Cyclone Helen (2013)

Severe Cyclonic Storm Helen
Helen near peak intensity on 21 November
Meteorological history
Formed19 November 2013
Dissipated23 November 2013
Severe cyclonic storm
3-minute sustained (IMD)
Highest winds100 km/h (65 mph)
Lowest pressure990 hPa (mbar); 29.23 inHg
Category 1-equivalent tropical cyclone
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds130 km/h (80 mph)
Lowest pressure970 hPa (mbar); 28.64 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities10
Damage$796 million (2013 USD)
Areas affectedAndhra Pradesh
IBTrACS

Part of the 2013 North Indian Ocean cyclone season

Severe Cyclonic Storm Helen (/ˈhɛlən/) was a relatively weak tropical cyclone that formed in the Bay of Bengal Region on 18 November 2013, from the remnants of Tropical Storm Podul. It was classified as Deep Depression BOB 06 by the India Meteorological Department on 19 November. As it was moving on a very slow northwest direction on 20 November, it became Cyclonic Storm Helen as it brought light to heavy rainfall in eastern India. It then became a Severe Cyclonic Storm on the afternoon hours of 21 November. The storm then made landfall over Andhra Pradesh and dissipated shortly after.

Governments alerted residents and evacuated them, with a total of 20,000 evacuated residents. Government teams were prepared to help relief efforts, with a video conference created by the Minister of Revenue to plan possible preparations. Extensive damage was reported, with uprooted trees and power disruption reported. A total of 10 people died, with a damage of Rs50 billion (US$796 million).