Natural Hazards & their Mitigations- 2 | People, Development and Environment for UGC NET PDF Download

Cyclones

Cyclones are spinning storms that revolve around a low-pressure center, unleashing terrifying energy with wind speeds ranging from 120 to 200 km/h. 

CycloneThese storms are often accompanied by thunder, lightning, and heavy rainfall. Cyclones predominantly occur in tropical and temperate regions and can cause extensive damage.

Effects of Cyclones

• Damage to Infrastructure: Cyclones can severely damage buildings, communication systems, and installations.
• Environmental Impact: Heavy rains lead to large-scale soil erosion, weakening embankments and causing floods.
• Health Hazards: Flooding from cyclones can contaminate water supplies, leading to waterborne diseases.
• Geographical Impact: Coastal regions, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal, experience maximum damage.

Cyclones are known by different names worldwide:

• Typhoons in the South China Sea.
• Depressions or storms in the Bay of Bengal.
• Willy-willy in Australia.
• Tornadoes are a variant typically found in the USA.

Mitigation of Cyclones

• Wave Reduction Structures: Building structures along the coast can help reduce wave fury.
• Mangrove Planting: Mangroves act as natural barriers against waves and storms.
• Early Warning Systems: Installing early warning systems can provide timely information about cyclone development and movement.
• Construction Measures: Building cyclone-resistant houses and relocating people from high-risk areas.
• Wind Breakers: Planting belts of trees to reduce wind velocity.

Floods

Floods refer to the temporary inundation of normally dry land by water or mudflow, commonly caused by heavy rainfall when natural water bodies cannot handle excess water. 

FloodCoastal areas are particularly susceptible due to storm surges from tropical cyclones.

Mitigation of Floods

• Afforestation: Planting trees to reduce the frequency and intensity of floods.
• Embankments and Dykes: Building structures to prevent water from overflowing onto land.
• Monitoring and Warning Systems: Monitoring river water flow and issuing timely warnings to evacuate high-risk areas.
• Preparedness and Communication: Establishing good communication networks and preparedness plans to mitigate flood damage.

Droughts

Droughts occur when there is a significant shortfall in rainfall over a season or period, insufficient to meet the needs of humans, animals, and agriculture.

DroughtThis leads to drying up of water bodies and a reduction in crop yields.

Mitigation of Droughts

• Rainfall Monitoring: Regularly monitoring rainfall and water levels in reservoirs, lakes, and rivers.
• Efficient Irrigation: Implementing efficient irrigation methods and planting low-water-consuming crops.
• Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater to increase water availability.

Cloudbursts

A cloudburst is an extreme precipitation event over a short period, often accompanied by hail and thunder, capable of causing flood conditions. 

CloudburstThe term originated from the idea that clouds burst like water balloons, releasing rapid precipitation. Uttarakhand is notably affected by cloudbursts, leading to severe rainfall, flooding, landslides, and fatalities.

Mitigation of Cloudbursts

• Canal Systems: Building canals integrated with sewer systems to manage excess rainfall.
• Climate Adaptation: Implementing strategies to cope with climate change impacts and setting acceptable flooding limits on streets.
• Early Warning Systems: Establishing systems to provide early warnings of imminent cloudbursts.

Additional Information on Natural Disasters

Cyclone Preparedness

• Evacuation Plans: Developing and practicing evacuation plans for communities in cyclone-prone areas.
• Public Awareness: Educating the public on cyclone safety measures and preparedness.

Flood Control Techniques

• Flood Barriers: Using removable flood barriers for temporary protection.
• Water Storage: Constructing reservoirs to store excess rainwater and reduce flood risk.

Drought Management

• Water Conservation: Promoting water conservation practices to preserve water resources.
• Drought-resistant Crops: Researching and developing crops that can withstand drought conditions.

Cloudburst Management

• Land Use Planning: Implementing land use planning to avoid construction in flood-prone areas.
• Emergency Response: Enhancing emergency response capabilities to deal with the aftermath of cloudbursts.

By understanding these natural disasters and implementing effective mitigation strategies, we can significantly reduce their impact on human life and property