storm surge

Abnormally high tide brought about by a combination of a deep atmospheric depression (very low pressure) over a shallow sea area, high spring tides, and winds blowing from the appropriate direction. It can be intensified by snowmelt and/or river flooding. A storm surge can cause severe flooding of lowland coastal regions and river estuaries.

Bangladesh is particularly prone to surges, because it is sited on a low-lying delta where the Indian Ocean funnels into the Bay of Bengal. In May 1991, 125,000 people were killed there in such a disaster. In February 1953 more than 2,000 people died when a North Sea surge struck the Dutch and English coasts.