India is one of the most DISASTER PRONE countries of the world. The geographical location and its natural landscape make it vulnerable to a number of natural disasters. Nearly half of India lies in the tropical zone and the rest half in the temperate zone. The tropical cyclones bring disasters in terms of death and destruction.
A cyclone is a powerful swirling storm that measures from 300 to 500 kms in diameters. The wind in the center of a cyclone below at a speed of 120 kms per hour. Many cyclone have caused widespread deaths and destruction. Cyclonic winds swirl around the eye a calm area in the center of the storm. The eye of a cyclone measures over 30 kms in diameter and has few clouds.
Cyclones are roughly circular or oval in shape and they originate as a wave along the front separating two air masses of different temperature, density and direction. They bring rainfall because a warm moist air is made to rise over a mass of cold air.
The cyclone below in COUNTER CLOCKWISE direction in the Northern Hemisphere and CLOCKWISE direction in the Southern Hemisphere.
A cyclone is an area of low pressure in the center and high pressure outside. They develop over tropical regions of North Atlantic Ocean, North East Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. The cyclones are known by different names over different parts of the world. They are known as TYPHOONS in China, HURRICANES in Central America, WILLY WILLIES in Australia and CYCLONES in India.
Consequences Of A Cyclone
Due to strong cyclone winds trees are uprooted, telephone and electricity lines are snapped, poles are tilted and the entire communication system suffers.
Standing cops in the fields suffer damage. Heavy rains cause flash floods due to which people, animals and properties are washed away.
Cyclone Warning And Forecasting
During the cyclone season the India Meteorological Department (IMD) keeps a close watch on the weather conditions developing over the Arbian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. They also examine the pictures of the area taken by weather satellites and collect information such as air pressure, temperature, wind speed and direction. On the basis of this, information forecasting is done. Timely warnings issued by IMD helps the administration to prepare contingency plans and evacuate people from the affected area.
Managing Cyclones
If you are living in an area where CBDP exercises have taken place, ensure:
Upon a cyclone warning
On warning of local evacuation
Based on predicted wind speeds and storm surge heights, evacuation may be necessary. Official advice may be given on local radio / TV or other means of communication regarding safe routes and when to move.
When the cyclone strikes
After the cyclone
Relief And Rehabilitation
Relief and rehabilitation should be immediately provided to the people who suffered due to the cyclones.
Relief camps should be organized for such people in the community centers or in nearby school buildings. Arrangement should be made to provide them with food and shelter.
Administrative response at the national, state and the district levels should be very quick.
Assessment of damages in respect of every individual should be done and the government should provide monetary assistance so that the affected people can start their life again. NGOs should also come forward to help such people so tat they are properly rehabilitated.