Question

Write an essay on cyclones, its destructive effects and safety measures.​

Answer 1

Answer:

The intense tropical storms are known in different parts of the world by differ­ent names. In the Pacific Ocean, they are called ‘typhoons’, in the Indian Ocean they are called ‘cyclones’ and over North Atlantic, and they are called ‘hurricanes’. Among various natural calamities, tropical cyclones are known to claim a higher share of deaths and destruction world over. Records show that about 80 tropical cyclones form over the globe every year. India has a vast coast line which is frequently affected by tropical cyclones causing heavy loss of human lives and property. Cyclones occur usually between April and May (called pre-monsoon cyclonic storms) and between October and December (called post-monsoon cy­clonic storms). While cyclonic storms can’t be prevented, the loss of lives and damage to the properties can be mitigated if prompt action is taken after receiving timely warnings.

Cyclone Warning:

Meteorologists have been using satellite images for monitoring storms for about thirty years. One of the most important applications in this endeavor is to determine the strength and intensity of a storm. In the late 1960’s, meteorolo­gists began observing tropical cyclones at more frequent intervals. The infrared sensors aboard polar orbiting satellites began providing day-and-night obser­vations while geo-stationary satellite provided the continuous coverage during day time. There exists a very efficient cyclone warning system in India which is comparable to the best known in the world. The approach essentially involves the prediction of the track and intensity of the cyclone using conventional as well as satellite and radar-based techniques.

The most striking advantage of the earth observation satellite data has been demonstrated during the recent Orissa super-cyclone event. A severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of about 260 kmph hit the Orissa coast at Paradip on 29th October, 1999 causing extensive damage to human life, property, livestock and public utilities. The National Remote Sensing Agency acted promptly and provided spatial extent of inundated areas.

Answer 2

Answer:

Essay on Cyclone: Warning, Safety Precautions and Timely Actions to Reduce Damage!

The intense tropical storms are known in different parts of the world by differ­ent names. In the Pacific Ocean, they are called ‘typhoons’, in the Indian Ocean they are called ‘cyclones’ and over North Atlantic, and they are called ‘hurricanes’. Among various natural calamities, tropical cyclones are known to claim a higher share of deaths and destruction world over. Records show that about 80 tropical cyclones form over the globe every year.India has a vast coast line which is frequently affected by tropical cyclones causing heavy loss of human lives and property. Cyclones occur usually between April and May (called pre-monsoon cyclonic storms) and between October and December (called post-monsoon cy­clonic storms). While cyclonic storms can’t be prevented, the loss of lives and damage to the properties can be mitigated if prompt action is taken after receiving timely warnings.

Cyclone Warning:

Meteorologists have been using satellite images for monitoring storms for about thirty years. One of the most important applications in this endeavor is to determine the strength and intensity of a storm. In the late 1960’s, meteorolo­gists began observing tropical cyclones at more frequent intervals. The infrared sensors aboard polar orbiting satellites began providing day-and-night obser­vations while geo-stationary satellite provided the continuous coverage during day time.

There exists a very efficient cyclone warning system in India which is comparable to the best known in the world. The approach essentially involves the prediction of the track and intensity of the cyclone using conventional as well as satellite and radar-based techniques.

The most striking advantage of the earth observation satellite data has been demonstrated during the recent Orissa super-cyclone event. A severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of about 260 kmph hit the Orissa coast at Paradip on 29th October, 1999 causing extensive damage to human life, property, livestock and public utilities. The National Remote Sensing Agency acted promptly and provided spatial extent of inundated areas.A cyclone warning is issued as soon as gales or stronger winds are expected to affect coastal or island communities within 24 hours. It identifies the communi­ties being threatened and contains the cyclones name, its location, intensity, and its movements. Forecasts of heavy rainfall, flooding and abnormally high tides are included when necessary. Communities under threat are also advised to take precautions necessary to safeguard their lives and property.

Safety Precautions and Timely Actions to Reduce Damage:

Cyclone is 24 hours away:

i. Fill water buckets and cover them.

ii. Top up your car’s fuel tank.iii. Ensure you have fresh batteries for your radio.

iv. Make sure you have adequate supplies of prescribed medicines.

v. Stock up on non perishable food items if required.

vi. Ensure your neighbors are aware of the issued warning.Cyclone is 16 hours away:

i. Listen to the media for regular updates.

ii. Ensure your children are home.

iii. Gather tools that will be needed for emergency repairs, e.g. hammer, nails, rope, and tarpaulins. iv. If you live in a caravan, identify a solid structure to which you can move if required.

Cyclone is 9 hours away:

i. Prepare the safest part of your house (usually the bathroom) and place emer­gency stores there.

ii. Account for and lock up your pets.iii. Gather protective gear and place in shelter.

Cyclone is 6 hours away:

i. Listen to the media for regular updates.

ii. If you use gas, turn if off at the bottle.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

iii. Stay in a safe place, don’t move.

iv. Do not make unnecessary demands on the emergency services.

v. Beware of the calm “eye” of the cyclone and do not go outside until you are advised to do so.

When the Cyclone has passed:

i. Listen to the media for regular updates.

ii. Do not make unnecessary demands on the emergency services.

iii. Do not touch wet switches, and beware of fallen power lines, treat them as if they are live.

iv. Stay at home resist the urge to go sightseeing. The water surge caused by your vehicle can send flood water into people’s homes.

If a cyclone comes, it is strongly advised that you stay in a safe place, listen to the radio and abide by the instructions on the radio. But move early. Remem­ber that most injuries and fatalities in cyclones result from people being hit by flying debris while outside in high winds. Outside movement becomes both dif­ficult and dangerous once wind gusts exceed 85km/h and should cease once gusts exceed 100km/h.

If you feel your house/shelter is not safe, see if you can shelter in a neighbor’s house or move to the community emergency centre as advised by the radio. Check to see that your neighbors, in particular those who are elderly, have disabilities, or are living alone, are safe.