What are Hurricanes?

Farzana Jalil

Hurricanes are violent tropical storms, an atmospheric movement in which the wind blows spirally round towards a centre of low barometric pressure. They are characterised by very strong winds and torrential rains. Hurricanes kill more than 20,000 people a year. Worldwide, that is more than any other form of natural disaster. A large hurricane can release more energy in one day than all the energy used in a year by the USA.

How are they formed?

Hurricanes develop in tropical areas, over the sea. The sun’s rays heat the air and water, which are more concentrated at or near the equator. The hot air rises up, carrying with it large amounts of water in the form of fine droplets (water vapour). The warm air spirals upwards, leaving an area of calm in the centre, called the ‘eye of the storm.’

This ‘eye’ can be dangerous because as it passes over, people are fooled into thinking that the storm is over, when in fact the worst is still yet to come. This ‘eye’ especially passes overhead after a hurricane roars ashore. The heavy rains and wind of the hurricane are suddenly followed by clear skies and almost an eerie calm. Within an hour or two, however, the ‘eye’ passes and the opposite side of the storm hits, bringing with it the destructive winds and flooding rains again.

The size, or intensity of a storm depends on its wind speed. Hurricanes are graded according to their wind speed and the level of damage they cause.

Before a Hurricane

Well-known signs may forecast hurricanes. First come dull red sunsets, caused by a thin haze of clouds. The air becomes hot and sticky. The barometer is high, and the wind dies. At sea there is a growing swell. As the storm draws near, the barometer drops suddenly, signaling a rapid change from high pressure to low pressure. A rain cloud rushes forward from the horizon. Then ...

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The size, or intensity of a storm depends on its wind speed. Hurricanes are graded according to their wind speed and the level of damage they cause.

Before a Hurricane

People move to higher ground
Supermarkets become packed with people rushing around to buy food, preparing themselves for the coming event.
Roads also become packed with people very anxious to leave and get to their homes.
Radio stations constantly broadcast information (in several different languages).
Factories close
Schools close
People board up their windows trying to avoid the glass smashing, which may fall into their eyes. (This is very dangerous).

To prepare for high winds, it may be a good idea to install hurricane shutters. Make trees more wind resistant by cutting off any damaged limbs. It is also a very good idea to stay indoors, away from the windows.

Decide in advance where you will go if told to evacuate. Keep to hand emergency telephone numbers and road maps. Always listen to the local radio or TV stations for evacuation advice. I f advised to evacuate, leave immediately.

It may be a good idea to assemble a disaster supplies kit:

First Aid Kit

Canned food and tin opener

Three gallons of freshwater per person (to last at least three days)

Sleeping bags

Warm clothing and raincoats

Battery powered radio, torch and spare batteries

Any special items needed for children, the elderly or the disabled.

Effects of hurricanes.

It is very hard to predict exactly where and when a hurricane will hit as it can develop very quickly as well as change its direction and strength. The path taken by a hurricane is called a track.

After A Hurricane

If unfortunate enough, lives are lost.

Landslides flood

In one event, 45 people sheltering in a school were killed when it was washed away by floodwater caused by the heavy rain.

Bridges and roads are destroyed, making it impossible to provide immediate help.

Hundreds and thousands of people left homeless.

It is worse if people don’t have insurance against such a disaster.

Huge areas of crops that provide food and an income are ruined.

Electricity and water supplies get cut off but radio stations continue to broadcast information and warnings.

What do we do afterwards?

The first step after a Hurricane occurs is to organise immediate relief for the people in the area. Boats, rafts and helicopters are used to rescue people and temporary shelters need to be set up to care for the homeless.

Often floods, by interfering with river sewage disposal and contaminating city water supplies, increase the danger of epidemics. Then whole communities sometimes have to be protected against diseases by things like immunisation. If the flood cuts off all the usual means of transportation, helicopters can carry necessary supplies to the isolated regions.

The cost of rebuilding ruined homes, public building s and factories is enormous. It takes a lot of money to restock farms and replant crops. The government can help by offering loans, especially to those who hadn’t been insured. For future safety, it might be a good idea to build something like an underground shelter. It might cost quite a bit but should be worth it, if it prevents from as many lives being lost next time.