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Tropical cyclones: impacts and responses
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The same kind of storm can have very different impacts in a rich country and a poorer one. Two well-known storms show why.
Why cyclones are hazardous
High winds destroy buildings and crops.
Intense rainfall causes river flooding and landslides.
Storm surges push the sea onto low-lying coasts, causing coastal flooding: often the biggest killer.
The Saffir-Simpson scale rates hurricanes from Category 1 to Category 5 by wind speed.
Intense rainfall causes river flooding and landslides.
Storm surges push the sea onto low-lying coasts, causing coastal flooding: often the biggest killer.
The Saffir-Simpson scale rates hurricanes from Category 1 to Category 5 by wind speed.
Developed country: Hurricane Katrina, USA, 2005
Katrina struck the Gulf Coast of the USA in August 2005.
In New Orleans, much of which lies below sea level, the storm surge broke the levees and about 80% of the city flooded. More than 1,800 people died.
Responses: a mandatory evacuation was ordered, but many poorer residents without cars could not leave. The Superdome stadium became a shelter. The government was strongly criticised for its slow response. Afterwards the flood defences around New Orleans were rebuilt and strengthened.
In New Orleans, much of which lies below sea level, the storm surge broke the levees and about 80% of the city flooded. More than 1,800 people died.
Responses: a mandatory evacuation was ordered, but many poorer residents without cars could not leave. The Superdome stadium became a shelter. The government was strongly criticised for its slow response. Afterwards the flood defences around New Orleans were rebuilt and strengthened.
Emerging country: Typhoon Haiyan, Philippines, 2013
Haiyan hit the Philippines in November 2013 and was one of the strongest storms ever recorded at landfall.
A huge storm surge flooded the city of Tacloban. More than 6,000 people died and millions lost their homes.
Responses: warnings were given and many people evacuated, but some did not understand what a 'storm surge' meant. International aid arrived from many countries and charities, and the government later planned to rebuild coastal communities further from the sea.
A huge storm surge flooded the city of Tacloban. More than 6,000 people died and millions lost their homes.
Responses: warnings were given and many people evacuated, but some did not understand what a 'storm surge' meant. International aid arrived from many countries and charities, and the government later planned to rebuild coastal communities further from the sea.
Suggest why Haiyan killed more people than Katrina.
- Many homes in the Philippines were lightly built and on low coasts.
- Poorer people had fewer ways to evacuate or protect themselves.
- Haiyan was stronger at landfall, with a very large storm surge.
Answer: Stronger storm, more vulnerable housing and people, and a huge storm surge.
Cyclones bring high winds, intense rain, landslides and storm surges. Katrina (USA, 2005) flooded about 80% of New Orleans and killed over 1,800. Haiyan (Philippines, 2013) killed over 6,000. Impacts and responses depend on wealth, preparation and governance.
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