Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | 14 November 2023 |
Dissipated | 18 November 2023 |
Cyclonic storm | |
3-minute sustained (IMD) | |
Highest winds | 75 km/h (45 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 998 hPa (mbar); 29.47 inHg |
Tropical storm | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
Highest winds | 75 km/h (45 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 1002 hPa (mbar); 29.59 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 7 |
Injuries | 70+ |
Missing | 113 |
Damage | $276 million (2023 USD) |
Areas affected | Northeast India, Bangladesh |
Part of the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season |
Cyclonic Storm Midhili (/ˈmɪdˌhɪliː/) was a minor cyclone that made landfall in Bangladesh on November 17, 2023. The fifth named storm of the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, Midhili originated from a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).[1][2] Cyclone activity in the Bay of Bengal is relatively high in November, and generally, these cyclones move towards Bangladesh. Midhili was named by Maldives, which means 'huge tree' in Dhivehi.[a]
A low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal on 14 November 2023. The system gradually intensified and on 15 November the India Meteorological Department (IMD) designated it as a low pressure. The next day, the low pressure intensified into a deep depression. On 17 November, the IMD named the system "Cyclone Midhili".[4]
On 17 November 2023, Port of Payra and Port of Mongla of Bangladesh were asked to show danger signal number 7 and Port of Chittagong and Cox's Bazar to show danger signal number 6. Department of Meteorology.[5] The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) announced the suspension of all types of shipping due to Cyclone Midhili.[6] In Teknaf Upazila of Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh, rain started on the morning of Thursday, November 16, 2023, due to the effect of a deep depression created in the Bay of Bengal. After 8 pm, the intensity of the rain increased. The mud wall of a family living at the foot of the hill in the Panirchhara area of Morichyaghona collapsed. Four members of the family were killed.[7] An old man in the Magadhara union of Sandwip upazila was killed when a tree fell over him, while a child was killed in a separate incident due to a falling tree branch.[8]