:Cyclone Aila

{{Storm path|Aila 2009 track.png}}

Late on May 21, 2009, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported that a Tropical Disturbance had persisted about {{convert|950|km|mi}} to the south of Kolkata, in India and had developed within the Southwest Monsoon.{{cite web |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ab/abio10.pgtw..txt |title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean 2009-05-21 18z |date=May 21, 2009 |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=May 23, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505181110/http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ab/abio10.pgtw..txt |archive-date=May 5, 2009 }}{{cite web |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio31.pgtw..txt |title=JTWC Advisory 24-05-2009 00z |date=May 24, 2009 |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=May 25, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717085430/http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtio31.pgtw..txt |archive-date=July 17, 2009 }} The disturbance at this time had a broad and poorly organized area of deep convection, which was located to the southeast of the low level circulation center which had consolidated into a single circulation during the previous 12 hours. Environmental analysis indicated that the system was in an area of favorable conditions to develop with low vertical wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures. During May 22, 2009, the disturbance developed further with a Tropical Cyclone a Cyclonic storm and had been named as Aila whilst located about {{convert|350|km|mi}} to the southeast of Sagar Island.{{cite web |url=http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/rsmc.htm |title=Tropical Storm Aila Advisory 1 24-05-09 12z |date=May 24, 2009 |publisher=India Meteorological Department |access-date=May 25, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130110756/http://imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/rsmc.htm |archive-date=January 30, 2009 }} Aila became a severe cyclonic storm at 06UTC on May 25 and made landfall at its peak intensity (60kt, 967hPa) between 08 and 09UTC.{{Cite web |url=http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/aila.pdf |title=Severe Cyclonic Storm, AILA: A Preliminary Report |access-date=June 5, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612053917/http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/aila.pdf |archive-date=June 12, 2009 |url-status=dead }}

Officials in India evacuated thousands of residents from coastal areas ahead of Cyclone Aila.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=May 25, 2009 |title=2 killed in India as cyclone Aila approaches |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=17118 |newspaper=The Daily Star |access-date=May 25, 2009 |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023201322/http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=17118 |url-status=live }} In addition, several warning alerts were issued before the cyclone hit Kolkata; however, no alarm bells were rung.{{cite news |date=May 26, 2009 |title=Storm Aila kills 32 across Bengal |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Storm-Aila-kills-32-across-Bengal/articleshow/4577712.cms |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=2009-05-26 |archive-date=April 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420235205/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Storm-Aila-kills-32-across-Bengal/articleshow/4577712.cms |url-status=live }}

In the Bhola District of Bangladesh, an estimated 500,000 people evacuated to higher areas and shelters as Aila neared landfall. Tourists were advised to stay in their hotels due to the short amount of time to prepare for the storm.{{Cite news|newspaper=Reuters|date=May 25, 2009|access-date=May 25, 2009|title=Cyclone slams Bangladesh and India, 33 dead|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE54O38E20090525?sp=true|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013062548/https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE54O38E20090525?sp=true|url-status=live}}

File:Ayela Broke A Tree And Blocked A Residensce Entrance.jpg

In India, at least 149 people were killed,{{cite news|date=May 26, 2009|access-date=May 26, 2009|title=West Bengal: Cyclone toll rises to 45, rescue ops begin|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Cyclone-Aila-death-toll-reaches-82-rescue-on/articleshow/4579233.cms|archive-date=May 29, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529203518/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/West-Bengal-Cyclone-toll-rises-to-45-rescue-ops-begin/articleshow/4579233.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|date=May 25, 2009|access-date=May 25, 2009|title=21 killed, over a lakh hit as cyclone Aila strikes|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/21-killed-overlakh-hit-as-cyclone-aila-strikes/62777/on|newspaper=Business Standard India|archive-date=September 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100915062953/http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/21-killed-overlakh-hit-as-cyclone-aila-strikes/62777/on|url-status=live}} two by electrocution, and hundreds others were left homeless as torrential rains led to flooding. High winds uprooted numerous trees, blocking roads throughout the region.{{cite web|publisher=Rediff News|date=May 26, 2009|access-date=May 26, 2009|title=17 killed as cyclonic storm hits Kolkata|url=http://news.rediff.com/report/2009/may/25/two-killed-as-cyclonic-storm-hits-kolkata.htm|archive-date=May 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090528102045/http://news.rediff.com/report/2009/may/25/two-killed-as-cyclonic-storm-hits-kolkata.htm|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|newspaper=Reuters|date=May 26, 2009|access-date=May 26, 2009|title=UPDATE 4-Cyclone slams Bangladesh and India, 33 dead|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/rbssEnergyNews/idUSSP48546120090525|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013062547/https://www.reuters.com/article/rbssEnergyNews/idUSSP48546120090525|url-status=live}} More than 15,000 people in eight villages were reportedly isolated from relief crews by severe flooding.{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|publisher=CBC News|date=May 25, 2009|access-date=May 25, 2009|title=Cyclone Aila lashes eastern India, Bangladesh|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/cyclone-aila-lashes-eastern-india-bangladesh-1.780010|archive-date=January 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103012907/http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/cyclone-aila-lashes-eastern-india-bangladesh-1.780010|url-status=live}} At least 18 of the 45 fatalities in West Bengal were in Kolkata, the region where Aila made landfall. All transit systems in the city of Kolkata were halted and daily life was at a standstill due to the storm.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=May 25, 2009|access-date=May 25, 2009|title=18 killed as cyclone Aila hits West Bengal coast|url=http://www.livemint.com/2009/05/25222622/18-killed-as-cyclone-Aila-hits.html|archive-date=May 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527134350/http://www.livemint.com/2009/05/25222622/18-killed-as-cyclone-Aila-hits.html|url-status=live}} The areas and districts affected by the cyclone in West Bengal include East Midnapore, Howrah, Hooghly, Burdwan, South 24 Parganas and Kolkata.

In the West Bengal state, more than 100,000 people were left homeless as a result of Aila.{{cite news |title=Aila claims 29 in B |newspaper=The Statesman |location=Kolkata |agency=Statesman News Service |date=May 26, 2009 |quote="[Dateline: May 25] Preliminary reports say that at least 1 lakh people were rendered homeless. Of them 80,000 people have been rescued till late this afternoon, Mr Dasgupta [West Bengal Minister for Finance] said."}} At least 100 river embankments were breached by storm surge produced by the cyclone. Throughout the country, at least 150,000 people were left homeless.{{cite news|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=May 25, 2009|access-date=May 25, 2009|title=Worst storm in 20 years hits Kolkata|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Worst-storm-in-20-years-hits-Kolkata/466012|archive-date=May 29, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529121633/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Worst-storm-in-20-years-hits-Kolkata/466012|url-status=live}} In northern areas of the state, heavy rains triggered numerous landslides in Darjeeling that killed 22 people and left 6 others missing. At least 500 homes were also damaged in the area.{{cite web|website=Sify News|date=May 27, 2009|access-date=May 27, 2009|title=22 killed in Darjeeling landslides after cyclone|url=http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?a=jf1aEcaijid&title=22_killed_in_Darjeeling_landslides_after_cyclone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818102335/http://www.sify.com/news/fullstory.php?a=jf1aEcaijid&title=22_killed_in_Darjeeling_landslides_after_cyclone|archive-date=August 18, 2016|url-status=dead}} At least {{convert|126000|ha|acre|abbr=on}} of agricultural land was affected during the storm.{{cite news|last=Basu|first=Jayanta|url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/bulbul-more-dangerous-than-aila-affected-people-67805|title=Bulbul ‘more dangerous than Aila’: Affected people|work=Down To Earth|date=November 18, 2019|access-date=November 19, 2019}} Throughout the state, an estimated 61,000 homes were destroyed and 132,000 others were damaged.{{cite web|date=May 27, 2009|title=Toll at 81 as Aila hits North Bengal|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/toll-at-81-as-aila-hits-north-bengal/466555/0|newspaper=The Indian Express|agency=Press Trust of India|access-date=May 27, 2009|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013062548/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/toll-at-81-as-aila-hits-north-bengal/466555/0|url-status=dead}} Damages statewide was Rs.18 billion (US$380 million). At least 350,000 people affected by Aila.{{cite news |author=Biswabrata Goswami |date=May 27, 2009 |title=Aila brings more than damage in Tamluk |newspaper=The Statesman |location=Kolkata |quote="[Dateline: May 26] Mr Mamud Hossain, saha-sabhadhipati of the zilla parishad, said ... the number of affected people would be not less than 3.5 lakh"}} Later reports indicated that upwards of 2.3 million were displaced by the storm as 175,000 homes were destroyed and 270,000 were damaged.{{Cite news|author=Sujoy Dhar|date=May 27, 2009|access-date=May 27, 2009|title=Millions displaced by cyclone in India, Bangladesh|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cyclone-india-bangladesh-idUSTRE54Q27620090527|newspaper=Reuters|archive-date=February 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216005140/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/05/27/us-cyclone-india-bangladesh-idUSTRE54Q27620090527|url-status=live}}

The outer bands of the storm also produced torrential rains and high winds in eastern portions of Orissa state, with the heaviest rainfall being recorded at Paradip at {{convert|260|mm|in|abbr=on}} and winds peaked at {{convert|90|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. Numerous trees were uprooted and power lines were downed, causing widespread power outages. High waves produced by the storm inundated coastal villages, forcing residents to evacuate to safer areas. Roads were also blocked by floodwaters or debris, hampering relief efforts.{{cite news |title=Tidal waves lash Orissa coast |newspaper=The Statesman |location=Kolkata |date=May 26, 2009 |quote="[Dateline: May 25] Parts of coastal Orissa ... heavy rains accompanied by high-velocity winds ... gale with speed as high as 80-90 kmph uprooted a large number of trees in Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Cuttack districts, blocking several roads and disrupting vehicular movement, [official sources] said. Life was paralysed in Satabhaya and Kanhupur villages in Kendrapara district after tidal waves lashed into human settlements since yesterday, forcing residents to shift to higher grounds and safer places. Water-logging severely affected road traffic in several places including Cuttack, Paradip and Jagatsinghpur ... In Bhubaneswar, power supply was disrupted for about seven hours in Bapuji Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Patia, Chandrasekharpur and Jayadev Vihar localities this morning ... The port town of Paradip witnessed its highest rainfall of 26 cm today."}} An estimated {{convert|1000|acre|km2}} of Orissa cropland were lost due to Aila.{{cite news |agency=Press Trust of India |date=May 25, 2009 |title=Coastal Orissa badly hit by cyclonic storm |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/coastal-orissa-badly-hit-by-cyclonic-storm/story-8B1rrPzxqlAIbw6qPGEgvL.html |newspaper=Hindustan Times |access-date=2009-05-25 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103551/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/coastal-orissa-badly-hit-by-cyclonic-storm/story-8B1rrPzxqlAIbw6qPGEgvL.html |url-status=live }}

The remnants of Aila produced gusty winds and heavy rains in the eastern Indian state of Meghalaya between May 25 and 26. Rainfall amounts peaked at {{convert|213.4|mm|in|abbr=on}} and winds reached {{convert|60|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. Several homes were damaged in the area and power was cut due to fallen trees and power lines. No injuries were reported in the state.{{cite web|publisher=Sifly News|date=May 26, 2009|access-date=May 26, 2009|title=Heavy rains lash Assam, Meghalaya|url=http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?a=jf0rambdeha&title=Cyclone_monsoons_trigger_heavy_rains_in_northeast&?vsv=TopHP1|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013062552/https://www.sify.com/|url-status=dead}} Several streets were flooded and some homes were reported to have standing water.{{cite news|date=May 26, 2009|access-date=May 26, 2009|title=Cyclone Aila brings monsoon to North-East|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-05-26/india/28166938_1_cyclone-aila-heavy-rain-moderate-rain|archive-date=October 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023235446/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-05-26/india/28166938_1_cyclone-aila-heavy-rain-moderate-rain|newspaper=The Times of India|url-status=dead}}

File:Cyclone aila affected area - 11.jpg

Torrential rains from Aila resulted in 190 fatalities and at least 7,000 injuries across the Khulna and Satkhira Districts. Across 11 of the nation's 64 districts, approximately 600,000 thatched homes, {{convert|8,800|km|mi|abbr=on}} of roads, {{convert|1,000|km|mi|abbr=on}} of embankments, and {{convert|123,000|ha|}} of land were damaged or destroyed.{{cite web|agency=Xinhua News Agency|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=June 22, 2009|access-date=October 15, 2015|title=Cyclone Aila losses in Bangladesh estimated at 269 mln USD|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/bangladesh/cyclone-aila-losses-bangladesh-estimated-269-mln-usd|location=Dakha, Bangladesh|archive-date=September 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912004323/http://reliefweb.int/report/bangladesh/cyclone-aila-losses-bangladesh-estimated-269-mln-usd|url-status=live}}{{cite web|publisher=Integrated Regional Information Networks|date=July 23, 2009|access-date=October 15, 2015|title=Bangladesh: Cyclone Aila recovery slower than Sidr|url=http://www.irinnews.org/report/85396/bangladesh-cyclone-aila-recovery-slower-than-sidr|location=Dakha, Bangladesh|archive-date=October 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004012437/http://www.irinnews.org/report/85396/bangladesh-cyclone-aila-recovery-slower-than-sidr|url-status=live}} Approximately 9.3 million people were affected by the cyclone, of which 1 million were rendered homeless.{{cite web|agency=Islamic Relief|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=June 5, 2014|access-date=October 15, 2015|title=Still feeling the toll of Cyclone Aila|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/bangladesh/still-feeling-toll-cyclone-aila|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071448/http://reliefweb.int/report/bangladesh/still-feeling-toll-cyclone-aila|url-status=live}}{{cite web|agency=Emergency Capacity Building Project|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=August 24, 2009|access-date=October 15, 2015|title=Bangladesh: Hundreds of thousands still homeless three months after cyclone Aila|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/bangladesh/bangladesh-hundreds-thousands-still-homeless-three-months-after-cyclone-aila|location=Dakha, Bangladesh|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071816/http://reliefweb.int/report/bangladesh/bangladesh-hundreds-thousands-still-homeless-three-months-after-cyclone-aila|url-status=live}} One year after the storm, 200,000 people remained homeless.{{cite web|agency=BBC|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=May 25, 2010|access-date=October 15, 2015|title=Bangladesh: In pictures: One year on from Cyclone Aila|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/bangladesh/bangladesh-pictures-one-year-cyclone-aila|archive-date=June 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604093525/http://reliefweb.int/report/bangladesh/bangladesh-pictures-one-year-cyclone-aila|url-status=live}} Damage in Koyra Upazila was amounted to Tk.100 billion (US$1.45 billion).{{cite news|last=Amanullah|first=Quazi|newspaper=The Daily Star|date=October 11, 2009|access-date=October 13, 2009|title=Hunger, diseases still haunt Aila-hit people in Koira|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-109322}}

More than 400,000 people were reportedly isolated by severe flooding in coastal regions of Bangladesh. Numerous villages were either completely submerged in floodwaters or destroyed. Dozens of people are reportedly missing throughout the country.{{cite news |date=May 25, 2009 |title=Cyclone Aila claims 28 lives |url=https://www.rnw.org/archive/cyclone-aila-claims-28-lives |work=Radio Netherlands |access-date=May 25, 2009 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304190710/https://www.rnw.org/archive/cyclone-aila-claims-28-lives |url-status=live }} A storm surge of {{convert|3|m|ft|abbr=on|0}} impacted western regions of Bangladesh, submerging numerous villages. Several rivers broke through embankments, causing widespread inland flooding. In Dacope Upazila alone, more than 50,000 people were left homeless. Despite warnings to remain at port, numerous fishing vessels sailed into the storm. Port officials stated that more than 500 fishermen had gone missing since the storm made landfall.{{cite news |date=May 26, 2009 |title=18 killed as Cyclone Aila lashes coast |url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=89865 |newspaper=The Daily Star |access-date=May 26, 2009 |archive-date=January 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131224733/http://archive.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=89865 |url-status=live }} In Patuakhali, a dam broke and submerged five villages. Numerous houses were destroyed by the subsequent flooding and tens of thousands of people were left stranded in the villages. In Chandpur, two pontoons sank while docked in port.{{cite news |date=May 25, 2009 |title=Wind, rains batter coastal regions |url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2009/05/25/wind-rains-batter-coastal-regions |newspaper=Bangladesh News 24 |access-date=May 25, 2009 |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310012905/http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2009/05/25/wind-rains-batter-coastal-regions |url-status=live }} An estimated 58,950 animals were killed by the storm with up to 50,000 deer missing. On the island of Nizum Dwip, nearly all structures were severely damaged or destroyed, leaving roughly 20,000 people homeless.{{cite news |agency=Xinhua News Agency |date=May 26, 2009 |title=Death toll rises to 91 in cyclone-hit Bangladesh |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-05/26/content_11440050.htm |access-date=2009-05-26 |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024102429/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-05/26/content_11440050.htm |url-status=dead }}

The Sunderbans, a region which houses 265 of the endangered Bengal tigers, was inundated with {{convert|6.1|m|ft|abbr=on}} of water. Dozens of the tigers are feared to have drowned in Aila's storm surge along with deer and crocodiles. {{As of|2009|05|27}}, one tiger has been found alive; it was found in a waterlogged cowshed following the cyclone's landfall. Additionally the forest remains under an estimated {{convert|2.4|m|ft|abbr=on}} of water.{{cite news|date=May 27, 2009|access-date=May 27, 2009|title=Cyclone Aila swallows Sunderbans tigers|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-05-27/flora-fauna/28206052_1_subrat-mukherjee-sunderban-tiger-reserve-male-tiger|archive-date=December 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223233147/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-05-27/flora-fauna/28206052_1_subrat-mukherjee-sunderban-tiger-reserve-male-tiger|newspaper=The Times of India|url-status=dead}} On 27 May, conservationists have begun a search for the tigers throughout the forest. The search teams were supplied with fresh drinking water for the tigers as their natural water source was inundated with salt water from Aila's storm surge.{{cite news |date=May 27, 2009 |title=Fears for rare tigers after SAsia cyclone |url=http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/14-fears-for-rare-tigers-after-sasia-cyclone-zj-05 |newspaper=Dawn |access-date=2009-05-27}}

State Government of West Bengal in co-operation with the central counterparts took up the rescue and the rehabilitation program. Army was deployed to the affected areas. The next day, the army used helicopters to provide food to the affected population. About 2,500 troops were deployed to West Bengal on May 26, 2009.{{cite web |date=May 26, 2009 |title=Centre rushes 2500 troops for relief work in cyclon hit WB |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-05-26/news/27645188_1_national-disaster-response-force-rescue-operations-burdwan-and-east-midnapore |newspaper=The Economic Times |access-date=May 26, 2009 |archive-date=January 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114212320/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-05-26/news/27645188_1_national-disaster-response-force-rescue-operations-burdwan-and-east-midnapore |url-status=dead }} Several naval relief teams were deployed to the Sunderbans region where an estimated 400,000 people were marooned by flooding.{{cite web|author=Anis Ahmed|publisher=Portfolio|date=May 26, 2009|access-date=May 26, 2009|title=Cyclone Aila kills nearly 120 in Bangladesh, India|url=http://www.portfolio.com/business-news/reuters/2009/05/26/cyclone-aila-kills-nearly-120-in-bangladesh-india|archive-date=September 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927180450/http://www.portfolio.com/business-news/reuters/2009/05/26/cyclone-aila-kills-nearly-120-in-bangladesh-india|url-status=live}} Roughly 100 relief camps were established in West Bengal shortly after the storm passed.{{cite news |date=May 26, 2009 |title=Cyclone Aila Lashes Eastern India, Bangladesh |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2009-05-26-voa11-68687702/408957.html |work=VOA News |access-date=2009-05-26 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306040724/http://www.voanews.com/content/a-13-2009-05-26-voa11-68687702/408957.html |url-status=live }} On 27 May, 400 troops form the National Disaster Response Force were deployed to the state for relief operations.{{cite news |date=May 27, 2009 |title=Centre sends National Disaster Response Force |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/centre-sends-national-disaster-response-force/article291884.ece |newspaper=The Hindu |access-date=May 27, 2009 |archive-date=October 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013062601/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/Centre-sends-National-Disaster-Response-Force/article16604185.ece |url-status=live }} The state government released Rs.15 million (US$317,000) in relief funds to the affected areas on 26 May. Two MI-17 helicopters were also sent to air-drop food supplies to the worst affected areas in West Bengal.{{cite news |date=May 27, 2009 |title=Cyclone Aila toll rises to 87 in West Bengal |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/cyclone-aila-toll-rises-to-87-in-west-bengal_100197546.html |newspaper=Thaindian News |access-date=May 27, 2009 |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426203634/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/cyclone-aila-toll-rises-to-87-in-west-bengal_100197546.html |url-status=live }}

Immediately following the storm, a 33-member team of the Bangladesh Navy was deployed to the affected regions. The Red Cross also quickly responded, supplying water purifying tablets and other relief items. The Deputy Commissioner of Satkhira district allocated ten tonnes of rice and Tk.100,000 (US$1,450) in immediate relief funds for that district. The government later allocated Tk. 1.2 million (US$17,143) and 1,000 tonnes of rice for the affected areas.{{cite news |agency=Xinhua News Agency |date=May 26, 2009 |title=Cyclone leaves 81 people killed, 2.6 mln affected in Bangladesh |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-05/26/content_11439258.htm |access-date=2009-05-26 |archive-date=May 31, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531002849/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-05/26/content_11439258.htm |url-status=dead }} These amounts further increased to Tk. 12.3 million (US$175,714) and 2,500 tonnes of rice.{{cite news |agency=Xinhua News Agency |date=May 27, 2009 |title=Cyclone kills 91 in Bangladesh, rescue operation continues |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-05/27/content_11440199.htm |access-date=May 26, 2009 |archive-date=May 30, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530095542/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-05/27/content_11440199.htm |url-status=dead }}

Five days following the impacts of Aila, the Bangladeshi Health Organization confirmed that a widespread outbreak of diarrhea which has infected over 7,000 people. Another outbreak of water borne diseases, namely dysentery, has infected over 3,000 people. At least two people have been confirmed to have died from diarrhea and two other fatalities were reported.{{cite web |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=May 31, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2009 |title=Diarrhoea outbreak after Bangladesh cyclone |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gIFrS-jZWmcn8TPPRMclfEAiA7AQ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522072313/https://www.webcitation.org/5hBRYNiZR?url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gIFrS-jZWmcn8TPPRMclfEAiA7AQ |archive-date=May 22, 2024 }} Officials feared that the outbreak would lead to many fatalities in isolated areas that have not received aid and have been without food and clean water for nearly a week.{{Cite news|author=Nita Bhalla|work=Reuters|date=May 29, 2009|access-date=May 31, 2009|title=Disease fears mount after cyclone Aila|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-39976120090529?sp=true|archive-date=March 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301042735/http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-39976120090529?sp=true|url-status=dead}}

In comparison to earlier cyclones, that of similar magnitude, Cyclone Aila caused lower death toll due to implementation of efficient early warning systems, cyclone shelters and disaster relief allocation system. The Government of Bangladesh was praised domestically and internationally for its implementation of effective disaster management projects that have reduced death tolls in Cyclone Aila and future cyclones that have struck the country it since. Cyclone Aila has been described as a benchmark of Bangladesh's success in implementation of effective disaster management system.{{Cite journal | doi=10.1007/s13753-018-0166-9|title = A Study on Cyclone Aila Recovery in Koyra, Bangladesh: Evaluating the Inclusiveness of Recovery with Respect to Pre–disaster Vulnerability Reduction| journal=International Journal of Disaster Risk Science| volume=9| pages=28–43|year = 2018|last1 = Sadik|first1 = Md. Shibly| last2=Nakagawa| first2=Hajime| last3=Rahman| first3=Rezaur| last4=Shaw| first4=Rajib| last5=Kawaike| first5=Kenji| last6= Fujita| first6=Kumiko| doi-access=free}} The joint effort of the Government and NGOs to support the post-disaster recovery was also remarkable but criticized due to lack of comprehensive inclusion of pre-disaster vulnerability reduction measures.

• 2009 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
• Cyclone Mora {{snd}} a strong tropical cyclone in May 2017 that devastated Bangladesh and neighbouring countries.

{{Reflist|2}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20150517005046/http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/cyclone.htm RSMC New Delhi]
• [http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC Joint Typhoon Warning Center] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301105349/http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC |date=March 1, 2010 }}

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Category:2009 North Indian Ocean cyclone season

Category:Tropical cyclones in India

Category:Tropical cyclones in Bangladesh

Category:2009 in Bangladesh

Category:Severe cyclonic storms

Category:2009 disasters in India

Category:May 2009 in Asia

Category:Tropical cyclones in 2009