A large cyclone in 1970 caused 500,000 deaths, but a similar cyclone in the same area in late 2007 (including a tsunami - like 2 - metre - high sea water intrusion) caused only 8000 deaths, though
affecting the houses or livelihoods or 8
million people: most
of the more exposed
people received early warning, and took refuge in thousands
of government - built cyclone shelters, chiefly schools and other public buildings, made
of concrete and other hard materials, and built
upon 12 - 15 feet high concrete pillars.