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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