According to the NOAA, methods for determining the potential strength of a cyclone in its early stages were just developed and at the time they were only used in the United States. Political tensions between India and Pakistan could have also affected communications, although Pakistani authorities did give warning to its residents a day before landfall. Very few evacuated, either underestimating the storm or lacking access to appropriate shelter. The storm killed nearly half of the city of Tazumuddin and left behind $86 billion in damages before quickly dissipating (via The Weather Channel).

India offered to help with rescue and repair, but the Pakistani government refused and was slow to help the devastated area. This refusal led to uproar, and within months the opposition party had secured a key victory in East Pakistan. Within a year, East Pakistan had declared its independence and became the nation of Bangladesh that still stands today. While stronger storms have passed through the Bay of Bengal and the world at large in the decades since, none have had the deep and tragic effects on life and politics as the 1970 Bhola cyclone.