How does it reduces the impact of the tropical storm?
Up to 5 days warning can be given so that people can take action e.g. by evacuating or protecting their homes and businesses.
However, some people choose not to evacuate. It is costly and time consuming, particularly if the path of the storm does not actually pass where they live.
Tropical cyclones are tracked by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. Warnings are issued in several languages by radio and social media.
Protection
What is it?
Buildings can be reinforced e.g. by constructing them from strong concrete with shutters over the windows.
Sea walls can be built around coastal areas.
Cyclone shelters can be built.
Storm drains can be fitted.
Manage and protect mangroves and saltmarshes.
How does it reduces the impact of the tropical storm?
Building reinforcement reduces the damage caused by a storm e.g. shutters prevent glass from breaking and injuring people.
Sea walls can be used to protect key properties from storm surges.
Cyclone shelters are built on stilts so the water passes under them.
Storm drains take away excess rainfall, which helps to prevent flooding.
Mangroves protect against the storm surges reducing the energy of the waves.
However, protection is costly and LICs often cannot afford it.
Examples
Early warning systems, cyclone shelters and greater awareness have helped to reduce the death toll in Bangladesh. The number of deaths has decreased from 500,000 deaths as a result of cyclones in 1970 to 4,234 in 2007.
In the USA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises homeowners to protect their property by:
Installing metal hurricane straps between the roof and walls of buildings, to prevent the roof being torn off;
Shutting off gas during the disaster, to reduce the risk of a fire;
Protecting glass windows with roll down shutters, to prevent the glass breaking and posing a hazard;
Installing an emergency electricity generator in case electricity supplies are affected;
Tying down large objects such as outside dustbins and garden furniture, which may pose a hazard during the storm;
Reinforcing garage doors to prevent structural damage;
Removing trees close to buildings to prevent them falling and damaging buildings.
Planning
What is it?
Raising awareness. Encouraging people to have disaster supply kits, store loose objects and have a family plan of action.
How does it reduces the impact of the tropical storm?
People need to be educated to know the dangers and be able to respond.
However, LICs are often less well equipped to plan for the effects of tropical storms, resulting in greater loss of life.
Examples
National Hurricane Preparedness Week in America encourages people to have a plan of action in the event of a tropical storm. Watch the videos below to find out how to prepare for a tropical storm.