Cyclone Sidr: A Worst Case Scenario for Bangladesh?

by Sheril R. Kirshenbaum     Department: Earth

On August 28, 2005, I had a sinking feeling in my stomach.  Like so many, I felt helpless understanding the devastation that would ensue in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast from Hurricane Katrina.  Just over two years later, I have that same feeling. 

Because Bangladesh is one of the low-laying regions most at risk from sea level rise, as a marine biologist I'm all too familiar with how vulnerable it is to flooding and storm surges.  It's also one of the most densely populated countries and - as Chris Mooney has expressed - I fear Cyclone Sidr storm may be a worst case scenario.  It's my sincere hope we're both mistaken:

"This is a nightmare unfolding. The official landfall prediction from JTWC--like we trust them--is 115 knots, or weak Category 4. This is a storm that needs to be evacuated from, but I have no idea whether that is taking place on the ground. And as for weakening--yeah, that may well happen before landfall, but we're talking about a landfall 24 hours from now. And this storm is whipping up waves of 40 feet or more right now." 

"This looks bad. Really bad."

I don't understand why we're not hearing more in the news about Sidr's approaching landfall and what's taking place on the ground in Bangladesh to protect as many as possible.  What we can do now, at least, is prepare to come together, organize, and ready ourselves to provide aid.  As we approach Thanksgiving in the United States, I hope readers will open their hearts to those on the other side of the world who will need our help most.

Tags: Cyclone Sidr Bangladesh Thanksgiving

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