Definition
Cyclone Giri was a tropical cyclone that occurred in the North Indian Ocean in October 2010, reaching the classification of a very severe cyclonic storm before making landfall in Myanmar.
Overview
Cyclone Giri formed on 22 October 2010 from a low‑pressure area in the Bay of Bengal. It intensified rapidly under favorable atmospheric conditions, becoming the second major system to affect the region within a month after Cyclone Phet. Giri made landfall on 26 October 2010 near the coastal town of Sittwe in Rakhine State, Myanmar. The cyclone caused extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture, resulted in dozens of confirmed fatalities, and left thousands of residents displaced. International humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations and various NGOs, responded with emergency relief efforts.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Giri” was contributed by Thailand to the list of names used for cyclones in the North Indian Ocean. In the Thai language, “giri” (กีรี) can be interpreted as “mountain” or “hill,” though the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) naming committees do not assign specific meanings to the names beyond their inclusion on the rotating list.
Characteristics
- Classification: Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (according to the India Meteorological Department, IMD)
- Peak Intensity:
- 10‑minute sustained winds of 115 knots (≈ 212 km h⁻¹)
- Minimum central pressure of 950 hPa (as estimated by the IMD)
- Trajectory: Originated in the central Bay of Bengal, moved north‑westward, and struck the western coast of Myanmar.
- Impact:
- Estimated fatalities: 150 – 160 (official figures vary by source)
- Injuries: several hundred
- Affected population: over 400 000 individuals experienced displacement or loss of shelter
- Damage to agriculture and infrastructure was significant, especially in the Rakhine coastal region.
- Meteorological Context: Giri was the strongest system of the 2010 North Indian Ocean cyclone season after reaching very severe cyclonic storm status. Its rapid intensification was aided by warm sea‑surface temperatures (≈ 30 °C) and low vertical wind shear.
Related Topics
- 2010 North Indian Ocean cyclone season – the broader seasonal context in which Giri developed.
- Cyclone Phet (2010) – the preceding cyclone that also impacted the same general region.
- India Meteorological Department (IMD) – the agency responsible for monitoring and issuing warnings for cyclones in the North Indian Ocean.
- Cyclone preparedness and disaster response in Myanmar – policies and practices related to mitigating cyclone impacts in the country.
- Tropical cyclone naming conventions – the system by which member nations of the WMO contribute names for cyclones.