Effects and responses to tropical storms Flashcards
Effects of tropical storms
Strong winds
Damage to houses/infrastructure
Torrential rain
Damage to crops
Storm Surges
Flooding
Deaths
Injuries
Secondary effects (Homelessness due to houses being destroyed during the tropical storm)
Define Storm Surge
Storm Surge is when the sea level rises rapidly and particularly high due to the tropical storm occurring.
Define primary effect
Primary Effect is a consequence which happens immediately
Define secondary effect
Secondary Effect is a consequence which happens as a result of the primary effect
How are tropical storms measured
Tropical storms are measured using the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale
The higher the category scale, the higher the intensity of the tropical storm.
Primary effects of Tropical Storms
Examples of primary effects of tropical storms
People are injured or killed by debris being blown around
Drowning
Buildings are destroyed or damaged
Electric supplies are cut off due to power lines being destroyed
Sewage is released due to flooding
Water supplies become contaminated
Secondary effects of Tropical Storms
Examples of secondary effects of tropical storms
People being left homeless
A lack of clean water and sanitation – water-borne diseases can affect local people.
Road and rail networks can be blocked by debris, making it difficult to provide support and aid for people affected.
Unemployment is caused by businesses being damaged
If crops are destroyed and/or livestock is killed, there can be a shortage of food
Immediate response to tropical storms
Examples of immediate responses of tropical storms
people are evacuated before the storm lands
rescue people trapped and provide medical support for injured people
temporary shelters are set up for people made homeless by the storm
provide water and food for people
recover dead bodies
digital maps are updated
immediately after the storm using satellite photographs to support emergency services on the ground
Aid provided by Governments and NGOs such as Oxfam
Long term responses to tropical storms
Examples of long-term responses of tropical storms
repair and rebuild properties
rehouse people
repair the transport infrastructure
improve forecasting and early warning systems
provide grants and aid to people to help rebuild their homes
improve building regulations so that properties are constructed to withstand the impacts of tropical storms better
Offer incentives such as tax breaks to encourage economic recovery
How can monitoring and prediction reduce the effects of tropical storms
Satellite and radar technology are used to track the development and approach of a tropical storm. These, combined with weather charts and computer software, are used to predict the path a tropical storm could take.
How can monitoring and protection reduce the effects of tropical storms
One of the most reliable methods of reducing life loss during a tropical storm is storm shelters. They are strong enough to withstand hurricane-force winds because they:
have windows covered with metal shutters;
are often built off the ground with deep-pile concrete pillars that dissipate energy;
are made from reinforced concrete.
High sea walls are also constructed along the coast to protect communities from storm surges.
How can monitoring and planning reduce the effects of tropical storms
People who live in areas prone to tropical storms are advised to stock up on food and water as they may be housebound for several days following a storm.
Early warning systems are installed in countries such as Bangladesh, helping to reduce the number of deaths.
How high is the storm surge and wind speed during a category 1 tropical storm
For a category 1 tropical storm: Wind speed - 74-95 mph
Storm surge - 4-5 feet
How high is the storm surge and wind speed during a category 2 tropical storm
For a category 2 tropical storm: Wind speed -96-110 mph
Storm surge - 6-8 feet
How high is the storm surge and wind speed during a category 3 tropical storm
For a category 2 tropical storm: Wind speed -111-130mph
Storm surge - 9-12 feet
