1998 Gujarat cyclone

[2] The small storm moved slowly towards the west and weakened as wind shear began to increase.

[2] Around this time, the storm began to turn towards the north and accelerate due to an approaching mid-level trough.

[2] After slightly weakening early on June 9,[3] 03A re-strengthened, attaining its peak intensity with winds of 195 km/h (120 mph).

[2] Tropical Cyclone 03A brought a large storm surge of 4.9 m (16 ft) which devastated coastal communities and salt mines.

[3] An estimated 4,000 to 10,000 people were killed by the storm,[4][5] many of whom were salt mine workers who did not own a radio and received little or no warning of the cyclone.

The large loss of life was partially attributed to contractors who wanted to continue making profits and did not inform their workers of the approaching storm.

[8] Hundreds of other power transmission towers also fell, causing an estimated loss of Rs 10 billion for the Gujarat Electricity Board.

Local aid, amounting to Rs 1 billion (US$20.5 million) was provided to assist victims.

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone , remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression
Microwave image of the cyclonic storm