hazards of tropical cyclones Flashcards
(29 cards)
What are the maximum wind speeds in tropical cyclones?
Up to 250 km/h.
What damage can high winds cause in a cyclone?
Uproot trees, damage infrastructure and buildings, cause injury and death.
How does intense rainfall create hazards?
It causes flash flooding that can damage property and harm people.
What is a storm surge?
A rise in sea level caused by low pressure and strong winds pushing seawater inland.
What are the effects of storm surges?
Beach erosion, damage to sea defences, contamination of farmland and freshwater.
How can coastal flooding occur during a cyclone?
From intense rainfall and storm surges, affecting low-lying land and tourism.
Why do landslides occur during tropical cyclones?
Saturated soil on steep slopes can no longer stay in place and slides down.
What are primary effects of a tropical cyclone?
Immediate impacts like high winds, heavy rain, flooding, and storm surges.
What are secondary effects of a tropical cyclone?
Effects that occur after the storm, such as homelessness, disease, and food shortages.
What infrastructure is often damaged in cyclones?
: Buildings, roads, railways, ports, and airports.
What happens when electricity lines are damaged?
Power loss to hospitals, homes, and emergency services.
What’s a risk when gas lines break?
Fires and explosions.
What happens when sewage systems overflow?
Water contamination and spread of disease.
What are the effects of river and coastal flooding?
: Drowning, destruction of crops and livestock, habitat loss, and potential famine.
What are housing-related secondary effects?
Homelessness, poverty, illness, and mental distress.
How does infrastructure damage affect aid?
Damaged roads prevent emergency services from reaching people.
What are the economic effects of business damage?
Job losses and loss of income for owners and workers.
How can floodwater cause health risks?
Through contaminated water leading to illness or death.
What are physical factors that increase vulnerability?
Low-lying coastlines, steep slopes, and high storm frequency.
Why are frequently hit areas more vulnerable?
Less time to recover between storms, compounding damage.
How does low economic development increase vulnerability?
Fewer resources to prepare, respond, or rebuild after a storm.
Why are repair costs a challenge for some countries?
They may lack insurance or access to aid.
Why can wealthier countries still suffer large economic losses?
Their infrastructure is more complex and expensive to repair.
Why are elderly and young people more at risk?
They may struggle to evacuate or access emergency services.
