assigning it with the name "Giri".
Tracking over an area of high sea surface temperature
s, rapid intensification
ensued during the latter half of October 21. Following the development of very intense convection, with estimated cloud tops between -70 C, Giri strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm, having sustained winds of at least 95 km/h (60 mph 3-minute sustained). Around 1800 UTC, the JTWC estimated that the system intensified into a Category 1 equivalent cyclone on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. Early on October 22, Giri further strengthened into a very severe cyclonic storm as it slowly moved towards the central coast of Myanmar. Throughout the day, the storm underwent explosive deepening, attaining winds of 240 km/h (145 mph 1-minute sustained) by 0900 UTC. Satellite imagery depicted a well-defined 46 km (28.6 mi) wide eye surrounded by deep convection. Accompanied by strong poleward outflow
, additional strengthening took place despite Giri's proximity to land.
In the hours before landfall on October 22, Giri attained its peak intensity with winds of 165 km/h (105 mph 3-minute sustained) and a barometric pressure of 950 mbar (hPa; 28.05 inHg). However, the JTWC estimated that Giri was a substantially stronger storm, nearly attaining Category 5 status; peak winds were believed to have reached 250 km/h (155 mph 1-minute sustained) and the pressure bottoming out at 922 mbar (hPa; 27.23 inHg). Around 1400 UTC, Cyclone Giri made landfall
near Hunter's Bay, roughly 50 km (31.1 mi) northwest of Kyaukpyu at peak intensity. Upon doing so, Giri became the most intense storm to ever strike Myanmar, surpassing Cyclone Nargis
which struck the Irrawaddy Delta
region as a low-end Category 4 equivalent in May 2008
. However, according to the International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies
, substantial weakening had taken place within the hours before landfall; they estimated that Cyclone Giri struck the coastline with winds of 175 km/h (110 mph 1-minute sustained). Once overland, the cyclone rapidly decayed as convection dissipated. Despite having estimated winds of 150 km/h (90 mph 1-minute sustained), the JTWC issued their final advisory on Giri just six hours after landfall. By early October 23, only scattered bursts of convection remained around the center of Giri as it degenerated into a land depression. The final advisory from the IMD was issued later that day as the system weakened further.
did in 2008. Upon information from JWTC, the chief of Myanmar Climate Change Watch of Myanmar Meteorology and Hydrology Department asked people to move to strong buildings and high ground so as to survive the strong winds. According to the military junta, an estimated 53,000 are believed to have evacuated Kyaukphyu before the arrivial of the storm.
Even though the storm wasn't expected to hit Bangladesh
, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department issued storm signal five at ports of Cox's Bazar
and Chittagong
. Ships and vessels were also asked to return to shore quickly. Later on October 23, the Met Office asked maritime ports to lower danger signal number five and hoist local cautionary signal number three.
up to 3.7 m (12.1 ft), along with waves up to 8 m (26.2 ft) and winds in excess of 260 km/h (160 mph). In Kyaukphyu, much of the city was left more than 1.2 m (3.9 ft) under water by the storm. Residents stated that most of Kyaukphyu destroyed by Giri, with nearly every tree and lamppost felled and all structures damaged or destroyed. Later reports confirmed that roughly 70% of the city had been destroyed by Giri. In the Ashey Paing ward, an entire village was flattened by the storm as roughly 1,000 homes were destroyed. Near the Gangawtaw Pagoda in the city, nearly 100 homes were completely destroyed. The local Red Cross office in the city was also destroyed after a large tree fell on it due to high winds. Myebon Township
was the hardest-hit area in the country: several villages were completely destroyed by the storm and many others were severely damaged. According to the United Nations
, roughly 15,000 homes were destroyed by the storm throughout Arakan State.
In the Seikphyu Township, flood waters up to 4.6 m (15.1 ft) deep inundated 20 villages after overflow from a dam was released without warning. Thousands of residents were stranded by the flood and left in dire need of assistance. Of the few reports coming from the region, there were indications of fatalities in outlying villages. Most of the livestock in the area perished as there was no time to bring them to higher ground safely. The overall timing of the cyclone's landfall was also devastating for the region. It came at the only harvest of the year for Rakhine State. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 16,187 hectares (40,000 acres) of rice paddies were destroyed and another 40,468 hectares (100,000 acres) were damaged.
Within a day of Giri striking Myanmar, three people were reported to have been killed by the storm and tens of thousands of residents were believed to have been left homeless. By October 25, officials in Myanmar stated that the death toll had risen to 50 and at least 30 people in the Pyin Wan Village were missing. According to press reports, "The situation here is alarming"; the death toll is believed to continue to increase over the following days as bodies continue to be found. Offshore, more than 100 fishermen from Myanmar and Bangladesh were reported missing after 21 ships were caught in rough seas produced by the cyclone. As of October 29, the at least 94 people were confirmed to have been killed by Giri. Of these fatalities, 84 were in Myebon Township (Mray Bon) and 10 in Pauktaw Township. However, according to local relief groups, the death toll had risen over 100 by October 28.
As of November 2, 157 fatalities had been confirmed as a result of Cyclone Giri. Of these fatalities, 138 were in Myebon Township, 11 in Pauktaw Township, 5 in Minbya Township and 3 in Kyaukpyu Township. According to officials in Kyaukpyu Township, damage from the storm amounted to 2.34 billion kyat
(US$359 million).
Cyclone Giri (IMD
designation: BOB 04, JTWC designation: 04B, also known as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Giri) was a powerful tropical cyclone
which caused catastrophic damage in parts of Myanmar
in late October 2010. Originating from an area of low pressure
over the Bay of Bengal
on October 19, the system began as a weak depression 250 km (155 mi) south of Myanmar. Over the following few days, the depression underwent explosive intensification
, reaching its peak intensity with winds of 165 km/h (105 mph 3-minute sustained) on October 22. Cyclone Giri made landfall
roughly 50 km (31.1 mi) northwest of Kyaukpyu
, shortly after peaking. Within hours of moving onshore, the system had substantially weakened. Bt the following day, Giri had degenerated into a land depression and the final advisory was issued on the storm.
Unlike during Cyclone Nargis
in 2008, the Government of Myanmar took steps to ensure the safety of residents in the path of Cyclone Giri. An estimated 53,000 are believed to have evacuated Kyaukphyu before the arrival of the storm. Throughout central Myanmar, at least 157 people are known to have been killed by Giri. Thousands of structures near where the storm made landfall were destroyed, leaving more than 70,000 people homeless. An international relief effort began shortly after the storm passed to assist survivors of the storm. Initially, local and foreign media initially criticized the Myanmar government for not giving residents enough warning of the storm and later for keeping quiet on the situation. However, since then, focus has shifted to the loss of life and relief efforts.
(IMD) area of low pressure
that formed on October 19 over the Bay of Bengal
. Early on October 20, the system was classified as a depression and given the name BOB 04; and at that time, the system was situated roughly 250 km (155 mi) southwest of Sittwe
, Myanmar
. Continued development took place as convection
consolidated around the system and banding features
formed along the western side of the low. Situated in an area of weak wind shear
, further development was anticipated over the following days. Early on October 21, the IMD upgraded the system to a deep depression and expected it to further intensify into a cyclonic storm within 24 hours. Shortly thereafter, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center
(JTWC) issue their first advisory on the depression, classifying it as Tropical Cyclone 04B. The system rapidly developed throughout the day on October 21, developing an eye
embedded within deep convection. In response to a near-equatorial
ridge
to the south, the system slowly tracked towards the northeast, placing Myanmar within its path. Around 0600 UTC
, the IMD upgraded the system to a cyclonic storm, assigning it with the name "Giri".
Tracking over an area of high sea surface temperature
s, rapid intensification
ensued during the latter half of October 21. Following the development of very intense convection, with estimated cloud tops between -70 C, Giri strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm, having sustained winds of at least 95 km/h (60 mph 3-minute sustained). Around 1800 UTC, the JTWC estimated that the system intensified into a Category 1 equivalent cyclone on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. Early on October 22, Giri further strengthened into a very severe cyclonic storm as it slowly moved towards the central coast of Myanmar. Throughout the day, the storm underwent explosive deepening, attaining winds of 240 km/h (145 mph 1-minute sustained) by 0900 UTC. Satellite imagery depicted a well-defined 46 km (28.6 mi) wide eye surrounded by deep convection. Accompanied by strong poleward outflow
, additional strengthening took place despite Giri's proximity to land.
In the hours before landfall on October 22, Giri attained its peak intensity with winds of 165 km/h (105 mph 3-minute sustained) and a barometric pressure of 950 mbar (hPa; 28.05 inHg). However, the JTWC estimated that Giri was a substantially stronger storm, nearly attaining Category 5 status; peak winds were believed to have reached 250 km/h (155 mph 1-minute sustained) and the pressure bottoming out at 922 mbar (hPa; 27.23 inHg). Around 1400 UTC, Cyclone Giri made landfall
near Hunter's Bay, roughly 50 km (31.1 mi) northwest of Kyaukpyu at peak intensity. Upon doing so, Giri became the most intense storm to ever strike Myanmar, surpassing Cyclone Nargis
which struck the Irrawaddy Delta
region as a low-end Category 4 equivalent in May 2008
. However, according to the International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies
, substantial weakening had taken place within the hours before landfall; they estimated that Cyclone Giri struck the coastline with winds of 175 km/h (110 mph 1-minute sustained). Once overland, the cyclone rapidly decayed as convection dissipated. Despite having estimated winds of 150 km/h (90 mph 1-minute sustained), the JTWC issued their final advisory on Giri just six hours after landfall. By early October 23, only scattered bursts of convection remained around the center of Giri as it degenerated into a land depression. The final advisory from the IMD was issued later that day as the system weakened further.
did in 2008. Upon information from JWTC, the chief of Myanmar Climate Change Watch of Myanmar Meteorology and Hydrology Department asked people to move to strong buildings and high ground so as to survive the strong winds. According to the military junta, an estimated 53,000 are believed to have evacuated Kyaukphyu before the arrivial of the storm.
Even though the storm wasn't expected to hit Bangladesh
, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department issued storm signal five at ports of Cox's Bazar
and Chittagong
. Ships and vessels were also asked to return to shore quickly. Later on October 23, the Met Office asked maritime ports to lower danger signal number five and hoist local cautionary signal number three.
up to 3.7 m (12.1 ft), along with waves up to 8 m (26.2 ft) and winds in excess of 260 km/h (160 mph). In Kyaukphyu, much of the city was left more than 1.2 m (3.9 ft) under water by the storm. Residents stated that most of Kyaukphyu destroyed by Giri, with nearly every tree and lamppost felled and all structures damaged or destroyed. Later reports confirmed that roughly 70% of the city had been destroyed by Giri. In the Ashey Paing ward, an entire village was flattened by the storm as roughly 1,000 homes were destroyed. Near the Gangawtaw Pagoda in the city, nearly 100 homes were completely destroyed. The local Red Cross office in the city was also destroyed after a large tree fell on it due to high winds. Myebon Township
was the hardest-hit area in the country: several villages were completely destroyed by the storm and many others were severely damaged. According to the United Nations
, roughly 15,000 homes were destroyed by the storm throughout Arakan State.
In the Seikphyu Township, flood waters up to 4.6 m (15.1 ft) deep inundated 20 villages after overflow from a dam was released without warning. Thousands of residents were stranded by the flood and left in dire need of assistance. Of the few reports coming from the region, there were indications of fatalities in outlying villages. Most of the livestock in the area perished as there was no time to bring them to higher ground safely. The overall timing of the cyclone's landfall was also devastating for the region. It came at the only harvest of the year for Rakhine State. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 16,187 hectares (40,000 acres) of rice paddies were destroyed and another 40,468 hectares (100,000 acres) were damaged.
Within a day of Giri striking Myanmar, three people were reported to have been killed by the storm and tens of thousands of residents were believed to have been left homeless. By October 25, officials in Myanmar stated that the death toll had risen to 50 and at least 30 people in the Pyin Wan Village were missing. According to press reports, "The situation here is alarming"; the death toll is believed to continue to increase over the following days as bodies continue to be found. Offshore, more than 100 fishermen from Myanmar and Bangladesh were reported missing after 21 ships were caught in rough seas produced by the cyclone. As of October 29, the at least 94 people were confirmed to have been killed by Giri. Of these fatalities, 84 were in Myebon Township (Mray Bon) and 10 in Pauktaw Township. However, according to local relief groups, the death toll had risen over 100 by October 28.
As of November 2, 157 fatalities had been confirmed as a result of Cyclone Giri. Of these fatalities, 138 were in Myebon Township, 11 in Pauktaw Township, 5 in Minbya Township and 3 in Kyaukpyu Township. According to officials in Kyaukpyu Township, damage from the storm amounted to 2.34 billion kyat
(US$359 million).
($10,000 USD
). By October 25, temporary shelter camps set up by relief agencies housed an estimated 5,000 people.
By October 26, the Government of the Union of Myanmar had begun distributing 60,000 zinc roof sheets and the Ministry of Forestry provided 200 tonnes (220 tons) of timber. Through the end of October, six non-governmental ogranizations in Myanmar planned to distribute emergency food supplies, such rice, oil, salt and pulses, to 5,000 residents in Kyaukpyu and Myebon. Health supplies were also being distributed at relief camps by UNICEF in the hardest-hit areas. About 500 family kits containing non-food items, such as tarpaulins and moskito nets, had been distribted by the Myanmar Red Cross Society and another 1,200 were being sent to the area. By the start of November, the government of Myanmar requested medial aid from the United Nations as a cholera
outbreak began to unfold. Additional post-storm diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery
, eye infections and skin diseases became prevalent as well. According to locals, at least six people have died as a result of cholera. At least 200 people were infected with dysentery and four were killed by the disease in the towns of Kyaukphyu, Minbya and Myebon. The cause of the outbreak was linked to a lack of clean water.
Secretary of State
, Hillary Clinton stated that the country offered emergency assistance and aid to Myanmar. Roughly a week after the passage of Cyclone Giri, the Government of Australia
pledged about US$200,000 to victims of the storm. The governments of Britain
and Japan
also pledged to donate US$700,000 and US$500,000 respectively to Myanmar. The World Food Programme
set up four field monitors, stocked with a total of 900 tonnes (992 tons) of rice with another 300 tonnes (330 tons) on the way; stocks of rice in Kyaukpyu itself had reportedly been exhausted. By late-November, the World Food Programme had allocated US$2.8 million in relief funds. Roughly 1,500 households in Kyaukpyu township were being cared for by the Save the Children
foundation. Through the United Nations, organizations pledged to provided a total of US$54 million in aid. In late-November, the United States provided an additional US$3 million in relief funds.
for residents in Arakan State; however, no response was given and the elections were still planned to be held on November 7. According to the United Nations, this election, the first national election in 20 years, was "proving to be a sham anyways." The political party running against the junta was already placed under house arrest and governmental change was unlikely.
Additional criticism continued even a week after the storm, especially over the scale of the disaster. The government claimed that only 27 people had been killed by Giri while numerous local and international agencies stated significantly higher totals. They were also blamed for downplaying the amount of damage, resulting in slower distribution of aid to areas in desperate need. Two weeks after Giri struck Myanmar, little attention was given to the ongoing disaster. The Myanmar government continued to keep other countries out of the area and prevent them from knowing what was going on in the hardest hit areas. Thousands of survivors continue to suffer due to the insufficient relief making it into the region. On November 8, local media discovered that the Junta was threatening to sever aid to the region if residents did not vote for them in the national election. According to Mizzima, the opposing party won landslide victories in numerous townships; however, in the cyclone affected areas, the Junta had complete victories.
Tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor...
which caused catastrophic damage in parts of Myanmar
Myanmar
Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south....
in late October 2010. Originating from an area of low pressure
Low pressure area
A low-pressure area, or "low", is a region where the atmospheric pressure at sea level is below that of surrounding locations. Low-pressure systems form under areas of wind divergence which occur in upper levels of the troposphere. The formation process of a low-pressure area is known as...
over the Bay of Bengal
Bay of Bengal
The Bay of Bengal , the largest bay in the world, forms the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. It resembles a triangle in shape, and is bordered mostly by the Eastern Coast of India, southern coast of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the west and Burma and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the...
on October 19, the system began as a weak depression 250 km (155 mi) south of Myanmar. Over the following few days, the depression underwent explosive intensification
Rapid deepening
Rapid deepening, also known as rapid intensification, is a meteorological condition that occurs when the minimum sea-level atmospheric pressure of a tropical cyclone decreases drastically in a short period of time. The National Weather Service describes rapid deepening as a decrease of...
, reaching its peak intensity with winds of 165 km/h (105 mph 3-minute sustained) on October 22. Cyclone Giri made landfall
Landfall (meteorology)
Landfall is the event of a tropical cyclone or a waterspout coming onto land after being over water. When a waterspout makes landfall it is reclassified as a tornado, which can then cause damage inland...
roughly 50 km (31.1 mi) northwest of Kyaukpyu
Kyaukpyu
Kyaukpyu is a major town in Rakhine State, in western Myanmar. It is located on the north western corner of Yanbye Island on Combermere Bay, and is 250 miles northwest of Yangon. The town is situated on a superb natural harbor which connects the rice trade between Calcutta and Yangon...
, shortly after peaking. Within hours of moving onshore, the system had substantially weakened. Bt the following day, Giri had degenerated into a land depression and the final advisory was issued on the storm.
Unlike during Cyclone Nargis
Cyclone Nargis
Cyclone Nargis , was a strong tropical cyclone that caused the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of Burma. The cyclone made landfall in Burma on Friday, May 2, 2008, causing catastrophic destruction and at least 138,000 fatalities...
in 2008, the Government of Myanmar took steps to ensure the safety of residents in the path of Cyclone Giri. An estimated 53,000 are believed to have evacuated Kyaukphyu before the arrival of the storm. Throughout central Myanmar, at least 157 people are known to have been killed by Giri. Thousands of structures near where the storm made landfall were destroyed, leaving more than 70,000 people homeless. An international relief effort began shortly after the storm passed to assist survivors of the storm. Initially, local and foreign media initially criticized the Myanmar government for not giving residents enough warning of the storm and later for keeping quiet on the situation. However, since then, focus has shifted to the loss of life and relief efforts.
Meteorological History
Cyclone Giri was first identified by the India Meteorological DepartmentIndia Meteorological Department
The India Meteorological Department , also referred to as the Met Office, is an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India. It is the principal agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting and seismology...
(IMD) area of low pressure
Low pressure area
A low-pressure area, or "low", is a region where the atmospheric pressure at sea level is below that of surrounding locations. Low-pressure systems form under areas of wind divergence which occur in upper levels of the troposphere. The formation process of a low-pressure area is known as...
that formed on October 19 over the Bay of Bengal
Bay of Bengal
The Bay of Bengal , the largest bay in the world, forms the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. It resembles a triangle in shape, and is bordered mostly by the Eastern Coast of India, southern coast of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the west and Burma and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the...
. Early on October 20, the system was classified as a depression and given the name BOB 04; and at that time, the system was situated roughly 250 km (155 mi) southwest of Sittwe
Sittwe
-Economy:In February 2007, India announced a plan to develop the port, which would enable ocean access from Indian Northeastern states, so called "Seven sisters", like Mizoram, via the Kaladan River....
, Myanmar
Myanmar
Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south....
. Continued development took place as convection
Atmospheric convection
Atmospheric convection is the result of a parcel-environment instability, or temperature difference, layer in the atmosphere. Different lapse rates within dry and moist air lead to instability. Mixing of air during the day which expands the height of the planetary boundary layer leads to...
consolidated around the system and banding features
Rainband
A rainband is a cloud and precipitation structure associated with an area of rainfall which is significantly elongated. Rainbands can be stratiform or convective, and are generated by differences in temperature. When noted on weather radar imagery, this precipitation elongation is referred to as...
formed along the western side of the low. Situated in an area of weak wind shear
Wind shear
Wind shear, sometimes referred to as windshear or wind gradient, is a difference in wind speed and direction over a relatively short distance in the atmosphere...
, further development was anticipated over the following days. Early on October 21, the IMD upgraded the system to a deep depression and expected it to further intensify into a cyclonic storm within 24 hours. Shortly thereafter, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center
Joint Typhoon Warning Center
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center is a joint United States Navy – United States Air Force task force located at the Naval Maritime Forecast Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii...
(JTWC) issue their first advisory on the depression, classifying it as Tropical Cyclone 04B. The system rapidly developed throughout the day on October 21, developing an eye
Eye (cyclone)
The eye is a region of mostly calm weather found at the center of strong tropical cyclones. The eye of a storm is a roughly circular area and typically 30–65 km in diameter. It is surrounded by the eyewall, a ring of towering thunderstorms where the second most severe weather of a cyclone...
embedded within deep convection. In response to a near-equatorial
Equator
An equator is the intersection of a sphere's surface with the plane perpendicular to the sphere's axis of rotation and containing the sphere's center of mass....
ridge
Ridge (meteorology)
A ridge is an elongated region of relatively high atmospheric pressure, the opposite of a trough....
to the south, the system slowly tracked towards the northeast, placing Myanmar within its path. Around 0600 UTC
Coordinated Universal Time
Coordinated Universal Time is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. It is one of several closely related successors to Greenwich Mean Time. Computer servers, online services and other entities that rely on having a universally accepted time use UTC for that purpose...
, the IMD upgraded the system to a cyclonic storm, assigning it with the name "Giri".
Tracking over an area of high sea surface temperature
Sea surface temperature
Sea surface temperature is the water temperature close to the oceans surface. The exact meaning of surface varies according to the measurement method used, but it is between and below the sea surface. Air masses in the Earth's atmosphere are highly modified by sea surface temperatures within a...
s, rapid intensification
Rapid deepening
Rapid deepening, also known as rapid intensification, is a meteorological condition that occurs when the minimum sea-level atmospheric pressure of a tropical cyclone decreases drastically in a short period of time. The National Weather Service describes rapid deepening as a decrease of...
ensued during the latter half of October 21. Following the development of very intense convection, with estimated cloud tops between -70 C, Giri strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm, having sustained winds of at least 95 km/h (60 mph 3-minute sustained). Around 1800 UTC, the JTWC estimated that the system intensified into a Category 1 equivalent cyclone on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. Early on October 22, Giri further strengthened into a very severe cyclonic storm as it slowly moved towards the central coast of Myanmar. Throughout the day, the storm underwent explosive deepening, attaining winds of 240 km/h (145 mph 1-minute sustained) by 0900 UTC. Satellite imagery depicted a well-defined 46 km (28.6 mi) wide eye surrounded by deep convection. Accompanied by strong poleward outflow
Outflow (meteorology)
Outflow, in meteorology, is air that flows outwards from a storm system. It is associated with ridging, or anticyclonic flow. In the low levels of the troposphere, outflow radiates from thunderstorms in the form of a wedge of rain-cooled air, which is visible as a thin rope-like cloud on weather...
, additional strengthening took place despite Giri's proximity to land.
In the hours before landfall on October 22, Giri attained its peak intensity with winds of 165 km/h (105 mph 3-minute sustained) and a barometric pressure of 950 mbar (hPa; 28.05 inHg). However, the JTWC estimated that Giri was a substantially stronger storm, nearly attaining Category 5 status; peak winds were believed to have reached 250 km/h (155 mph 1-minute sustained) and the pressure bottoming out at 922 mbar (hPa; 27.23 inHg). Around 1400 UTC, Cyclone Giri made landfall
Landfall (meteorology)
Landfall is the event of a tropical cyclone or a waterspout coming onto land after being over water. When a waterspout makes landfall it is reclassified as a tornado, which can then cause damage inland...
near Hunter's Bay, roughly 50 km (31.1 mi) northwest of Kyaukpyu at peak intensity. Upon doing so, Giri became the most intense storm to ever strike Myanmar, surpassing Cyclone Nargis
Cyclone Nargis
Cyclone Nargis , was a strong tropical cyclone that caused the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of Burma. The cyclone made landfall in Burma on Friday, May 2, 2008, causing catastrophic destruction and at least 138,000 fatalities...
which struck the Irrawaddy Delta
Irrawaddy Delta
The Irrawaddy Delta or Ayeyarwady Delta lies in the Ayeyarwady Region , the lowest expanse of land in Burma that fans out from the limit of tidal influence at Myan Aung to the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, 290 km to the south at the mouth of the Ayeyarwady River...
region as a low-end Category 4 equivalent in May 2008
2008 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
The 2008 North Indian cyclone season was an ongoing event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. The North Indian cyclone season has no official bounds, but cyclones tend to form between April and December, with peaks in May and November...
. However, according to the International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is a humanitarian institution that is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement along with the ICRC and 186 distinct National Societies...
, substantial weakening had taken place within the hours before landfall; they estimated that Cyclone Giri struck the coastline with winds of 175 km/h (110 mph 1-minute sustained). Once overland, the cyclone rapidly decayed as convection dissipated. Despite having estimated winds of 150 km/h (90 mph 1-minute sustained), the JTWC issued their final advisory on Giri just six hours after landfall. By early October 23, only scattered bursts of convection remained around the center of Giri as it degenerated into a land depression. The final advisory from the IMD was issued later that day as the system weakened further.
Preparations
Shortly after Giri was classified a very severe cyclonic storm, warnings were issued for the coastline of Myanmar. Relative to the storm's intensity, preparations were minimal; however, this was because forecasters did not anticipate Giri to strengthen as quickly as it did. The greatest fear of the residents was the aftermath of the storm. There were concerns that the cyclone could do what Cyclone NargisCyclone Nargis
Cyclone Nargis , was a strong tropical cyclone that caused the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of Burma. The cyclone made landfall in Burma on Friday, May 2, 2008, causing catastrophic destruction and at least 138,000 fatalities...
did in 2008. Upon information from JWTC, the chief of Myanmar Climate Change Watch of Myanmar Meteorology and Hydrology Department asked people to move to strong buildings and high ground so as to survive the strong winds. According to the military junta, an estimated 53,000 are believed to have evacuated Kyaukphyu before the arrivial of the storm.
Even though the storm wasn't expected to hit Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department issued storm signal five at ports of Cox's Bazar
Cox's Bazar
Cox's Bazar is a town, a fishing port and district headquarters in Bangladesh. It is known for its wide sandy beach which is the world's longest natural sandy sea beach. It is an unbroken 125 km sandy sea beach with a gentle slope. It is located 150 km south of Chittagong. Cox’s Bazar...
and Chittagong
Chittagong
Chittagong ) is a city in southeastern Bangladesh and the capital of an eponymous district and division. Built on the banks of the Karnaphuli River, the city is home to Bangladesh's busiest seaport and has a population of over 4.5 million, making it the second largest city in the country.A trading...
. Ships and vessels were also asked to return to shore quickly. Later on October 23, the Met Office asked maritime ports to lower danger signal number five and hoist local cautionary signal number three.
Impact
According to local media, Cyclone Giri brought a storm surgeStorm surge
A storm surge is an offshore rise of water associated with a low pressure weather system, typically tropical cyclones and strong extratropical cyclones. Storm surges are caused primarily by high winds pushing on the ocean's surface. The wind causes the water to pile up higher than the ordinary sea...
up to 3.7 m (12.1 ft), along with waves up to 8 m (26.2 ft) and winds in excess of 260 km/h (160 mph). In Kyaukphyu, much of the city was left more than 1.2 m (3.9 ft) under water by the storm. Residents stated that most of Kyaukphyu destroyed by Giri, with nearly every tree and lamppost felled and all structures damaged or destroyed. Later reports confirmed that roughly 70% of the city had been destroyed by Giri. In the Ashey Paing ward, an entire village was flattened by the storm as roughly 1,000 homes were destroyed. Near the Gangawtaw Pagoda in the city, nearly 100 homes were completely destroyed. The local Red Cross office in the city was also destroyed after a large tree fell on it due to high winds. Myebon Township
Myebon Township
Myebon Township is a township of Sittwe District in the Rakhine State of Burma . The principal town is Myebon. In October 2010, much of the township was devastated by Cyclone Giri...
was the hardest-hit area in the country: several villages were completely destroyed by the storm and many others were severely damaged. According to the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
, roughly 15,000 homes were destroyed by the storm throughout Arakan State.
In the Seikphyu Township, flood waters up to 4.6 m (15.1 ft) deep inundated 20 villages after overflow from a dam was released without warning. Thousands of residents were stranded by the flood and left in dire need of assistance. Of the few reports coming from the region, there were indications of fatalities in outlying villages. Most of the livestock in the area perished as there was no time to bring them to higher ground safely. The overall timing of the cyclone's landfall was also devastating for the region. It came at the only harvest of the year for Rakhine State. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 16,187 hectares (40,000 acres) of rice paddies were destroyed and another 40,468 hectares (100,000 acres) were damaged.
Within a day of Giri striking Myanmar, three people were reported to have been killed by the storm and tens of thousands of residents were believed to have been left homeless. By October 25, officials in Myanmar stated that the death toll had risen to 50 and at least 30 people in the Pyin Wan Village were missing. According to press reports, "The situation here is alarming"; the death toll is believed to continue to increase over the following days as bodies continue to be found. Offshore, more than 100 fishermen from Myanmar and Bangladesh were reported missing after 21 ships were caught in rough seas produced by the cyclone. As of October 29, the at least 94 people were confirmed to have been killed by Giri. Of these fatalities, 84 were in Myebon Township (Mray Bon) and 10 in Pauktaw Township. However, according to local relief groups, the death toll had risen over 100 by October 28.
As of November 2, 157 fatalities had been confirmed as a result of Cyclone Giri. Of these fatalities, 138 were in Myebon Township, 11 in Pauktaw Township, 5 in Minbya Township and 3 in Kyaukpyu Township. According to officials in Kyaukpyu Township, damage from the storm amounted to 2.34 billion kyat
Myanma kyat
The kyat is the currency of Burma . It is often abbreviated as "K", which is placed before the numerical value.-First kyat, 1852-1889:...
(US$359 million).
Cyclone Giri (IMD
IMD
- As a word :* IMD, Interchange Member Descriptors. * Imd, a family name* Imd, a giantess in Norse mythology, one of the nine Mothers of Heimdall- As an acronym :...
designation: BOB 04, JTWC designation: 04B, also known as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Giri) was a powerful tropical cyclone
Tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor...
which caused catastrophic damage in parts of Myanmar
Myanmar
Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south....
in late October 2010. Originating from an area of low pressure
Low pressure area
A low-pressure area, or "low", is a region where the atmospheric pressure at sea level is below that of surrounding locations. Low-pressure systems form under areas of wind divergence which occur in upper levels of the troposphere. The formation process of a low-pressure area is known as...
over the Bay of Bengal
Bay of Bengal
The Bay of Bengal , the largest bay in the world, forms the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. It resembles a triangle in shape, and is bordered mostly by the Eastern Coast of India, southern coast of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the west and Burma and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the...
on October 19, the system began as a weak depression 250 km (155 mi) south of Myanmar. Over the following few days, the depression underwent explosive intensification
Rapid deepening
Rapid deepening, also known as rapid intensification, is a meteorological condition that occurs when the minimum sea-level atmospheric pressure of a tropical cyclone decreases drastically in a short period of time. The National Weather Service describes rapid deepening as a decrease of...
, reaching its peak intensity with winds of 165 km/h (105 mph 3-minute sustained) on October 22. Cyclone Giri made landfall
Landfall (meteorology)
Landfall is the event of a tropical cyclone or a waterspout coming onto land after being over water. When a waterspout makes landfall it is reclassified as a tornado, which can then cause damage inland...
roughly 50 km (31.1 mi) northwest of Kyaukpyu
Kyaukpyu
Kyaukpyu is a major town in Rakhine State, in western Myanmar. It is located on the north western corner of Yanbye Island on Combermere Bay, and is 250 miles northwest of Yangon. The town is situated on a superb natural harbor which connects the rice trade between Calcutta and Yangon...
, shortly after peaking. Within hours of moving onshore, the system had substantially weakened. Bt the following day, Giri had degenerated into a land depression and the final advisory was issued on the storm.
Unlike during Cyclone Nargis
Cyclone Nargis
Cyclone Nargis , was a strong tropical cyclone that caused the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of Burma. The cyclone made landfall in Burma on Friday, May 2, 2008, causing catastrophic destruction and at least 138,000 fatalities...
in 2008, the Government of Myanmar took steps to ensure the safety of residents in the path of Cyclone Giri. An estimated 53,000 are believed to have evacuated Kyaukphyu before the arrival of the storm. Throughout central Myanmar, at least 157 people are known to have been killed by Giri. Thousands of structures near where the storm made landfall were destroyed, leaving more than 70,000 people homeless. An international relief effort began shortly after the storm passed to assist survivors of the storm. Initially, local and foreign media initially criticized the Myanmar government for not giving residents enough warning of the storm and later for keeping quiet on the situation. However, since then, focus has shifted to the loss of life and relief efforts.
Meteorological History
Cyclone Giri was first identified by the India Meteorological DepartmentIndia Meteorological Department
The India Meteorological Department , also referred to as the Met Office, is an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India. It is the principal agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting and seismology...
(IMD) area of low pressure
Low pressure area
A low-pressure area, or "low", is a region where the atmospheric pressure at sea level is below that of surrounding locations. Low-pressure systems form under areas of wind divergence which occur in upper levels of the troposphere. The formation process of a low-pressure area is known as...
that formed on October 19 over the Bay of Bengal
Bay of Bengal
The Bay of Bengal , the largest bay in the world, forms the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. It resembles a triangle in shape, and is bordered mostly by the Eastern Coast of India, southern coast of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the west and Burma and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the...
. Early on October 20, the system was classified as a depression and given the name BOB 04; and at that time, the system was situated roughly 250 km (155 mi) southwest of Sittwe
Sittwe
-Economy:In February 2007, India announced a plan to develop the port, which would enable ocean access from Indian Northeastern states, so called "Seven sisters", like Mizoram, via the Kaladan River....
, Myanmar
Myanmar
Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south....
. Continued development took place as convection
Atmospheric convection
Atmospheric convection is the result of a parcel-environment instability, or temperature difference, layer in the atmosphere. Different lapse rates within dry and moist air lead to instability. Mixing of air during the day which expands the height of the planetary boundary layer leads to...
consolidated around the system and banding features
Rainband
A rainband is a cloud and precipitation structure associated with an area of rainfall which is significantly elongated. Rainbands can be stratiform or convective, and are generated by differences in temperature. When noted on weather radar imagery, this precipitation elongation is referred to as...
formed along the western side of the low. Situated in an area of weak wind shear
Wind shear
Wind shear, sometimes referred to as windshear or wind gradient, is a difference in wind speed and direction over a relatively short distance in the atmosphere...
, further development was anticipated over the following days. Early on October 21, the IMD upgraded the system to a deep depression and expected it to further intensify into a cyclonic storm within 24 hours. Shortly thereafter, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center
Joint Typhoon Warning Center
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center is a joint United States Navy – United States Air Force task force located at the Naval Maritime Forecast Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii...
(JTWC) issue their first advisory on the depression, classifying it as Tropical Cyclone 04B. The system rapidly developed throughout the day on October 21, developing an eye
Eye (cyclone)
The eye is a region of mostly calm weather found at the center of strong tropical cyclones. The eye of a storm is a roughly circular area and typically 30–65 km in diameter. It is surrounded by the eyewall, a ring of towering thunderstorms where the second most severe weather of a cyclone...
embedded within deep convection. In response to a near-equatorial
Equator
An equator is the intersection of a sphere's surface with the plane perpendicular to the sphere's axis of rotation and containing the sphere's center of mass....
ridge
Ridge (meteorology)
A ridge is an elongated region of relatively high atmospheric pressure, the opposite of a trough....
to the south, the system slowly tracked towards the northeast, placing Myanmar within its path. Around 0600 UTC
Coordinated Universal Time
Coordinated Universal Time is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. It is one of several closely related successors to Greenwich Mean Time. Computer servers, online services and other entities that rely on having a universally accepted time use UTC for that purpose...
, the IMD upgraded the system to a cyclonic storm, assigning it with the name "Giri".
Tracking over an area of high sea surface temperature
Sea surface temperature
Sea surface temperature is the water temperature close to the oceans surface. The exact meaning of surface varies according to the measurement method used, but it is between and below the sea surface. Air masses in the Earth's atmosphere are highly modified by sea surface temperatures within a...
s, rapid intensification
Rapid deepening
Rapid deepening, also known as rapid intensification, is a meteorological condition that occurs when the minimum sea-level atmospheric pressure of a tropical cyclone decreases drastically in a short period of time. The National Weather Service describes rapid deepening as a decrease of...
ensued during the latter half of October 21. Following the development of very intense convection, with estimated cloud tops between -70 C, Giri strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm, having sustained winds of at least 95 km/h (60 mph 3-minute sustained). Around 1800 UTC, the JTWC estimated that the system intensified into a Category 1 equivalent cyclone on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. Early on October 22, Giri further strengthened into a very severe cyclonic storm as it slowly moved towards the central coast of Myanmar. Throughout the day, the storm underwent explosive deepening, attaining winds of 240 km/h (145 mph 1-minute sustained) by 0900 UTC. Satellite imagery depicted a well-defined 46 km (28.6 mi) wide eye surrounded by deep convection. Accompanied by strong poleward outflow
Outflow (meteorology)
Outflow, in meteorology, is air that flows outwards from a storm system. It is associated with ridging, or anticyclonic flow. In the low levels of the troposphere, outflow radiates from thunderstorms in the form of a wedge of rain-cooled air, which is visible as a thin rope-like cloud on weather...
, additional strengthening took place despite Giri's proximity to land.
In the hours before landfall on October 22, Giri attained its peak intensity with winds of 165 km/h (105 mph 3-minute sustained) and a barometric pressure of 950 mbar (hPa; 28.05 inHg). However, the JTWC estimated that Giri was a substantially stronger storm, nearly attaining Category 5 status; peak winds were believed to have reached 250 km/h (155 mph 1-minute sustained) and the pressure bottoming out at 922 mbar (hPa; 27.23 inHg). Around 1400 UTC, Cyclone Giri made landfall
Landfall (meteorology)
Landfall is the event of a tropical cyclone or a waterspout coming onto land after being over water. When a waterspout makes landfall it is reclassified as a tornado, which can then cause damage inland...
near Hunter's Bay, roughly 50 km (31.1 mi) northwest of Kyaukpyu at peak intensity. Upon doing so, Giri became the most intense storm to ever strike Myanmar, surpassing Cyclone Nargis
Cyclone Nargis
Cyclone Nargis , was a strong tropical cyclone that caused the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of Burma. The cyclone made landfall in Burma on Friday, May 2, 2008, causing catastrophic destruction and at least 138,000 fatalities...
which struck the Irrawaddy Delta
Irrawaddy Delta
The Irrawaddy Delta or Ayeyarwady Delta lies in the Ayeyarwady Region , the lowest expanse of land in Burma that fans out from the limit of tidal influence at Myan Aung to the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, 290 km to the south at the mouth of the Ayeyarwady River...
region as a low-end Category 4 equivalent in May 2008
2008 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
The 2008 North Indian cyclone season was an ongoing event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. The North Indian cyclone season has no official bounds, but cyclones tend to form between April and December, with peaks in May and November...
. However, according to the International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is a humanitarian institution that is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement along with the ICRC and 186 distinct National Societies...
, substantial weakening had taken place within the hours before landfall; they estimated that Cyclone Giri struck the coastline with winds of 175 km/h (110 mph 1-minute sustained). Once overland, the cyclone rapidly decayed as convection dissipated. Despite having estimated winds of 150 km/h (90 mph 1-minute sustained), the JTWC issued their final advisory on Giri just six hours after landfall. By early October 23, only scattered bursts of convection remained around the center of Giri as it degenerated into a land depression. The final advisory from the IMD was issued later that day as the system weakened further.
Preparations
Shortly after Giri was classified a very severe cyclonic storm, warnings were issued for the coastline of Myanmar. Relative to the storm's intensity, preparations were minimal; however, this was because forecasters did not anticipate Giri to strengthen as quickly as it did. The greatest fear of the residents was the aftermath of the storm. There were concerns that the cyclone could do what Cyclone NargisCyclone Nargis
Cyclone Nargis , was a strong tropical cyclone that caused the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of Burma. The cyclone made landfall in Burma on Friday, May 2, 2008, causing catastrophic destruction and at least 138,000 fatalities...
did in 2008. Upon information from JWTC, the chief of Myanmar Climate Change Watch of Myanmar Meteorology and Hydrology Department asked people to move to strong buildings and high ground so as to survive the strong winds. According to the military junta, an estimated 53,000 are believed to have evacuated Kyaukphyu before the arrivial of the storm.
Even though the storm wasn't expected to hit Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department issued storm signal five at ports of Cox's Bazar
Cox's Bazar
Cox's Bazar is a town, a fishing port and district headquarters in Bangladesh. It is known for its wide sandy beach which is the world's longest natural sandy sea beach. It is an unbroken 125 km sandy sea beach with a gentle slope. It is located 150 km south of Chittagong. Cox’s Bazar...
and Chittagong
Chittagong
Chittagong ) is a city in southeastern Bangladesh and the capital of an eponymous district and division. Built on the banks of the Karnaphuli River, the city is home to Bangladesh's busiest seaport and has a population of over 4.5 million, making it the second largest city in the country.A trading...
. Ships and vessels were also asked to return to shore quickly. Later on October 23, the Met Office asked maritime ports to lower danger signal number five and hoist local cautionary signal number three.
Impact
According to local media, Cyclone Giri brought a storm surgeStorm surge
A storm surge is an offshore rise of water associated with a low pressure weather system, typically tropical cyclones and strong extratropical cyclones. Storm surges are caused primarily by high winds pushing on the ocean's surface. The wind causes the water to pile up higher than the ordinary sea...
up to 3.7 m (12.1 ft), along with waves up to 8 m (26.2 ft) and winds in excess of 260 km/h (160 mph). In Kyaukphyu, much of the city was left more than 1.2 m (3.9 ft) under water by the storm. Residents stated that most of Kyaukphyu destroyed by Giri, with nearly every tree and lamppost felled and all structures damaged or destroyed. Later reports confirmed that roughly 70% of the city had been destroyed by Giri. In the Ashey Paing ward, an entire village was flattened by the storm as roughly 1,000 homes were destroyed. Near the Gangawtaw Pagoda in the city, nearly 100 homes were completely destroyed. The local Red Cross office in the city was also destroyed after a large tree fell on it due to high winds. Myebon Township
Myebon Township
Myebon Township is a township of Sittwe District in the Rakhine State of Burma . The principal town is Myebon. In October 2010, much of the township was devastated by Cyclone Giri...
was the hardest-hit area in the country: several villages were completely destroyed by the storm and many others were severely damaged. According to the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
, roughly 15,000 homes were destroyed by the storm throughout Arakan State.
In the Seikphyu Township, flood waters up to 4.6 m (15.1 ft) deep inundated 20 villages after overflow from a dam was released without warning. Thousands of residents were stranded by the flood and left in dire need of assistance. Of the few reports coming from the region, there were indications of fatalities in outlying villages. Most of the livestock in the area perished as there was no time to bring them to higher ground safely. The overall timing of the cyclone's landfall was also devastating for the region. It came at the only harvest of the year for Rakhine State. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 16,187 hectares (40,000 acres) of rice paddies were destroyed and another 40,468 hectares (100,000 acres) were damaged.
Within a day of Giri striking Myanmar, three people were reported to have been killed by the storm and tens of thousands of residents were believed to have been left homeless. By October 25, officials in Myanmar stated that the death toll had risen to 50 and at least 30 people in the Pyin Wan Village were missing. According to press reports, "The situation here is alarming"; the death toll is believed to continue to increase over the following days as bodies continue to be found. Offshore, more than 100 fishermen from Myanmar and Bangladesh were reported missing after 21 ships were caught in rough seas produced by the cyclone. As of October 29, the at least 94 people were confirmed to have been killed by Giri. Of these fatalities, 84 were in Myebon Township (Mray Bon) and 10 in Pauktaw Township. However, according to local relief groups, the death toll had risen over 100 by October 28.
As of November 2, 157 fatalities had been confirmed as a result of Cyclone Giri. Of these fatalities, 138 were in Myebon Township, 11 in Pauktaw Township, 5 in Minbya Township and 3 in Kyaukpyu Township. According to officials in Kyaukpyu Township, damage from the storm amounted to 2.34 billion kyat
Myanma kyat
The kyat is the currency of Burma . It is often abbreviated as "K", which is placed before the numerical value.-First kyat, 1852-1889:...
(US$359 million).
Cyclone Giri (IMD
IMD
- As a word :* IMD, Interchange Member Descriptors. * Imd, a family name* Imd, a giantess in Norse mythology, one of the nine Mothers of Heimdall- As an acronym :...
designation: BOB 04, JTWC designation: 04B, also known as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Giri) was a powerful tropical cyclone
Tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor...
which caused catastrophic damage in parts of Myanmar
Myanmar
Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south....
in late October 2010. Originating from an area of low pressure
Low pressure area
A low-pressure area, or "low", is a region where the atmospheric pressure at sea level is below that of surrounding locations. Low-pressure systems form under areas of wind divergence which occur in upper levels of the troposphere. The formation process of a low-pressure area is known as...
over the Bay of Bengal
Bay of Bengal
The Bay of Bengal , the largest bay in the world, forms the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. It resembles a triangle in shape, and is bordered mostly by the Eastern Coast of India, southern coast of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the west and Burma and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the...
on October 19, the system began as a weak depression 250 km (155 mi) south of Myanmar. Over the following few days, the depression underwent explosive intensification
Rapid deepening
Rapid deepening, also known as rapid intensification, is a meteorological condition that occurs when the minimum sea-level atmospheric pressure of a tropical cyclone decreases drastically in a short period of time. The National Weather Service describes rapid deepening as a decrease of...
, reaching its peak intensity with winds of 165 km/h (105 mph 3-minute sustained) on October 22. Cyclone Giri made landfall
Landfall (meteorology)
Landfall is the event of a tropical cyclone or a waterspout coming onto land after being over water. When a waterspout makes landfall it is reclassified as a tornado, which can then cause damage inland...
roughly 50 km (31.1 mi) northwest of Kyaukpyu
Kyaukpyu
Kyaukpyu is a major town in Rakhine State, in western Myanmar. It is located on the north western corner of Yanbye Island on Combermere Bay, and is 250 miles northwest of Yangon. The town is situated on a superb natural harbor which connects the rice trade between Calcutta and Yangon...
, shortly after peaking. Within hours of moving onshore, the system had substantially weakened. Bt the following day, Giri had degenerated into a land depression and the final advisory was issued on the storm.
Unlike during Cyclone Nargis
Cyclone Nargis
Cyclone Nargis , was a strong tropical cyclone that caused the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of Burma. The cyclone made landfall in Burma on Friday, May 2, 2008, causing catastrophic destruction and at least 138,000 fatalities...
in 2008, the Government of Myanmar took steps to ensure the safety of residents in the path of Cyclone Giri. An estimated 53,000 are believed to have evacuated Kyaukphyu before the arrival of the storm. Throughout central Myanmar, at least 157 people are known to have been killed by Giri. Thousands of structures near where the storm made landfall were destroyed, leaving more than 70,000 people homeless. An international relief effort began shortly after the storm passed to assist survivors of the storm. Initially, local and foreign media initially criticized the Myanmar government for not giving residents enough warning of the storm and later for keeping quiet on the situation. However, since then, focus has shifted to the loss of life and relief efforts.
Meteorological History
Cyclone Giri was first identified by the India Meteorological DepartmentIndia Meteorological Department
The India Meteorological Department , also referred to as the Met Office, is an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India. It is the principal agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting and seismology...
(IMD) area of low pressure
Low pressure area
A low-pressure area, or "low", is a region where the atmospheric pressure at sea level is below that of surrounding locations. Low-pressure systems form under areas of wind divergence which occur in upper levels of the troposphere. The formation process of a low-pressure area is known as...
that formed on October 19 over the Bay of Bengal
Bay of Bengal
The Bay of Bengal , the largest bay in the world, forms the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. It resembles a triangle in shape, and is bordered mostly by the Eastern Coast of India, southern coast of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the west and Burma and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the...
. Early on October 20, the system was classified as a depression and given the name BOB 04; and at that time, the system was situated roughly 250 km (155 mi) southwest of Sittwe
Sittwe
-Economy:In February 2007, India announced a plan to develop the port, which would enable ocean access from Indian Northeastern states, so called "Seven sisters", like Mizoram, via the Kaladan River....
, Myanmar
Myanmar
Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south....
. Continued development took place as convection
Atmospheric convection
Atmospheric convection is the result of a parcel-environment instability, or temperature difference, layer in the atmosphere. Different lapse rates within dry and moist air lead to instability. Mixing of air during the day which expands the height of the planetary boundary layer leads to...
consolidated around the system and banding features
Rainband
A rainband is a cloud and precipitation structure associated with an area of rainfall which is significantly elongated. Rainbands can be stratiform or convective, and are generated by differences in temperature. When noted on weather radar imagery, this precipitation elongation is referred to as...
formed along the western side of the low. Situated in an area of weak wind shear
Wind shear
Wind shear, sometimes referred to as windshear or wind gradient, is a difference in wind speed and direction over a relatively short distance in the atmosphere...
, further development was anticipated over the following days. Early on October 21, the IMD upgraded the system to a deep depression and expected it to further intensify into a cyclonic storm within 24 hours. Shortly thereafter, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center
Joint Typhoon Warning Center
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center is a joint United States Navy – United States Air Force task force located at the Naval Maritime Forecast Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii...
(JTWC) issue their first advisory on the depression, classifying it as Tropical Cyclone 04B. The system rapidly developed throughout the day on October 21, developing an eye
Eye (cyclone)
The eye is a region of mostly calm weather found at the center of strong tropical cyclones. The eye of a storm is a roughly circular area and typically 30–65 km in diameter. It is surrounded by the eyewall, a ring of towering thunderstorms where the second most severe weather of a cyclone...
embedded within deep convection. In response to a near-equatorial
Equator
An equator is the intersection of a sphere's surface with the plane perpendicular to the sphere's axis of rotation and containing the sphere's center of mass....
ridge
Ridge (meteorology)
A ridge is an elongated region of relatively high atmospheric pressure, the opposite of a trough....
to the south, the system slowly tracked towards the northeast, placing Myanmar within its path. Around 0600 UTC
Coordinated Universal Time
Coordinated Universal Time is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. It is one of several closely related successors to Greenwich Mean Time. Computer servers, online services and other entities that rely on having a universally accepted time use UTC for that purpose...
, the IMD upgraded the system to a cyclonic storm, assigning it with the name "Giri".
Tracking over an area of high sea surface temperature
Sea surface temperature
Sea surface temperature is the water temperature close to the oceans surface. The exact meaning of surface varies according to the measurement method used, but it is between and below the sea surface. Air masses in the Earth's atmosphere are highly modified by sea surface temperatures within a...
s, rapid intensification
Rapid deepening
Rapid deepening, also known as rapid intensification, is a meteorological condition that occurs when the minimum sea-level atmospheric pressure of a tropical cyclone decreases drastically in a short period of time. The National Weather Service describes rapid deepening as a decrease of...
ensued during the latter half of October 21. Following the development of very intense convection, with estimated cloud tops between -70 C, Giri strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm, having sustained winds of at least 95 km/h (60 mph 3-minute sustained). Around 1800 UTC, the JTWC estimated that the system intensified into a Category 1 equivalent cyclone on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. Early on October 22, Giri further strengthened into a very severe cyclonic storm as it slowly moved towards the central coast of Myanmar. Throughout the day, the storm underwent explosive deepening, attaining winds of 240 km/h (145 mph 1-minute sustained) by 0900 UTC. Satellite imagery depicted a well-defined 46 km (28.6 mi) wide eye surrounded by deep convection. Accompanied by strong poleward outflow
Outflow (meteorology)
Outflow, in meteorology, is air that flows outwards from a storm system. It is associated with ridging, or anticyclonic flow. In the low levels of the troposphere, outflow radiates from thunderstorms in the form of a wedge of rain-cooled air, which is visible as a thin rope-like cloud on weather...
, additional strengthening took place despite Giri's proximity to land.
In the hours before landfall on October 22, Giri attained its peak intensity with winds of 165 km/h (105 mph 3-minute sustained) and a barometric pressure of 950 mbar (hPa; 28.05 inHg). However, the JTWC estimated that Giri was a substantially stronger storm, nearly attaining Category 5 status; peak winds were believed to have reached 250 km/h (155 mph 1-minute sustained) and the pressure bottoming out at 922 mbar (hPa; 27.23 inHg). Around 1400 UTC, Cyclone Giri made landfall
Landfall (meteorology)
Landfall is the event of a tropical cyclone or a waterspout coming onto land after being over water. When a waterspout makes landfall it is reclassified as a tornado, which can then cause damage inland...
near Hunter's Bay, roughly 50 km (31.1 mi) northwest of Kyaukpyu at peak intensity. Upon doing so, Giri became the most intense storm to ever strike Myanmar, surpassing Cyclone Nargis
Cyclone Nargis
Cyclone Nargis , was a strong tropical cyclone that caused the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of Burma. The cyclone made landfall in Burma on Friday, May 2, 2008, causing catastrophic destruction and at least 138,000 fatalities...
which struck the Irrawaddy Delta
Irrawaddy Delta
The Irrawaddy Delta or Ayeyarwady Delta lies in the Ayeyarwady Region , the lowest expanse of land in Burma that fans out from the limit of tidal influence at Myan Aung to the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, 290 km to the south at the mouth of the Ayeyarwady River...
region as a low-end Category 4 equivalent in May 2008
2008 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
The 2008 North Indian cyclone season was an ongoing event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. The North Indian cyclone season has no official bounds, but cyclones tend to form between April and December, with peaks in May and November...
. However, according to the International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is a humanitarian institution that is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement along with the ICRC and 186 distinct National Societies...
, substantial weakening had taken place within the hours before landfall; they estimated that Cyclone Giri struck the coastline with winds of 175 km/h (110 mph 1-minute sustained). Once overland, the cyclone rapidly decayed as convection dissipated. Despite having estimated winds of 150 km/h (90 mph 1-minute sustained), the JTWC issued their final advisory on Giri just six hours after landfall. By early October 23, only scattered bursts of convection remained around the center of Giri as it degenerated into a land depression. The final advisory from the IMD was issued later that day as the system weakened further.
Preparations
Shortly after Giri was classified a very severe cyclonic storm, warnings were issued for the coastline of Myanmar. Relative to the storm's intensity, preparations were minimal; however, this was because forecasters did not anticipate Giri to strengthen as quickly as it did. The greatest fear of the residents was the aftermath of the storm. There were concerns that the cyclone could do what Cyclone NargisCyclone Nargis
Cyclone Nargis , was a strong tropical cyclone that caused the worst natural disaster in the recorded history of Burma. The cyclone made landfall in Burma on Friday, May 2, 2008, causing catastrophic destruction and at least 138,000 fatalities...
did in 2008. Upon information from JWTC, the chief of Myanmar Climate Change Watch of Myanmar Meteorology and Hydrology Department asked people to move to strong buildings and high ground so as to survive the strong winds. According to the military junta, an estimated 53,000 are believed to have evacuated Kyaukphyu before the arrivial of the storm.
Even though the storm wasn't expected to hit Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department issued storm signal five at ports of Cox's Bazar
Cox's Bazar
Cox's Bazar is a town, a fishing port and district headquarters in Bangladesh. It is known for its wide sandy beach which is the world's longest natural sandy sea beach. It is an unbroken 125 km sandy sea beach with a gentle slope. It is located 150 km south of Chittagong. Cox’s Bazar...
and Chittagong
Chittagong
Chittagong ) is a city in southeastern Bangladesh and the capital of an eponymous district and division. Built on the banks of the Karnaphuli River, the city is home to Bangladesh's busiest seaport and has a population of over 4.5 million, making it the second largest city in the country.A trading...
. Ships and vessels were also asked to return to shore quickly. Later on October 23, the Met Office asked maritime ports to lower danger signal number five and hoist local cautionary signal number three.
Impact
According to local media, Cyclone Giri brought a storm surgeStorm surge
A storm surge is an offshore rise of water associated with a low pressure weather system, typically tropical cyclones and strong extratropical cyclones. Storm surges are caused primarily by high winds pushing on the ocean's surface. The wind causes the water to pile up higher than the ordinary sea...
up to 3.7 m (12.1 ft), along with waves up to 8 m (26.2 ft) and winds in excess of 260 km/h (160 mph). In Kyaukphyu, much of the city was left more than 1.2 m (3.9 ft) under water by the storm. Residents stated that most of Kyaukphyu destroyed by Giri, with nearly every tree and lamppost felled and all structures damaged or destroyed. Later reports confirmed that roughly 70% of the city had been destroyed by Giri. In the Ashey Paing ward, an entire village was flattened by the storm as roughly 1,000 homes were destroyed. Near the Gangawtaw Pagoda in the city, nearly 100 homes were completely destroyed. The local Red Cross office in the city was also destroyed after a large tree fell on it due to high winds. Myebon Township
Myebon Township
Myebon Township is a township of Sittwe District in the Rakhine State of Burma . The principal town is Myebon. In October 2010, much of the township was devastated by Cyclone Giri...
was the hardest-hit area in the country: several villages were completely destroyed by the storm and many others were severely damaged. According to the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
, roughly 15,000 homes were destroyed by the storm throughout Arakan State.
In the Seikphyu Township, flood waters up to 4.6 m (15.1 ft) deep inundated 20 villages after overflow from a dam was released without warning. Thousands of residents were stranded by the flood and left in dire need of assistance. Of the few reports coming from the region, there were indications of fatalities in outlying villages. Most of the livestock in the area perished as there was no time to bring them to higher ground safely. The overall timing of the cyclone's landfall was also devastating for the region. It came at the only harvest of the year for Rakhine State. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 16,187 hectares (40,000 acres) of rice paddies were destroyed and another 40,468 hectares (100,000 acres) were damaged.
Within a day of Giri striking Myanmar, three people were reported to have been killed by the storm and tens of thousands of residents were believed to have been left homeless. By October 25, officials in Myanmar stated that the death toll had risen to 50 and at least 30 people in the Pyin Wan Village were missing. According to press reports, "The situation here is alarming"; the death toll is believed to continue to increase over the following days as bodies continue to be found. Offshore, more than 100 fishermen from Myanmar and Bangladesh were reported missing after 21 ships were caught in rough seas produced by the cyclone. As of October 29, the at least 94 people were confirmed to have been killed by Giri. Of these fatalities, 84 were in Myebon Township (Mray Bon) and 10 in Pauktaw Township. However, according to local relief groups, the death toll had risen over 100 by October 28.
As of November 2, 157 fatalities had been confirmed as a result of Cyclone Giri. Of these fatalities, 138 were in Myebon Township, 11 in Pauktaw Township, 5 in Minbya Township and 3 in Kyaukpyu Township. According to officials in Kyaukpyu Township, damage from the storm amounted to 2.34 billion kyat
Myanma kyat
The kyat is the currency of Burma . It is often abbreviated as "K", which is placed before the numerical value.-First kyat, 1852-1889:...
(US$359 million).
Aftermath
Immediately following the storm, urgent requests for food and clean water were made by residents in the hardest hit areas. By the afternoon of October 23, the Red Cross began deploying relief supplies to the affected region; 300 tents and 150 bags of rice were planned to be distributed to Kyaukphyu where at least 5,000 people were left homeless. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), a total of 176,823 people were affected by the storm and 70,795 were left homeless. By October 30, the number affected and homeless had risen to 1.1 million and roughly 100,000 respectively. Red Cross officials also reported that an estimated 60,000 people were in need of assistance throughout Myanmar. Later that day, a relief charity was opened in Rangoon to aid victims of the storm; the charity in short order had received donations of 10 million kyatMyanma kyat
The kyat is the currency of Burma . It is often abbreviated as "K", which is placed before the numerical value.-First kyat, 1852-1889:...
($10,000 USD
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
). By October 25, temporary shelter camps set up by relief agencies housed an estimated 5,000 people.
By October 26, the Government of the Union of Myanmar had begun distributing 60,000 zinc roof sheets and the Ministry of Forestry provided 200 tonnes (220 tons) of timber. Through the end of October, six non-governmental ogranizations in Myanmar planned to distribute emergency food supplies, such rice, oil, salt and pulses, to 5,000 residents in Kyaukpyu and Myebon. Health supplies were also being distributed at relief camps by UNICEF in the hardest-hit areas. About 500 family kits containing non-food items, such as tarpaulins and moskito nets, had been distribted by the Myanmar Red Cross Society and another 1,200 were being sent to the area. By the start of November, the government of Myanmar requested medial aid from the United Nations as a cholera
Cholera
Cholera is an infection of the small intestine that is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The main symptoms are profuse watery diarrhea and vomiting. Transmission occurs primarily by drinking or eating water or food that has been contaminated by the diarrhea of an infected person or the feces...
outbreak began to unfold. Additional post-storm diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery
Dysentery
Dysentery is an inflammatory disorder of the intestine, especially of the colon, that results in severe diarrhea containing mucus and/or blood in the faeces with fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, dysentery can be fatal.There are differences between dysentery and normal bloody diarrhoea...
, eye infections and skin diseases became prevalent as well. According to locals, at least six people have died as a result of cholera. At least 200 people were infected with dysentery and four were killed by the disease in the towns of Kyaukphyu, Minbya and Myebon. The cause of the outbreak was linked to a lack of clean water.
International assistance
On October 26, United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Secretary of State
Secretary of State
Secretary of State or State Secretary is a commonly used title for a senior or mid-level post in governments around the world. The role varies between countries, and in some cases there are multiple Secretaries of State in the Government....
, Hillary Clinton stated that the country offered emergency assistance and aid to Myanmar. Roughly a week after the passage of Cyclone Giri, the Government of Australia
Government of Australia
The Commonwealth of Australia is a federal constitutional monarchy under a parliamentary democracy. The Commonwealth of Australia was formed in 1901 as a result of an agreement among six self-governing British colonies, which became the six states...
pledged about US$200,000 to victims of the storm. The governments of Britain
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
also pledged to donate US$700,000 and US$500,000 respectively to Myanmar. The World Food Programme
World Food Programme
The World Food Programme is the food aid branch of the United Nations, and the world's largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger worldwide. WFP provides food, on average, to 90 million people per year, 58 million of whom are children...
set up four field monitors, stocked with a total of 900 tonnes (992 tons) of rice with another 300 tonnes (330 tons) on the way; stocks of rice in Kyaukpyu itself had reportedly been exhausted. By late-November, the World Food Programme had allocated US$2.8 million in relief funds. Roughly 1,500 households in Kyaukpyu township were being cared for by the Save the Children
Save the Children
Save the Children is an internationally active non-governmental organization that enforces children's rights, provides relief and helps support children in developing countries...
foundation. Through the United Nations, organizations pledged to provided a total of US$54 million in aid. In late-November, the United States provided an additional US$3 million in relief funds.
Criticism of the Junta
International and local media criticized the military government for inadequate warnings prior to Giri's arrival in the country. However, the junta claims to have informed the public appropriately. Little assistance had reached thousands of survivors days after the storm's passage, fueling anger from local media sources. Government relief slowly reached the area; however, workers only cleared debris left by the storm and only encouraged residents to rebuild by giving them the supplies needed to do so. Further criticism was made about the government withholding information on the loss of life and scale of damage. Requests were also made to postpone a national electionBurmese general election, 2010
A general election was held in Burma on 2010, in accordance with the new constitution which was approved in a referendum held in...
for residents in Arakan State; however, no response was given and the elections were still planned to be held on November 7. According to the United Nations, this election, the first national election in 20 years, was "proving to be a sham anyways." The political party running against the junta was already placed under house arrest and governmental change was unlikely.
Additional criticism continued even a week after the storm, especially over the scale of the disaster. The government claimed that only 27 people had been killed by Giri while numerous local and international agencies stated significantly higher totals. They were also blamed for downplaying the amount of damage, resulting in slower distribution of aid to areas in desperate need. Two weeks after Giri struck Myanmar, little attention was given to the ongoing disaster. The Myanmar government continued to keep other countries out of the area and prevent them from knowing what was going on in the hardest hit areas. Thousands of survivors continue to suffer due to the insufficient relief making it into the region. On November 8, local media discovered that the Junta was threatening to sever aid to the region if residents did not vote for them in the national election. According to Mizzima, the opposing party won landslide victories in numerous townships; however, in the cyclone affected areas, the Junta had complete victories.