Bangladesh marks 35 years since devastating 1991 cyclone

Over 139,000 people and 100,000 livestock died in the storm, while 5 million people were rendered homeless in the cyclone that lashed the coast

File photo

Wednesday marks the 35th anniversary of the devastating 1991 cyclone in Bangladesh.

Known officially as Cyclone 02B, or colloquially as "Gorky" or "Marian", the storm is recognised as one of the deadliest tropical cyclones in history, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life estimated at over 139,000 to 140,000 people.

As many 100,000 livestock died, while 5 million people were rendered homeless as it battered the coastal districts.

Winds rising to nearly 225kph and a 6.1 metre tidal surge lashed the coastline and off-shore islands of Chattogram, Chakoria and Cox’s Bazar.

As a result of the catastrophic damage, the United States and other countries carried out Operation Sea Angel, one of the largest military relief efforts in world history.

The devastation from the 1991 cyclone pushed Bangladesh to significantly upgrade its disaster preparedness, warning systems, and construction of cyclone shelters.