BEGUMGANJ, NOAKHALI, Nov 12: The historical cyclone Gorky hit 18 coastal districts including Noakhali on November 12, 1970.
The cyclone caused havoc on the districts killing lakhs of people and destroying all. After hoisting cautionary signal no. 10, the cyclone hit the areas with its full force. Within a certain time, people, houses, animals and croplands were washed away by the wave from the Bay of Bengal.
The entire coastal area turned into a brazen land. Many bodies were buried without burial cloth. In some places, human bodies and animal carcasses were just buried under earth. Many families lost their members. Though the cyclone happened many years back, it still haunts coastal people. It is thought that Gorky is the strongest among the cyclones that hit Bangladesh till now. The cyclone caused most havoc in Noakhali, Laxmipur, Hatiya and Sandwip areas. Besides, Barishal, Bhola, Barguna, Patuakhali, Bagerhat and Khulna districts were also affected. Of the costal districts, Noakhali and Bhola were ravaged by the storm much. Due to lack of modern technology, many people did not get timely cautionary message prior to the cyclone. The 10 to 14 foot tidal wave washed away all. Many people saved themselves from the wave staying on high trees and roofs. But, they had to remain unfed for consecutive three to four days.
Recently, World Meteorology Organisation of the United Nations declared Gorky as the most formidable cyclone in the world history. A source Wikipedia said, the Gorky is the most terrible cyclone of the all the recorded ones.
Young writer and regional researcher ASM Yunus said the Gorky destroyed one-third of the area. It still haunts coastal people.
