View source for Cyclone Akash

{{Short description|North Indian Ocean cyclonic storm in 2007}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox weather event
| name = Cyclonic Storm Akash
| image = Akash May 14 2007 0700Z.jpg
| caption = Akash on May 14
| formed = {{start-date|May 12, 2007}}
| dissipated = {{end-date|May 15, 2007}}
}}{{Infobox weather event/IMD
| winds = 45
| pressure = 988
}}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC
| winds = 65
| pressure = 976
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 2007
| fatalities = 14 direct
| damage = 982000000
| areas = [[Andaman Islands]], [[Nicobar Islands]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Burma]]
| refs = 
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = [[2007 North Indian Ocean cyclone season]]
}}

'''Cyclonic Storm Akash''' (JTWC designation: '''''01B''''') was the first named [[tropical cyclone]] of the [[2007 North Indian Ocean cyclone season]]. Warned by both [[India Meteorological Department]] (IMD) and [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC), it formed from an area of disturbed weather on the [[Bay of Bengal]] on May 12, and gradually organized as it drifted northward. An [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] began to develop as it approached land, and after reaching peak 3-min sustained winds of {{convert|85|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} it struck about {{convert|115|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of [[Chittagong]] in [[Bangladesh]]. Akash rapidly weakened over land, and advisories were discontinued on May 15.

The storm initially brought heavy rainfall to the [[Andaman Islands|Andaman]] and [[Nicobar Islands]]. Upon striking [[Bangladesh]], Cyclonic Storm Akash produced a moderate [[storm tide]], along with strong winds and heavy rains. The storm left dozens of boats missing, with three fisherman confirmed killed and another 50&nbsp;missing. Near the coast, thousands of houses were damaged from the flooding caused by the storm. In [[Burma]], its storm tide caused some [[coastal flooding]]. In all, 14 people were killed and damages amounted to US$982&nbsp;million.

==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Akash 2007 track.png}}
[[Image:Tropical Storm 01B (2007).jpg|thumb|right|Image of Tropical Cyclone 01B (Akash) right after formation.]]
During the second week of May, [[low-pressure area|low pressures]] persisted across the [[Bay of Bengal]]. An area of convection developed on May 11, and the next day the [[India Meteorological Department]] (IMD) classified it as a depression.<ref name="imd512">{{Cite FTP |author=India Meteorological Department|year=2007|title=May 12 Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean|access-date=2007-05-13|server=FTP server|url-status=dead|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/New-Delhi/2007051306.DEMS}}</ref> The system drifted northward,<ref name="imd513">{{Cite FTP |author=India Meteorological Department|year=2007|title=May 13 Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean|access-date=2007-05-13|server=FTP server|url-status=dead|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/New-Delhi/2007051318.DEMS}}</ref> and initially moderate [[wind shear]] kept the deep convection on the periphery of the consolidating low-level circulation center.<ref name="512stwa">{{Cite FTP |author=Charlie Forecast Team|year=2007|title=May 12 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean|access-date=2007-05-13|server=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url-status=dead|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051210-ABIO.PGTW}}</ref> Gradually, [[tropical cyclone#Background|banding features]] developed along the eastern semicircle, and with decreasing amounts of wind shear the system organized further.<ref name="512stwa2">{{Cite FTP |author=Delta Forecast Team|year=2007|title=May 12 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean (2)|access-date=2007-05-13|server=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url-status=dead|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051218-ABIO.PGTW}}</ref> By May 13, the pressure had dropped to 1000&nbsp;[[mbar]] as wind shear levels dropped significantly. An [[anticyclone]] developed over the system, while a mid-latitude [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] over northeastern India provided favorable [[tropical cyclone#Background|outflow]]. Convection continued to consolidate around the low-level circulation,<ref name="513stwa">{{Cite FTP |author=Delta Forecast Team|year=2007|title=May 13 Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean|access-date=2007-05-13|server=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|url-status=dead|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051318-ABIO.PGTW}}</ref> and with well-defined banding features and a [[eye (cyclone)|central dense overcast]] over the center of circulation, the [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC) upgraded it to Tropical Cyclone 01B at 1121&nbsp;UTC on May 13 while located about {{convert|545|km|mi|abbr=on}} west-northwest of [[Yangon]], [[Burma]].<ref name="disc1">{{Cite FTP |author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2007|title=Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning NR 001|access-date=2007-05-13|server=FTP server|url-status=dead|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051321-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref>

Upon first being upgraded, the storm tracked steadily northward due to a break in a mid-level [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]].<ref name="disc1"/> Early on May 14, IMD upgraded the system to deep depression status,<ref name="imd514">{{Cite FTP |author=India Meteorological Department|year=2007|title=May 14 Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean|access-date=2007-05-13|server=FTP server|url-status=dead|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/New-Delhi/2007051400.DEMS}}</ref> and six hours later classified it as Cyclonic Storm Akash after attaining 3-min sustained winds of {{convert|40|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}.<ref name="imddisc1">{{Cite FTP |author=India Meteorological Department|year=2007|title=Tropical Cyclone Akash Warning NR 001|access-date=2007-05-14|server=FTP server|url-status=dead|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/New-Delhi/2007051406.DEMS}}</ref> Akash continued to organize, with deep convection wrapping fully around the low-level circulation.<ref name="disc2">{{Cite FTP |author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2007|title=Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning NR 002|access-date=2007-05-14|server=FTP server|url-status=dead|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051409-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> An [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] began to form as the storm approached land, and at 1800 UTC on May 14 JTWC estimated 1-min sustained winds of {{convert|120|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}.<ref name="disc3"/> Officially, Akash attained peak 3-min sustained winds of {{convert|85|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum central pressure of 988&nbsp;[[hPa]].<ref name="imdadv">{{cite web |author=India Meteorological Department |year=2007 |title=TC Advisory on Cyclonic Storm Akash |access-date=2007-05-15 |url=http://twister.sbs.ohio-state.edu/text/station/VIDP/FKIN20.VIDP |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522072357/https://www.webcitation.org/5OqWZXlRX?url=http://twister.sbs.ohio-state.edu/text/station/VIDP/FKIN20.VIDP |archive-date=May 22, 2024 }}</ref> Additionally, meteorologists in [[Burma]] estimated Akash peaked with winds of {{convert|160|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}.<ref name="reuters515"/> As it interacted with the mid-latitude westerlies, it began to become [[extratropical cyclone|extratropical]].<ref name="disc3">{{Cite FTP |author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2007|title=Tropical Cyclone 01B (Akash) Warning NR 003|access-date=2007-05-14|server=FTP server|url-status=dead|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051421-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> Shortly after reaching peak winds, Akash made [[landfall]] about {{convert|115|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of [[Chittagong]]. The storm weakened rapidly as it continued inland,<ref name="disc4">{{Cite FTP |author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|year=2007|title=Tropical Cyclone 01B (Akash) Warning NR 004|access-date=2007-05-15|server=FTP server|url-status=dead|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/GuamStuff/2007051503-WTIO.PGTW}}</ref> and early on May 15 IMD issued its final advisory on the system;<ref name="imd515">{{Cite FTP |author=India Meteorological Department|year=2007|title=Special Bulletin for Met. Area North of Equator|access-date=2007-05-15|server=FTP server|url-status=dead|url=ftp://ftp.met.fsu.edu/pub/weather/tropical/New-Delhi/2007051501.DEMS}}</ref> shortly thereafter, JTWC discontinued advisories.<ref name="disc4"/> The name was contributed by India, Akash means Sky in [[Hindi]] language.

==Preparations==
In its daily tropical weather outlook, the India Meteorological Department warned fishermen on the [[Andaman Islands|Andaman]] and [[Nicobar Islands]] to not go into the ocean due to the anticipated rough seas.<ref name="imd513"/> Upon approaching the coast of [[Bangladesh]], officials canceled all flights to and from the [[Shah Amanat International Airport]]. Additionally, authorities at the port of [[Chittagong]] worked to protect cargo ships from the storm,<ref name="ms514"/> and it was ultimately closed for a period of 19&nbsp;hours.<ref name="ds515">{{cite web|author=The Daily Star|year=2007|title=Cyclone Akash spawns tidal surge in coasts|access-date=2007-05-15|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/05/15/d7051501033.htm|archive-date=2007-05-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517041647/http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/05/15/d7051501033.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ds516"/> In preparation for Akash, officials advised coastal residents to evacuate further inland;<ref name="ms514"/> about 80,000 total residents left for emergency shelters.<ref name="ds515"/> About 40,000 [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]] volunteers were prepared to aid those potentially affected.<ref name="ms514">{{cite web|author=Malaysia Sun |year=2007 |title=Bangladesh airport, seaport shut as cyclone 'Akash' intensifies |access-date=2007-05-14 |url=http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/b8de8e630faf3631/id/248708/cs/1/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517183724/http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/b8de8e630faf3631/id/248708/cs/1/ |archive-date=2007-05-17 }}</ref>
{{Clear}}

==Impact==
{{Wettest tropical cyclones in Bangladesh|align=right}}
The [[India Meteorological Department]] estimated winds of {{convert|45|–|55|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} affected the [[Andaman Islands|Andaman]] and [[Nicobar Islands]], though no land reports were received.<ref name="imd513"/> In [[Sittwe]] in [[Burma]], the storm produced a [[storm tide]] of {{convert|3|m|ft|abbr=on}}, which flooded coastal areas.<ref name="reuters515"/>

In [[Chittagong]], about {{convert|115|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of where Akash moved ashore, surface stations reported peak winds of {{convert|37|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} and a pressure of 996.8&nbsp;[[hPa]].<ref name="disc4"/> Near its landfall location, Akash produced high tides that flooded coastal areas with up to {{convert|1.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} of water,<ref name="ds515"/> destroying at least 30&nbsp;businesses.<ref name="reuters515"/> The cyclone destroyed 205&nbsp;houses and left an additional 845 damaged.<ref name="rw517"/><!-- defined by template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Bangladesh --> Akash caused moderate crop damage near the coast,<ref name="reuters515">{{cite web|author1=Nizam Ahmed|author2=Nurul Islam|author3=Aung Hla Tun|year=2007|title=Tidal surge floods Bangladesh coastal villages|access-date=2007-05-15|url=http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/JBRN-738GAF?OpenDocument&rc=3&cc=bgd|archive-date=2007-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927183244/http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/JBRN-738GAF?OpenDocument&rc=3&cc=bgd|url-status=live}}</ref> including {{convert|2|ha|acre|abbr=off}} of destroyed lands of shrimp farms.<ref name="ds516"/> Heavy precipitation was reported, with one station reporting a total of {{convert|53|mm|in|abbr=on}};<ref name="rw517" /><!-- defined by template:Wettest tropical cyclones in Bangladesh --> the rainfall caused flooding in inland areas.<ref name="ds515"/> The heavy rains, caused by outer bands of the cyclone before it made landfall, limited play in Chittagong in the [[Indian cricket team in Bangladesh in 2007#3rd ODI|third One Day International]] [[cricket]] match between [[India national cricket team|India]] and [[Bangladesh national cricket team|Bangladesh]], before the match was abandoned.<ref name="odi515">{{cite web|author=Asian News International|year=2007|title=India, Bangladesh third ODI called off|access-date=2007-05-15|url=http://www.newkerala.com/news5.php?action=fullnews&id=29648|archive-date=2007-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022071427/http://www.newkerala.com/news5.php?action=fullnews&id=29648|url-status=live}}</ref> Strong winds caused power outages throughout [[Cox's Bazar District]],<ref name="ds515"/> and downed about 200 trees on [[St. Martin's Island]]. The cyclone left a total of 10&nbsp;boats unaccounted for, with about 50&nbsp;fishermen missing. In total, three fisherman were confirmed killed, all on St. Martin's Island,<ref name="ds516">{{cite web|author=The Daily Star|year=2007|title=3 killed, 50 missing as cyclone Akash makes landfall|access-date=2007-05-15|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/05/16/d7051601044.htm|archive-date=2007-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518032559/http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/05/16/d7051601044.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> with two people left hospitalized.<ref name="non517">{{cite web|author=Narinjara News |year=2007 |title=No Relief for Akash's Victims in Arakan |access-date=2007-05-17 |url=http://www.narinjara.com/details.asp?id=1261 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928060615/http://www.narinjara.com/details.asp?id=1261 |archive-date=2007-09-28 }}</ref> The passage of Cyclone Akash left many people homeless. Initially there was no response from the government.<ref name="non517"/> In all, 14 people were killed by Akash and damages amounted to US$982&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web|author=Myint Thein|publisher=Social Welfare Department|date=2008-03-05|access-date=2009-05-13|title=Relief and Resettlement Department|url=http://www.adrc.asia/acdr/2008bali/documents/02-01-20.pdf|archive-date=2013-06-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604174105/http://www.adrc.asia/acdr/2008bali/documents/02-01-20.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
* [[List of tropical cyclone records]]
* [[Cyclone Mora]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC Joint Typhoon Warning Center] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301105349/http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC |date=2010-03-01 }}

{{2007 North Indian Ocean cyclone season buttons}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Akash}}
[[Category:2007 North Indian Ocean cyclone season]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in Myanmar]]
[[Category:2007 in Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Cyclonic storms]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in 2007]]