PiperByrum18 at 19:38, 12 December 2025

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{{Short description|Tropical cyclone in the Indian Ocean}}
{{infobox weather event
| image = 1964 Dhanushkodi cyclone.png
| caption = Satellite image of the cyclone on December 21
| formed = December 18, 1964
| dissipated = December 26, 1964
}}{{infobox weather event/IMD
| winds = 130
| pressure = 970
| pressure-prefix = ≤
}}{{infobox weather event/JTWC
| winds = 140
}}{{infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 1964
| fatalities = ≤1,800
| damage = 150000000
| areas = [[Sri Lanka|Ceylon]], India
| refs =
}}{{infobox weather event/Footer
| season = [[1964 North Indian Ocean cyclone season]]
}}
The '''1964 Rameswaram cyclone''' (also known as the '''Dhanushkodi cyclone''') was regarded as one of the most powerful storms on record to ever strike [[India]].<ref>{{cite journal|journal=International Journal of Computational Fluid Dynamics|author1=A. D. Rao |author2=S. K. Dube |author3=P. Chittibabu |year=1994|title=Finite Difference Techniques Applied to the Simulation of Surges and Currents Around Sri Lanka and Southern Indian Peninsula|pages=71–77|doi=10.1080/10618569408904500|volume=3|issue=1|bibcode = 1994IJCFD...3...71R }}</ref> The system was first identified as an [[Low-pressure area|area of low pressure]] over the [[Andaman Sea]] on December 15. Following interaction with a [[tropical wave]], it began to develop and became a depression by December 18. Increasingly rapid intensification ensued over the following days with the cyclone attaining hurricane-force winds around [[5th parallel north|5°N]] the next day. Early on December 23, the storm struck Ceylon near [[Trincomalee]] with winds estimated at {{convert|240|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}, ranking it as a modern-day super cyclonic storm. Weakening somewhat, the storm soon struck [[Tamil Nadu]]. Rapid weakening followed once the cyclone was onshore and it degenerated into a depression on December 24 as it emerged over the [[Arabian Sea]]. The system later dissipated on December 26 over open water.

==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|1964 Dhanushkodi cyclone track.png}}
On December 15, 1964, an [[Low-pressure area|area of low pressure]] was identified over the southern [[Andaman Sea]]. Remaining nearly stationary,<ref name="IMD"/> a [[tropical wave]] soon interacted with the low and allowed the system to consolidate into a depression two days later.<ref name="AMS">{{cite journal|journal=Journal of Applied Meteorology|author =Shashi M. Kulshrestha|author2 =Madan G. Gupta|author3 =Indian Meteorological Service|date=June 1966|title=Satellite Study of the Rameswaram Cyclonic Storm of 20–23 December 1964|pages=373–376|volume=5|issue=3|doi=10.1175/1520-0450(1966)005<0373:SSOTRC>2.0.CO;2|bibcode = 1966JApMe...5..373K |doi-access=free}}</ref> A large area of [[Atmospheric convection|showers and thunderstorms]] covered much of the southern [[Bay of Bengal]] and Andaman Sea. On December 18, a ship with the callsign ''JMAG'' reported {{convert|45|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} winds and a [[barometric pressure]] of 1005.5 [[mbar]] (hPa; {{convert|1005.5|mbar|inHg|lk=on|abbr=on|sigfig=4|disp=out}}). Based on this report, the [[India Meteorological Department|India Meteorological Department (IMD)]] classified the system as a deep depression. Over the following days, the system quickly intensified as it began moving slowly westward. By December 19, it became a severe cyclonic storm and soon acquired hurricane-force winds early on December 20 while near [[5th parallel north|5°N]].<ref name="IMD"/> The cyclone became one of only a handful of systems to attain such an intensity close to the [[equator]].<ref name="AMS"/> Moving more west-northwesterly, the cyclone continued to deepen as it approached southern India.<ref name="IMD"/> On December 21, satellite imagery showed clouds from the storm covering an area roughly {{convert|965|km|mi|abbr=on}} wide. Several prominent [[rainband|banding features]] were present, with one such feature, extending over {{convert|240|km|mi|abbr=on}} crossing the [[equator]] while maintaining a cyclonic arc. Clouds associated with the cyclone extended as far as {{convert|485|km|mi|abbr=on}} into the [[Southern Hemisphere]].<ref name="AMS"/>

Several vessels encountered the storm, with one reporting {{convert|110|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} winds early on December 22. That day winds along the coast of [[Ceylon]] increased; the storm accelerated during this time as well. Early on December 23, the cyclone struck the northern tip of Ceylon and turned back toward the west-northwest. According to an officer on [[Pamban Island]], located between Ceylon and Southern India, the storm's [[Eye (cyclone)|eye]] was no more than {{convert|16|km|mi|abbr=on}} wide.<ref name="IMD"/> Based on satellite imagery, it was estimated that the storm had peak winds of {{convert|240|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}, with gusts as high as {{convert|280|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}.<ref name="AMS"/> This ranked the system as a modern-day super cyclonic storm.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery |date=September 2011 |accessdate=May 12, 2013 |title=Cyclones, storm surges, floods, landslides |page=9 |url=https://www.gfdrr.org/gfdrr/sites/gfdrr.org/files/1_Introduction.pdf |format=PDF |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426055441/https://www.gfdrr.org/gfdrr/sites/gfdrr.org/files/1_Introduction.pdf |archivedate=April 26, 2012 }}</ref> Additionally, the IMD estimated its central pressure to have been, at most, 970 mbar (hPa; {{convert|970|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4|disp=out}}).<ref name="IMD"/> The lowest observed pressure was {{convert|978|mbar|hPa inHg|abbr=on}} in [[Mannar, Sri Lanka|Mannar]] on the west coast of Ceylon.<ref name="AMS"/> Weakening somewhat, the storm soon struck [[Tamil Nadu]], south of Tondi. Once onshore, the cyclone rapidly weakened, becoming a depression before emerging over the [[Arabian Sea]] on December 24. The system degenerated into a remnant low later that day and dissipated over open waters on December 26.<ref name="IMD">{{cite journal|journal=India Weather Review|author =India Meteorological Department|year=1964|accessdate=May 12, 2013|title=Annual Summary — Storms & Depressions: Severe cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal|url=http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/cd024_pdf/005ED275.pdf|format=PDF|pages=30–34}}</ref>

== Impact ==
At least 1,800 people lost their lives as a result of the cyclone.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ceylon-India death toll now 1,800|work=[[The Milwaukee Sentinel]]|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4HFQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yhAEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5641,4366552|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718062937/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4HFQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yhAEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5641,4366552|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 18, 2012|date=December 28, 1964}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=At least 1,800 dead in India-Ceylon storm|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=December 28, 1964}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=1,800 Asians feared dead after cyclone and tidal wave|work=Reading Eagle|date=December 28, 1964|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XYgtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dpwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4836,6829745}}</ref>

On December 22, the powerful cyclone struck northern areas of Ceylon and caused catastrophic damage. According to survivors, a [[storm surge]] of {{convert|4.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} swept across the area. Initial reports stated that 250 people lost their lives with thousands missing.<ref name="DN1"/> About 5000 houses and 700 fishing boats were destroyed in the [[Jaffna district]] of Ceylon.<ref name="theage_19641228">{{cite news|title=Ships, planes search for survivors|work=The Age|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-xkTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rZYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6560,4311447&hl=en|date=December 28, 1964|place=Colombo}}</ref> The district's paddy crop was also destroyed.<ref name="theage_19641228" /> Other badly hit areas include [[Mannar, Sri Lanka|Mannar]] and [[Trincomalee]].<ref name="theage_19641228" /> The Trincomalee port suffered severe damage rendering it inoperable.<ref name="theage_19641228" /> The economic damage caused in Ceylon was estimated at Rs. 200 million. About 350 Ceylonese fishermen were missing at sea.<ref name="theage_19641228" />

At least 1,000 people were killed on the island and many more were left unaccounted for.<ref name="TLS1"/> An unofficial estimate stated that the death toll would likely exceed 2,000.<ref name="DN1"/> The government regarded it as, "the greatest tragedy to ever hit Ceylon."<ref name="TLS1">{{cite news|newspaper=The Lincoln Star|date=December 28, 1964|agency=United Press International|title=Cyclone, Tidal Wave Kill 1,800 Fishermen|location=New Delhi, India|page=18}}</ref>

[[File:தனுஷ்கோடி தேவாலயம்.jpg|thumb|Remains of a church in [[Dhanushkodi]] in 2007]]
The effects of the cyclone were felt mostly on [[Pamban Island]], which lies between the Indian mainland and Ceylon.<ref name="theage_19641228" /> More than 3000 people, many of them tourists and pilgrims, were stranded on the island. The total damage to property was estimated at $150 million.<ref name="theage_19641228" />

On December 23, an estimated {{convert|7.6|m|ft|abbr=on}} [[storm surge]] struck the town of Dhanuskodi on the south-eastern edge of the island,<ref name="Ecology"/> submerging the town and overturning the Pamban-Dhanuskodi passenger train killing all 200 passengers on board.<ref name="thehindu_20051224">{{cite news|title=Memory of the disaster still lingers|first=C.|last=Jaishankar|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/24/stories/2005122405580500.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105131113/http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/24/stories/2005122405580500.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 January 2007|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=24 December 2005}}</ref> The town, an important transit point between India and Ceylon, was completely destroyed and has not been rebuilt since.<ref name="thehindu_20040306">{{cite news|title=Land's end|first=Prasanna|last=Srinivasan|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/03/06/stories/2004030600010100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041014051457/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/03/06/stories/2004030600010100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 October 2004|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=3 June 2004}}</ref> This has caused the permanent closure of both the [[Dhanushkodi railway station]] and the Pamban–Dhanushkodi railway line. Prior to the cyclone, the town had been an important commercial centre with a railway station, a customs office, post and telegraphs office, two medical institutions, one railway hospital, a panchayat union dispensary, a higher elementary school and port offices.<ref name="thehindu_20020615">{{cite news|title=Shattered in 1964, still remains so|url=http://hindu.com/2002/06/15/stories/2002061503750500.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521154005/http://hindu.com/2002/06/15/stories/2002061503750500.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 21, 2014|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=June 15, 2002}}</ref> A port had been functioning since 1 March 1914.<ref name="thehindu_20020615" /><ref>However, the port of Dhanushkodi was also permanently closed due to the cyclone.</ref> At least 800 people were killed in Dhanushkodi alone.<ref name="TLS1"/>

[[File:Dhanushkodi Old Railway Station 02.jpg|thumb|The ruins of [[Dhanushkodi Railway Station]]]]
Four radio operators remained in Dhanuskodi and risked their lives to continue broadcasting during the storm. Two railway employees patrolling the [[Pamban Bridge]] survived by clinging to the bridge frame for 12 hours. The Indian Government later honoured and rewarded them for their dedication.<ref name="TheHindu2012">{{cite news|author =R. Sujatha|newspaper=The Hindu|date=January 24, 2012|accessdate=May 21, 2014|title=When nature took over...|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/kids/when-nature-took-over/article2825000.ece}}</ref>

==Aftermath==
The scale of the disaster left villages isolated for at least three days and without food or clean water. Communication lines were severely damaged and hampered relief efforts. By December 26, relief supplies were delivered to 14 villages by the Ceylonese Air Force. Britain, [[Cuba]], [[West Germany]], and the United States offered aid to Ceylon.<ref name="DN1">{{cite news|newspaper=Deseret News|date=December 26, 1964|accessdate=May 21, 2014|title=Ceylon Cyclone: Thousands Homeless|page=1|agency=Associated Press|location=New Delhi, India|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WMtaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5X8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=4703%2C6379092}}</ref>

Reconstruction of the Pamban Bridge was deemed a priority and initially expected to take six months to complete. However, [[E. Sreedharan]], an engineer tasked on the project, managed to have the railway bridge finished in 45 days. A stable road connection was built in the following years.<ref name="TheHindu2012"/>

In [[Mandapam]], the cyclone's surge created five [[Tide pool|tidal pools]] over a {{convert|2|km|mi|abbr=on}} stretch of coastline. Three of the pools had higher than normal [[salinity]] coupled with below-average [[silicate]] content and were colonized by ''[[Peridinium]]''. The other two featured opposite levels of salinity and silicate and were inhabited by ''[[Pyrocystis fusiformis]]''. All five featured [[bioluminescence]] as a result. A study of these pools in 1965 showed a, "clear succession of organisms", with species of ''[[Penaeidae]]'' ([[Prawn]]), one species of [[amphipoda]], one species of crab, and ''[[Acetes]]'' inhabiting the pools. Researchers also found a few ''[[Sepioteuthis]]'' and [[tintinnid]]. Lastly, 46 species of coastal fish were documented.<ref name="Ecology">{{cite journal|journal=Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India|author1=P. V. Ramachandran Nair |author2=G. Luther |author3=Clement Adolph |year=1965|accessdate=May 21, 2014|pages=420–439|title=An ecological study of some pools near Mandapam (South India) formed as a result of the cyclone and tidal wave of 1964|volume=7|issue=2|url=http://eprints.cmfri.org.in/1858/1/Nair_420-439.pdf|format=PDF}}</ref> Offshore, catastrophic damage occurred to [[coral reef]]s, with ''[[Echinopora lamellosa]]'', ''[[Montipora|Montipora foliosa]]'', and [[Octocorallia|alcyonarians]] being killed in large numbers. At Manacadu Point, near Mandapam, an elevated coral colony of [[brain coral|Faviids]] and ''[[Porites]]'' was completely wiped out. In the eight years following the storm, colonies showed substantial growth across the [[Palk Strait]], with ''[[Acropora corymbosa]]'' covering 25–30% of the reefs. Colonies of alcyonarians showed little sign of rejuvenation, however. Along the immediate coastline, the large-scale stirring of sand made areas unsuitable for coral and were not expected to ever regrow.<ref name="Coral">{{cite journal|journal=Seafood Export Journal|volume=7|issue=12|year=1975|accessdate=May 21, 2014|title=An assessment of the effects of environment and human interference on the coral reefs of Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar along the Indian Coast|pages=9–21|author =C. S. Hopinadha Pillai|url=http://eprints.cmfri.org.in/7109/1/173-SEAFOOD_EXPORT_JOURNAL_1975.pdf|format=PDF}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

{{Super Cyclonic Storms}}

[[Category:1964 in India]]
[[Category:1964 in Ceylon]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in India]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:1960s in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Disasters in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Super cyclonic storms]]
[[Category:1964 North Indian Ocean cyclone season]]

1964 Rameswaram cyclone - Revision history

PiperByrum18 at 19:38, 12 December 2025