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{{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'''{{efn|The name ''Akash'' ([[Hindi language|Hindi]]: आकाश; [[Help:IPA/Hindi|[äː.käːʃ]]]) was contributed by [[India]] and means "sky" in [[Hindi language|Hindi]].}} (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 missing. Near the coast, thousands of houses were damaged from the flooding caused by the storm. In [[Burma]], the storm tide caused some [[coastal flooding]]. In all, 14 people were killed and damages amounted to US$982 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 [[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 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 [[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 the cyclone approaching the coast of [[Bangladesh]], officials canceled all flights to and from the [[Shah Amanat International Airport]] in Chattogram. 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 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 [[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 businesses.<ref name="reuters515"/> The cyclone destroyed 205 houses and left an additional 845 damaged.<ref name="rw517"/> 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" /> 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 boats unaccounted for, with about 50 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 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]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==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]]

Cyclone Akash - Revision history

UnknownEdits0303 at 05:04, 17 April 2026