DAMAGE ASSOCIATED WITH TROPICAL CYCLONE Flashcards
What are the primary types of damage caused by tropical cyclones?
Strong winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, flooding, and tornadoes.
How do strong winds from a tropical cyclone cause damage?
They uproot trees, destroy buildings, and damage power lines.
What wind speeds in a tropical cyclone can cause significant structural damage?
Above 120 km/h (Category 1 and higher on the Saffir-Simpson Scale).
How does heavy rainfall from a tropical cyclone cause damage?
It leads to flooding, landslides, and waterlogging, affecting infrastructure and agriculture.
What is storm surge, and why is it dangerous?
An abnormal rise in sea level due to cyclone winds, causing coastal flooding.
How high can a storm surge reach during a strong cyclone?
Up to 10 meters (33 feet) or more in extreme cases.
Why is storm surge more damaging in low-lying coastal areas?
Because water can travel far inland, causing widespread flooding and destruction.
What impact do tropical cyclones have on agriculture?
They destroy crops, cause soil erosion, and increase salinity in farmland due to seawater intrusion.
How do tropical cyclones affect transportation and communication?
They damage roads, bridges, railways, airports, power lines, and telecommunication networks.
What secondary disasters can tropical cyclones trigger?
Landslides, mudslides, tornadoes, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
How do cyclones contribute to economic losses?
They cause massive damage to infrastructure, industries, agriculture, and disrupt livelihoods.
Why do tropical cyclones lead to loss of life?
Due to drowning, building collapses, electrocution, and flying debris.
How does flooding caused by a cyclone affect drinking water supply?
It contaminates freshwater sources with pollutants, sewage, and saltwater.
What is the impact of tropical cyclones on marine ecosystems?
They damage coral reefs, disrupt fish populations, and alter coastal ecosystems.
How can tropical cyclones affect air travel?
Strong winds and heavy rain force flight cancellations and airport closures.
Why do tropical cyclones often result in power outages?
Because strong winds and flooding damage power plants, transmission lines, and substations.
What is the long-term environmental impact of a tropical cyclone?
Deforestation, soil degradation, and changes in coastline due to erosion.
How do tropical cyclones impact human health?
They increase risks of infections, vector-borne diseases, and mental health issues due to displacement.
What is the deadliest impact of tropical cyclones historically?
Storm surges, which have caused the highest death tolls in past cyclones.
How can damage from tropical cyclones be minimized?
Early warning systems, better infrastructure, effective disaster management, and community preparedness.
