Using case studies from DCs and LDCs, assess the impacts of tropical cyclones in these countries.

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Using case studies from DCs and LDCs, assess the impacts of tropical cyclones in these countries. (16 marks)

The impacts of tropical cyclones are determined by a number of climatic, geographical as well as socio-economic factors. The higher the intensity of tropical cyclones, the greater the potential damage. Certain geographical areas as well as certain landscapes are more susceptible and vulnerable to cyclones of high intensity. However, the presence of effective mitigation plan can greatly reduce the severity of damage. Due to the absence of such mitigation plan, developing countries are usually affected more severely, with higher number of casualties and greater damage to lives and economy.

The impact of tropical cyclones on developing countries can be very significant in terms of the detrimental aspects. The lack of proper structural measures, poorly built houses and absence of coordinated public warning and evacuation system are key reasons. As a result, fatalities are high and effects on economy can be crippling.

Bangladesh is a frequent target of tropical cyclones. Its vulnerability to destruction from tropical cyclones lies much on the fact that it is a bowl shaped alluvial plain and much of the country lies only a few feet above sea level. The 1991 Bangladesh Cyclone (category 5) resulted in 138,000 deaths and much destruction. The cyclone resulted in a storm surge of over 20 feet high. The low elevation of much of coastal Bangladesh allowed this surge to reach extremely far inland and hence caused much damage.

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Although there are cyclone shelters, many had just a few hours of warning and did not know where to go for shelter. Others who knew about the storm refused to evacuate because they did not believe the storm would be as bad as forecasted. Houses were of poor quality and most were not able to withstand the storm. As a result, approximately 1 million homes were destroyed, leaving about 10 million people (a substantial portion of Bangladesh's population) homeless. Whole villages were swept away. For an additional 3-4 weeks after the storm had dissipated, mass land erosion resulted in more ...

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