Indice1. Introduction 2. Effects or damages provoked by hurricanes 3. Hurricane Preparedness 4. Bibliography
Satellite image of Hurricane Michelle Data Elements: Located 24.8N 77.2W on course SS moving at a speed of 16 knots. Observation device: DMSP F-142.7 km visible imagery Visualization date: November 5, 2001 12:32:12 Areas affected by the storm
- Coastal areas of Central America
- Jamaica
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Cuba
- United States
Why do hurricanes such as Michelle occur normally in tropical areas over oceans? The term ¨hurricane¨ is regionally specific name for a strong ¨tropical cyclone¨ A tropical cyclone is the generic term for a non-frontal synoptic scale low pressure system over tropical or sub tropical waters, with organized convection and definite cyclonic surface wind circulation. How do weather forecasts help to reduce the damage caused by hurricanes? Weather forecasts can help to reduce the damage caused by hurricanes, because they can prevent with anteriority the storm. So, the country or region can be more prepared to the storm. Hurricanes are the most traceable storms on earth, but their twits and turns continue to challenge even the most expert forecasters. Season after season much research is devoted to figuring out how better predict the fate of a hurricane before it unfolds, offering the opportunity to protect life and property.
2. Effects or damages provoked by hurricanes
Michelle killed eight people, left at least 26 missing and forced some 115,000 people from their homes in Jamaica, Nicaragua and Honduras. Emergency crews in Honduras will continued trying to reach hundreds of people stranded in villages that were cut off by the floods. There are reports of residents who have been trapped on rooftops or on small areas of high ground for several days. In Nicaragua, the government declared a state of high alert and activated regional emergency committees, distribution centers and shelters. Emergency teams are distributing relief supplies to the several thousand people affected. The Honduran Red Cross is working with government emergency response teams to evacuate families, distribute food, and provide plastic sheeting, blankets, hygiene items and water containers. The American Red Cross in Honduras is assisting local Red Cross workers in responding to the disaster. Red Cross damage assessment teams are traveling to affected villages to determine needs. The storm damage has worsened conditions for farmers in Honduras, who were already suffering the effects of a prolonged drought. If we were presidents of Cuba, or any Latin-American country, mainly we should inform citizens about the hurricane, and prepare a set of instructions, for people to follow. With the proper amount of awareness, a hurricane need not create the fear some people associate with the storm. Preparation before hurricane season and before storm arrival is the key to seeing a hurricane through safely. Remember, a hurricane consists of two factors, wind and water. Both of these hazardous conditions can be reduced by being prepared.
- Restock your emergency supplies, such as batteries, flashlights, and nonperishable foods. Make sure you have a portable battery operated radio in good working condition.
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Check soundness of roof.
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Clean gutters and downspouts.
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Remove dead branches from trees and trim shrubs.
If your home is well constructed and local authorities have not called for evacuation, stay home and make emergency preparations.
- Make sure your home is in good condition by making needed repairs as soon as possible.
- Review your property insurance coverage.
- If you have no transportation, make arrangements with a relative, close friend, or neighbor to pick up your family in case you need to evacuate.
- Make arrangements for the safety of your pet and your boat or other recreational vehicle.
- Have gasoline in your car.
- Have an adequate supply of drinking water on hand.
- Refill prescription medications.
- Secure loose objects in your yard.
If evacuation announcements tell you to leave your home, due to a hurricane or tornado warning, go to the closest shelter or evacuation route. If is important to stay informed about the shelters and evacuation routes in your vicinity. If staying in a home… -Turn your refrigerator to maximum cold and open only when necessary. -Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities. -Turn off propane tanks. -Unplug small appliances. – Fill bathtub and large containers with water for sanitary purposes. Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway. Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors. If you are in a two-story house, go to an interior first-floor room, such as a bathroom or closet. If you are in a multiple-story building and away from the water, go to the first or second floors and take refuge in the halls or other interior rooms away from windows. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object. The citizens that live in houses that are not safe, would be take to secure shelters, provided by the government.
Short terms plans After the hurricane pass, many houses and buildings are destroyed or damaged. Unfortunately, people belongings can be lost, mainly their precarious houses. So it is primal to repair them, so they can return to them. The government has to ensure that water, energy, food… is supplied to every house. The health services has to attend every affected.
Long term plans After the basic needs are overcome, we have to look forward to reparations of buildings, so the areas affected can be reactivated. But the capital to invest is really low, because the government has no founds, so it is essential to ask for help, to neighbor countries, or to developed nations, which can provide facilities, such as raw materials, food…
Who might help us?
The United Nations, logically can provides us help. One of it’s objective is to help countries which has suffered from Natural Hazards. Developed countries, can contribute with founds, raw materials, or technology. So that in further situations, we can prevent our community earlier about the storm. There are organizations such as the Red Cross, ACNUR (Alto Comisionado de Naciones Unidas para Refugiados) that are specifically biased for helping refugees.
Secondary Sources:
- National Geographic, November 1999
- www.hurricane.accuweather.com
- www.hurricane.weathercenter.com
- www.nnvl.noaa.gov
- www.worldhurricanes.com
Autor:
Juji Martinez Novello