1998 Gujarat cyclone

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The 1998 Gujarat cyclone, also known as Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm ARB 02 (designated 03A by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center), was a devastating tropical cyclone that struck India and Pakistan in June 1998. It formed near the Laccadive Islands on June 4, slowly strengthened, and moved toward the northwest as wind shear fluctuated around it. After a period of weakening, it redeveloped and intensified again, reaching its peak just before landfall.

By June 9, the storm had become extremely powerful, with winds near 195 km/h (120 mph) according to JTWC and very strong winds of about 165 km/h (105 mph) per Indian forecasts, along with a very low pressure of 958 hPa. It then made landfall near Porbandar in Gujarat between 01:00 and 02:00 UTC. After moving inland, the cyclone weakened and eventually dissipated by June 10.

The storm delivered a massive surge of water, about 4.9 meters (16 feet) high, flooding coastal communities and salt mines. The damage was extensive: more than 162,000 structures were damaged or destroyed, and financial losses were around 120 billion rupees (about $3 billion). The official death toll stood at 1,173, with 1,774 people reported missing; some estimates ranged from 4,000 to 10,000 lives lost. Around 893 people were injured, and more than 11,000 animals died.

Power and communications were heavily disrupted as many transmission towers and a microwave tower in Porbandar collapsed. Salt mines were particularly hard hit because many workers did not receive warnings and had few ways to learn about the danger. Insurance losses were substantial, and relief efforts involved both national and international help.

In the aftermath, the Gujarat government organized large-scale medical and relief efforts, deploying hundreds of medical teams and coordinating local aid. International contributions included about $25,000 from the United States and roughly $73,000 from Denmark. The disaster highlighted the vulnerability of coastal communities and led to greater focus on disaster preparedness in the region.