Tropical cyclones have always been a problem to the countries they encounter. The damage they can cause is somewhat hard to imagine, but it is even more unimaginable to assess the damage they can cause when they occur frequently.

Bangladesh has certainly seen its fair share of tropical cyclones which normally form to the south in the Bay of Bengal , and when they were struck again in November 1970, they experienced the so-called greatest tropical system disaster of last century.

Bangladesh has the worst record of cyclones and storm surges in the world - so it is really no surprise that the same destructive forces battered them again in 1970. These tropical cyclones take on a pattern of forming in the immediate pre and post monsoon phases of the season.

The cyclone of 1970 was a particularly violent one as it created a massive storm surge instantaneously. Storm surges are a product of the low atmospheric pressure that is commonly associated with strong storms; they are usually at their most destructive stage when they are fuelled by strong onshore winds. This creates a wind-driven wave that increases the ferocity and power of the surge as it reached the coastal areas. Low lying coastal areas, like Bangladesh, are most at risk from these dangerous surges.

The greatest problem for Bangladesh is the geographical fact that the majority of land only stands a few feet above the water level. When the cyclone hit Bangladesh, it conjured up massive waves that swept onto the land, and the water level rose up to 40 feet in certain areas.

The storm surge travelled many miles inland, and destroyed precious farmlands and villages - ruining crops, homes and infrastructure. This caused exceptional damage, especially since the majority of buildings in the villages are wooden shacks and feebly built.

The water also causes long-term problems for the country due to the salt water ruining the soils. This greatly affects the food supply, as many were dependant on the crops grown, and the destruction of farmlands meant the destruction of people's livelihoods.

A storm of such ferocity can cause a magnitude of problems. Especially since they occur so frequently in Bangladesh, it has increased the poverty problem and has defied any means of the people becoming totally self-sufficient.

Not only has it ruined people's homes and villages, but these cyclones claim thousands of lives as well. The cyclone of 1970 killed 300,000. The country was, therefore, completely devastated, and it really is no wonder that this cyclone is entitled 'the greatest tropical system disaster last century'.

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