STORMS THAT KILL

Welcome to another episode of Top 10s! I'm your interim host, Carl Smallwood—Carl with a K, followed by Smallwood spelled exactly as it sounds. Today, we delve into 10 of the most extraordinary storms throughout history. Typically, when significant storms hit, media outlets emphasize record-breaking statistics to capture attention. However, these storms are more than just windy weather; they are powerful forces of nature capable of causing massive destruction. Let's explore 10 insane storms that have left their mark on history.

But first, let's clear up some terminology. We often hear terms like hurricane, cyclone, and typhoon, and it can be confusing. Hurricane, cyclone, and typhoon all refer to the same weather phenomenon but are region-specific. Hurricanes form in the North Atlantic, Central North Pacific, and Eastern North Pacific, while cyclones develop in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. Typhoons occur in the Northwest Pacific. Now, let's dive into the list.

**10. The Perfect Storm**

The Perfect Storm of 1991, also known as the "No-Name Storm," inspired the film featuring George Clooney. It resulted from the merger of two powerful storms off the coast of Canada. The storm caused extensive damage in Massachusetts, leaving thousands homeless and claiming over a dozen lives. The destruction reached Puerto Rico, where an unsuspecting person was swept away by a massive wave.

**9. The Tri-State Tornado Outbreak**

In 1925, the Tri-State Tornado Outbreak hit six states in the U.S., setting a record for the deadliest and longest-ranging tornado outbreak. Eyewitnesses reported harrowing scenes, including a deputy sheriff lifted into the tornado's funnel. The exact number of tornadoes remains uncertain, but the devastation left an indelible mark on history.

**8. The 1999 Odisha Cyclone**

The Odisha Cyclone of 1999, officially classified as a Super Cyclone, struck the Odisha region, affecting Myanmar and Bangladesh. The storm's intensity overwhelmed wind speed measurement instruments, emphasizing the destructive power of both wind and rain. The relentless rain caused severe flooding, washing away roads and entire buildings.

**7. Typhoon Tip**

Typhoon Tip, one of the largest typhoons, hit Japan in 1979. The high winds damaged a fuel bladder, causing a tidal wave of fire to engulf a Marine station. The catastrophic event resulted in numerous casualties, and survivors described being lifted by a "hand of heat" before witnessing fire and darkness.

**6. The Bhola Cyclone**

The 1970 Bhola Cyclone in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) caused widespread devastation and an estimated half-million deaths. The aftermath led to civil unrest, the formation of Bangladesh, and heightened tensions during the Cold War. The story is complex and involves geopolitical repercussions that almost led to nuclear conflict.

**5. The Great Hurricane of 1780**

The Great Hurricane of 1780 struck Barbados, causing unparalleled destruction. Witnesses reported trees ripped from the ground, buildings flattened, and even cannons thrown into the ocean. The hurricane potentially altered the course of the American Revolutionary War by causing significant losses to the British Navy.

**4. The Super Outbreak**

In 1974, the Super Outbreak set a record for the worst tornado outbreak, with multiple tornadoes hitting the Midwest simultaneously. The sheer number of tornadoes overwhelmed emergency services, leading to increased funding for tornado warning infrastructure and research.

**3. The Labor Day Hurricane**

The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 devastated the Florida Keys, with a notable image of a several-hundred-ton train swept off its tracks. The train, intended for rescuing World War I veterans, failed in its mission, and the incident led to significant outrage, particularly from author Ernest Hemingway.

**2. The Great Galveston Hurricane**

The Galveston Hurricane of 1900 stands as the deadliest storm to hit the continental United States. Bureaucratic failures and lack of preparedness resulted in a tragic loss of lives. The story includes accounts of individuals like Isaac Cline, the head of the weather bureau, who defied orders to warn people about the impending disaster.

**1. The Daulatpur-Saturia Tornado**

The Daulatpur-Saturia Tornado of 1989, occurring in Bangladesh, is considered one of the deadliest tornadoes in recorded history. Despite not being the strongest tornado, its impact was devastating due to the lack of preparedness and ongoing drought conditions. The tornado, accompanied by multiple storms, claimed approximately 1300 lives.

In an ironic twist, just days before the tornado struck, President Muhammad Ashad had encouraged the people of Bangladesh to pray for rain. Little did they know the tragedy that awaited them.

These storms serve as reminders of the unpredictable and destructive forces of nature, and the human response, whether in preparedness or bureaucracy, plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of such disasters.