The role of Geography student in Disaster Management
S.Mohanaraj
Special in GeographyDepartment of Geography
SOUTH EASTERN UNIVERSITY OF SRI LANKA
CYCLONE
CONTENTS What is disaster
Types of disaster
Definitions of cyclone
Cyclone's are named variously in various regions
Before the cyclone
When the cyclone hit
After the cyclone
What is disaster management
Role of the geography student in disaster management
S.Mohanaraj
WHAT IS DISASTER
Disaster is a sudden, calamitous event bringing great damage, loss, destruction and devastation to life and property.
WHO defines Disaster as "any occurrence, that causes damage, ecological disruption, loss of human life, deterioration of health and health services, on a scale sufficient to warrant an extraordinary response from outside the affected community or area
“a serious disruption of the functioning of society, causing widespread human, material or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the affected society to cope using its own resources”
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TYPES OF DISASTER
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DEFINITIONS OF CYCLONETropical Cyclones are low pressure systems which develop in the tropics, in the southern hemisphere.
They are sufficiently intense to produce sustained gale force winds of at least 63 km/h on average that rotates in clockwise circulations.
The National Weather Service defines a tropical cyclone as "a rotating system of clouds and thunderstorms that originated over tropical or sub-tropical areas."
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CYCLONE'S ARE NAMED VARIOUSLY IN VARIOUS REGIONS
A tropical cyclone is the general term
for violent circular winds with
torrential rains that originate in
the tropics.
Hurricanes is the term when they occur
in the Atlantic Ocean
They are called typhoons in the Pacific
Ocean.
They are called cyclones in the Indian
Ocean.S.Mohanaraj
BEFORE THE CYCLONE Keep watch on weather and listen to
radio or TV. Keep alert about the community
warning systems – loudspeakers, bells, drums or any traditional warning system.
Get to know the nearest cyclone shelter
Prepare an emergency kit containing Keep important documents,
passbook, etc. in a tight plastic bag and take it along with your emergency kits if you are evacuating
Keep a list of emergency addresses and phone numbers on display. Know the contact telephone number of the government offices /agencies, which are responsible for search, rescue and relief operations in your area.
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WHEN THE CYCLONE HIT Disconnect all electrical
appliances and turn off gas. If the building starts crumbling,
protect yourself with mattresses, rugs or blankets under a strong table or bench or hold on to a solid fixture (e.g. a water pipe)
Listen to your transistor radio for updates and advice.
Beware of the calm `eye’. If the wind suddenly drops, don’t assume the cyclone is over; violent winds will soon resume from the opposite direction. Wait for the official “all clear”.
If driving, stop – but well away from the sea and clear of trees, power lines and watercourses. Stay in the vehicle. S.Mohanaraj
AFTER THE CYCLONE Do not go outside until
officially advised it is safe. Check for gas leaks. Do not
use electric appliances, if wet.
Listen to local radio for official warnings and advice.
If you have to evacuate, or did so earlier, do not return until advised. Use a recommended route for returning and do not rush.
Be careful of snake bites and carry a stick or bamboo
Beware of fallen power lines, damaged bridges
Heed all warnings and do not got sightseeing.
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ROLE OF THE GEOGRAPHY STUDENT IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Monitoring the natural Disaster Knowledge on first aid, rescue and
evacuation. Help in the preparation of the
school disaster contingency plan. Aware the parents and community
on various types of hazards and what are the preparedness measures to be taken.
Plantation in the school premises. Boosting the morale of the
community after the disaster. Senior students can help villagers in
preparing the Village Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan.
The students can be volunteers in the first-aid team, Rescue and Evacuation team, early warning team in their village
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