2002 West Bengal cyclone

Severe Cyclonic Storm BOB 04

Severe cyclonic storm (IMD scale)
Tropical storm (Saffir–Simpson scale)
Severe Cyclone Storm BOB 04 on November 12, 2002
Formed	November 10, 2002
Dissipated	November 12, 2002
Highest winds	3-minute sustained: 100 km/h (65 mph) 1-minute sustained: 100 km/h (65 mph)
Lowest pressure	984 hPa (mbar); 29.06 inHg
Fatalities	173 total
Areas affected	India, Bangladesh
Part of the 2002 North Indian Ocean cyclone season

The 2002 West Bengal cyclone (JTWC designation: 04B, officially known as Severe Cyclonic Storm BOB 04) was a deadly tropical cyclone that affected India and Bangladesh in November 2002. The sixth tropical cyclone and fourth cyclonic storm of the 2002 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, it developed in the Bay of Bengal northeast of Sri Lanka on November 10, as a tropical depression. After tracking northeast, the system strengthened into a cyclonic storm on November 11, as maximum sustained winds exceeded 65 km/h (40 mph). On November 12, it further intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. Later that day, the storm made landfall on Sagar Island in West Bengal with winds of 100 km/h (65 mph). After moving inland, it rapidly weakened and dissipated over Bangladesh on November 12.

Rough seas offshore Odisha caused two fishing trawlers to collide, resulting in 18 fatalities, while two additional trawlers were reported missing. In West Bengal, the storm uprooted trees and dropped heavy rainfall. Throughout India, 124 deaths were confirmed. Strong winds and heavy rainfall in Bangladesh impacted many cities and villages, including the capital city of Dhaka, forcing thousands to evacuate. Ten wooden trawlers carrying 150 men sank offshore Bangladesh, with only 11 reaching safety. Eight additional boats with 60 occupants were reported missing. One death was reported in Bangladesh after a man attempted to cross a swollen river. Overall, there were 49 fatalities in Bangladesh. The storm was attributed to at least 173 fatalities in India, Bangladesh, and offshore areas.

Around 0300 UTC on November 10, a depression developed in the southwestern Bay of Bengal. Three hours later, a bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated that BOB 04 formed about 265 km (165 mi) east-southeast of Chennai, India. The system steadily intensified and headed northeastward. At 1200 UTC on November 11, the depression reached gale force and was upgraded to Cyclonic Storm BOB 04. At that time, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) initiated warnings on Tropical Cyclone 03B. Further strengthening briefly slowed later on November 11. However, early on the following day, the storm resumed intensification.