Open Elective

Disaster Management
By: Deoyani Joshi

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Disaster Management General
• Analysis requires deep scrutiny by Measurement, Recording and
Calculation
• Assessment is comparison to a standard or between 2 scenarios
• Analysis is more Precise
• Assessment is general compared to Analysis

Disaster Management

Principles of Disaster Management

• General Principles
• Ethical principles applied prior to disasters
• The ethical principles applied during disasters
• The ethical principles applied after disasters

Disaster Management

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 General Principles of Disaster Management
• Solidarity
• Joint responsibility
• Non-discrimination
• Humanity
• Impartiality
• Neutrality
• Co-operation;
• Territorial sovereignty;
• Prevention; and
• Role of the media.

Disaster Management

Ethical Principles applied Prior to Disasters

1. Introduction of prevention measures
2. The importance of a good quality healthy environment
3. Education, training and awareness-raising about resilience to disasters
4. Prior information
5. Participation
6. Freedom of expression
7. Access to justice
8. Disaster prevention at the workplace
9. Disaster prevention in recreation and tourist areas
10. Disaster prevention in public places, particularly schools and hospitals
11. Special prevention measures for the most vulnerable groups
12. Organisation of and participation in emergency drills

Disaster Management

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 Ethical Principles applied During to Disasters
1. Humanitarian assistance;
2. Information and participation during disasters;
3. Compulsory evacuation of populations;
4. Respect of dignity;
5. Respect of persons;
6. Emergency assistance for the most vulnerable persons;
7. The importance of rescue workers;
8. Measures to safeguard and rehabilitate the environment; and
9. Necessary measures to safeguard and restore social ties.

[Link]

Disaster Management

Ethical Principles applied After to Disasters

• Strengthening resilience to the effects of disasters;
• Necessary measures;
• Protection of economic, social and cultural rights; and
• Protection of civil and political rights.

Disaster Management 8

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 Role of Mechanical/ Role of Computer Engineers
Mechatronics in Disaster Management
Engineers in Disaster 1. Pre Disaster Phase
Management 2. During Disaster
Phase
Role of Engineers in 3. Response During
Disaster Disaster Phase
Management 4. Post Disaster
Response -
Rehabilitation
5. Mitigation and
Management Policy
Role of Civil Engineers Role of Data Scieentist in Role of EXTC and IT
in Disaster Management Disaster Management Engineers in Disaster
Management

Disaster Management

Disaster Management in India

National Disaster Management Authority
On 23 December 2005, the Government of India enacted the Disaster Management Act, which
envisaged the creation of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), headed by the Prime
Minister, and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) headed by respective Chief
Ministers, to spearhead and implement a holistic and integrated approach to Disaster Management
in India.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), headed by the Prime Minister of India, is the
apex body for Disaster Management in India. Setting up of NDMA and the creation of an enabling
environment for institutional mechanisms at the State and District levels is mandated by the
Disaster Management Act, 2005.
India envisions the development of an ethos of Prevention, Mitigation and Preparedness. The
Indian government strives to promote a national resolve to mitigate the damage and destruction
caused by natural and man-made disasters, through sustained and collective efforts of all
Government agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations and People’s participation. This is
planned to be accomplished by adopting a Technology-Driven, Pro-Active, Multi-Hazard and Multi-
Sectoral strategy for building a Safer, Disaster Resilient and Dynamic India.
Disaster Management

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Disaster Management in India
National Disaster Management Authority
NDMA Vision
"To build a safer and disaster resilient India by a holistic, pro-active, technology driven and
sustainable development strategy that involves all stakeholders and fosters a culture of
prevention, preparedness and mitigation.“

Disaster Management

Disaster Management in India

National Disaster Management Authority - Functions and Responsibilities
NDMA, as the apex body, is mandated to lay down the policies, plans and guidelines for Disaster Management to
ensure timely and effective response to disasters. Towards this, it has the following responsibilities:-
• Lay down policies on disaster management.
• Approve the National Plan.
• Approve plans prepared by the Ministries or Departments of the Government of India in accordance with the
National Plan.
• Lay down guidelines to be followed by the State Authorities in drawing up the State Plan.
• Lay down guidelines to be followed by the different Ministries or Departments of the Government of India for
the Purpose of integrating the measures for prevention of disaster or the mitigation of its effects in their
development plans and projects.
• Coordinate the enforcement and implementation of the policy and plans for disaster management.
• Recommend provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation.
• Provide such support to other countries affected by major disasters as may be determined by the Central
Government.
• Take such other measures for the prevention of disaster, or the mitigation, or preparedness and capacity
building for dealing with threatening disaster situations or disasters as it may consider necessary.
• Lay down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of the National Institute of Disaster Management.
Disaster Management

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Disaster Management in India
NDMA Guidelines – 1of 4
S No. Title Release Date
National Guidelines For Preparation of Action plan – Prevention and Management of Cold
1 Oct-21
Wave and Frost 2021
Simplified Guideline for Earthquake Safety of Building from National Building Code of India
2 May-21
2016
3 Cool Roof : House Owners’ Guide to alternate roof cooling solutions May-21
4 Guidelines on Management of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) Oct-20
Compendium of Task Force Report on NDMA Guidelines on Management of Glacial Lake
4.a Oct-20
Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
4.b Summary for Policy Makers on NDMA Guidelines on Management of GLOFs Oct-20
5 Guidelines for Preparation of Action Plan - Prevention and Management of Heat Wave Oct-19
6 Landslide Risk Management Strategy Sep-19
7 Guidelines on Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction Sep-19
8 Guidelines on Temporary Shelters for Disaster-Affected Families Sep-19
Guidelines on Prevention & Management of Thunderstorm &
9 Mar-19
Lightning/Squall/Dust/Hailstorm & Strong Winds
10 Guidelines on Boat Safety Sep-17

Disaster Management

Disaster Management in India

NDMA Guidelines – 2 of 4
S No. Title Release Date
11 Guidelines on Cultural Heritage Sites and Precincts Sep-17
12 Guidelines on Museums May-17
13 Guidelines on Minimum Standards of Relief Feb-16
14 Guidelines on Hospital Safety Feb-16
15 Guidelines on School Safety Policy Feb-16
16 Guidelines on Seismic Retrofitting of Deficient Buildings and Structures. Jun-14
17 Guidelines on Scaling, Type of Equipment and Training of Fire Services Apr-12
Guidelines on National Disaster Management Information and
18 Feb-12
Communication System
19 Guidelines on Management of Drought Sep-10
20 Guidelines on Management of Urban Flooding Sep-10
11 Guidelines on Cultural Heritage Sites and Precincts Sep-17
12 Guidelines on Museums May-17

Disaster Management

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Disaster Management in India
NDMA Guidelines – 3 of 4
S No. Title Release Date
21 Guidelines on Management of Dead in the Aftermath of Disaster Aug-10
22 Guidelines on Management of Tsunamis Aug-10
23 Guidelines on Incident Response System Jul-10
24 Guidelines on Psycho-Social Support and Mental Health Services in Disasters Dec-09
25 Guidelines on Management of Landslides and Snow Avalanches Jun-09
26 Guidelines on Management of Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies Feb-09
27 Guidelines on Management of Biological Disasters Jul-08
28 Guidelines on Management of Cyclones April 2008
29 Guidelines on Management of Floods Jan-08
30 Guidelines on Medical Preparedness and Mass Casualty Management Oct-07
21 Guidelines on Management of Dead in the Aftermath of Disaster Aug-10
22 Guidelines on Management of Tsunamis Aug-10

Disaster Management

Disaster Management in India

NDMA Guidelines – 4 of 4
S No. Title Release Date
31 Guidelines on Preparation of State Disaster Management Plans Jul-07
32 Guidelines on Chemical Disasters Apr-07
33 Guidelines on Management of Earthquakes Apr-07
31 Guidelines on Preparation of State Disaster Management Plans Jul-07
32 Guidelines on Chemical Disasters Apr-07
33 Guidelines on Management of Earthquakes Apr-07
31 Guidelines on Preparation of State Disaster Management Plans Jul-07
Source: [Link]

Disaster Management

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Disaster Management – Early Warning System
Early warning system is an adaptive measure for climate change, using integrated
communication systems to help communities prepare for hazardous climate-related events.

Four Levels of Early Warning System:

Disaster Management

Disaster Management – Early Warming System

Types of early warning systems
There are various ways of classifying early warning systems.
1. By type of hazard
2. By the level at which it is operated
3. As a single or multi-hazard system

Disaster Management

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Disaster Management – Early Warning System
Types of early warning systems - By Type of Hazard
Early warning systems have been developed and implemented for:
• Geological hazards like tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and landslides
• Hydro-meteorological hazards including severe weather in land and at sea, floods,
droughts, hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones, tornados, cold and heat waves, etc.
• Forest fires
• Biological hazards including insect plagues like locust outbreaks and harmful algae
blooms
• Health hazards including vector-borne diseases, viruses and other types of diseases
• For pests and diseases on crops and livestock

Disaster Management

Disaster Management – Early Warming System

Types of early warning systems - By the level at which it is operated
• Community or people-centred early warning systems, operated at a more local level
by a municipal government or a community. The most typical systems of this kind
address flood.
• National early warning systems operated by a national-level government agency like
a meteorological department, a geological observatory or institute, a health or an
agricultural ministry.
• Regional systems operated at a more regional level. Two examples in this category
are the Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWSNET) operated by the United
States of America in various regions of the world and the European Meteo alarm.
• Global systems operated at the international level by international organizations like
the WHO and FAO.

Disaster Management

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Disaster Management – Early Warming System
• Types of early warning systems - As a single or multi-hazard system
• Single-hazard: Community-operated systems usually address only one type of hazard.
• Multi-hazard: Meteorological departments, ministries of health and agriculture operate
early warning systems address a variety of hazards or cascading hazards.

Disaster Management

Disaster Management – Early Warming System

• Modes of Early Warming Systems
• Mass Notification Systems
• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
• SMS Text Systems
• Outdoor Public Warning Systems

Disaster Management

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Disaster Management – Early Warming System
Modes of Early Warming Systems
Mass Notification Systems

Sends a recorded message to an affected area by matching phone users to a

physical address using landline E-911 data or through opt-in

Limitations: Landline phones use is decreasing, meaning fewer recipients; in some

cases, recipient must opt-in to receive messages; hearing impaired may not
receive the message

Disaster Management

Disaster Management – Early Warming System

Modes of Early Warming Systems
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

• Sends text notification message to all mobile phones in affected geographical

area (i.e. National Weather Service, Amber ALERT, Presidential Alert)
• Connected with Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)
• Disrupts mobile phone’s silent mode to alert recipient of message

Limitations: Message is limited to 360 characters

Disaster Management

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Disaster Management – Early Warming System
Modes of Early Warming Systems
SMS Text Systems

• Sends SMS text message to users through agency database or required opt-
in
• Opt-in available through short code text message or online form
• Can be used for non-emergency communications (community information,
events, etc.)

Limitations: If opt-in required, not all residents will receive alerts

Disaster Management

Disaster Management – Early Warming System

Modes of Early Warming Systems
Outdoor Public Warning Systems

• System of stationary sirens/speakers strategically placed throughout the

community
• May be activated individually or in groups
• Can signal via alert tone or broadcast a specific message
• Opt-in not required

Limitations: Reaches only those within an audible range; ineffective for the
hearing impaired

Disaster Management

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Sample Questions:
Discuss in detail role of ________________engineer in Disaster Management (DM)
Discuss in detail role of ______________________engineer alongwith ____________engineer in DM
Discuss in detail role of ______________________engineer alongwith ____________engineer in DM with
respect to __________phase
Illustrate the type of Disaster on basis of description given
Explain any 1 or 2 of following with relevant example
Hazard Vs Disaster
Analysis Vs Assessment
Vulnerability Vs Risk
Discuss in detail all the illustrated principles of Disaster Management with relevant examples
Discuss in detail Risk associated with __________________
Discuss in detail with relevant example Risk Formula
Discuss in detail with relevant example Progression of Vulnerability
Discuss in detail with relevant example Components Assessing Risk
Discuss in detail with relevant example Risk reduction methods with any one disaster
Discuss in detail with relevant example Risk Mapping
Discuss in detail with relevant example Disaster Level
Discuss in detail with relevant example Phases of Disaster Relief

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Discuss in detail with relevant example (if Applicable)

Disaster Management Cycle
Six Stage Disaster Cycle
Short Term Effects and Long Term Effect wrt Phases
Disaster Preparedness
Rehabilitation post disaster
Role of Media In DM
Disaster Risk Management with relevant Examples
Role of Management Expert
Disaster Paradigm
Cordon Off Zones and Disasters

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• Pre Disaster Phase – Floods
• Making announcements on periodical basis such as hourly or mid daily
• Mock Trainings
• Storage of Daily Necessities
• Emergency Supply
• Shifting to higher elevation
• Construction of Temporary barriers
• Provision of Diversion Works
• Drainage maintenance
• Arrangement of Rescue boats
Pre Disaster Phase ????? Yes/ No Scenarios
• During Disaster Phase - Cyclone
• Response During Disaster Phase
• Post Disaster Response - Rehabilitation
• Mitigation and Management Policy

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Earthquakes
Disaster Management

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Earthquake
• Earthquakes constitute one of the worst natural hazards which often
turn into disaster causing widespread destruction and loss to human
life. The effects of earthquake vary upon the magnitude and intensity.
Earthquakes occur every now and then all round the world, except in
some places where earthquakes occur rarely. The devastation of cities
and towns is one of the effects of earthquake.

Definition
• An Earthquake is the result of
a sudden release of energy
in the earth’s crust that
creates seismic waves. The
seismic activity of an area
refers to the frequency, type
and size of earthquakes
experienced over a period of
time

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Example
For example: If you throw stone in a
pond of still water, series of waves are
produced on the surface of water, these
waves spread out in all directions from
the point where the stone strikes the
water. similarly, any sudden
disturbances in the earth’s crust may
produce vibration in the crust which
travel in all direction from point of
disturbances.

Terms
• Focus(Hypocenter): Focus is the point
on the fault where rupture occurs and
the location from which seismic waves
are released.
• Epicenter: Epicenter is the point on
the earth’s surface that is directly
above the focus ,the point where an
earthquake or underground explosion
originates.

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 Terms
• Fault Line: A Fault line is the surface trace of
a fault, the line of intersection between the
earth’s surface.
• Fault plane: Fault plane are the cracks or
sudden slips of the land .
• Fault Scrap: A Fault scrap is the topographic
expression of faulting attributed to the
displacement of the land surface by
movement along faults.

Classification of Faults
• Normal fault: a dip-slip fault in which
the block above the fault has moved
downward relative to the block
below.
• Thrust (reverse)fault: a dip-slip fault
in which the upper block, above the
fault plane, moves up and over the
lower block.

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Classification of Faults
• Strike-slip fault: A left-lateral strike-slip fault : It is
one on which the displacement of the far block is
to the left when viewed from either side. A right-
lateral strike-slip fault: It is one on which the
displacement of the far block is to the right when
viewed from either side.

Causes of Earthquakes
General Causes:
• The primary cause of an earthquake is faults on the crust of the earth. “A
Fault is a break or fracture b/w two blocks of rocks in response to stress.”
• This movement may occur rapidly, in the form of an earthquake or may
occur slowly, in the form of creep.
• Earth scientists use the angle of the fault with respect to the surface (known
as the dip) and the direction of slip along the fault to classify faults.
Major causes
1. Surface causes
2. Volcanic causes
3. Tectonic causes
Surface cause: Great explosions, landslides, slips on steep coasts, dashing of sea
waves , avalanches , railway trains, heavy trucks, some large engineering projects
cause minor tremors. some of them are man made, other are natural.

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Causes of Earthquakes
Surface cause: Great explosions, landslides, slips on steep coasts,
dashing of sea waves , avalanches , railway trains, heavy trucks, some
large engineering projects cause minor tremors. some of them are
man made, other are natural.
Volcanic cause: Volcanic eruptions produce earthquakes.
Earthquakes may precede, accompany and frequently follow volcanic
eruptions. They are caused by sudden displacements of lava within or
beneath the earth crust. There are two general categories of
earthquakes that can occur at a volcano: volcano-tectonic
earthquakes long period earthquakes.

Causes of Earthquakes
Volcanic cause: Volcanic eruptions
produce earthquakes. Earthquakes may
precede, accompany and frequently
follow volcanic eruptions. They are
caused by sudden displacements of lava
within or beneath the earth crust.
There are two general categories of
earthquakes that can occur at a volcano:
volcano-tectonic earthquakes
long period earthquakes.

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 Major causes
1. Surface causes
2. Volcanic causes
3. Tectonic causes

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Seismic Waves
During release of large energy because of earthquakes seismic
waves travels in all directions through the earths layers. These
layers are of two types
1. Body Waves
2. Surface Waves

Body Waves are further classified as

1. Primary Waves (P waves)
2. Secondary Waves (S waves)
3. Long Waves (L waves)

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Recording of Earthquake:
A seismograph is a device for measuring the movement of the
earth, and consists of a ground- motion detection sensor, called
a seismometer, coupled with a recording system.

Seismographs operate on the principle of inertia

Seismometers used in earthquake studies are highly sensitive

to ground movements, so that movements as small as
1/10,000,000 centimeters (distances almost as small as atomic
spacing) can be detected at very quiet sites.

Modern research seismometers are electronic, and detect and

record motions in all directions.
Seismograph has three main components
1. Sensor
2. Recorder
3. Timer

Earthquake Magnitude
Magnitude is the physical size of the earthquake (see cross-
section below), the length (L) x the width (W) x the slip (D). An
earthquake has a single magnitude. The shaking that it causes
has many values that vary from place to place based on
distance, type of surface material, and other factors. See the
Intensity section below for more details on shaking intensity
measurements.

Types of Magnitudes

Magnitude is expressed in whole numbers and decimal fractions. For example, a magnitude 5.3 is a moderate
earthquake, and a 6.3 is a strong earthquake. Because of the logarithmic basis of the scale, each whole number
increase in magnitude represents a tenfold increase in measured amplitude as measured on a seismogram.

In 1935 that Charles F. Richter, a seismologist at the California Institute of Technology, introduced the concept of
earthquake magnitude.

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Magnitude (MW) is based on physical properties of the
earthquake derived from an analysis of all the waveforms
recorded from the shaking. First the seismic moment is
computed, and then it is converted to a magnitude designed to
be roughly equal to the Richter Scale in the magnitude range
where they overlap.
Moment (MO) = rigidity x area x slip
where rigidity is the strength of the rock along the fault, area is
the area of the fault that slipped, and slip is the distance the
Cross-section showing the fault area and
fault moved. Thus, stronger rock material, or a larger area, or
the values that are used to compute
more movement in an earthquake will all contribute to produce
the seismic moment. (Public domain.)
a larger magnitude.
Then,
Moment Magnitude (MW) = 2/3 log10(MO) - 10.7

Earthquake Intensity
The effect of an earthquake on the Earth's surface is called the intensity.

The intensity scale consists of a series of certain key responses such as people awakening, movement of
furniture, damage to chimneys, and finally - total destruction. Although numerous intensity scales have been
developed over the last several hundred years to evaluate the effects of earthquakes, the one currently used
in the United States is the Modified Mercalli (MM) Intensity Scale. It was developed in 1931 by the American
seismologists Harry Wood and Frank Neumann. This scale, composed of increasing levels of intensity that
range from imperceptible shaking to catastrophic destruction, is designated by Roman numerals. It does not
have a mathematical basis; instead it is an arbitrary ranking based on observed effects.

The Modified Mercalli Intensity value assigned to a specific site after an earthquake has a more meaningful
measure of severity to the nonscientist than the magnitude because intensity refers to the effects actually
experienced at that place.

The lower numbers of the intensity scale generally deal with the manner in which the earthquake is felt by
people. The higher numbers of the scale are based on observed structural damage. Structural engineers
usually contribute information for assigning intensity values of VIII or above.

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Classification of Earthquakes
Earthquakes are classified on a no. Of basis. Of these the depth of focus, the cause of origin and intensity are
important.
a) Depth of focus:
Three classes of earthquakes are recognized on this basis, shallow, intermediate and deep seated. In the
shallow earthquakes the depth of focus lies anywhere up to 50 km below the surface. The intermediate
earthquakes originate between 50 and 300 km depth below the surface.
b) Cause of origin:
i) Tectonic earthquakes are originated due to relative movements of crystal block on faulting, commonly,
earthquakes are of this type.
ii) Non tectonic earthquakes: that owes their origin to causes distinctly different from faulting, such as
earthquakes arising due to volcanic eruptions or landslides.

C) Intensity as basis:

Initially a scale of earthquakes intensity with ten divisions was given by Rossi and ferel. Which was based on
the sensation of the people and the damage caused. However it was modified by Mercalli and later by wood
and Neumann.

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 Seismic Hazards
A seismic hazard is the probability that an earthquake will occur in a given geographic area, within a given
window of time, and with ground motion intensity exceeding a given threshold.
• Ground Shaking
• Structural Hazards
• Liquefaction
• Lateral Spreading
• Landslides
• Lifeline Failure
• Tsunami and Seiche Hazards
Seismic hazard is the hazard associated with potential earthquakes in a particular area, and a seismic hazard
map shows the relative hazards in different areas. The maps are made by considering what we currently know
about:
• Past faults and earthquakes
• The behavior of seismic waves as they travel through different parts of the U.S. crust
• The near-surface site conditions at specific locations of interest

Hazard maps can be used for land-use planning, mitigation, and emergency response.

Zones of Earthquakes
• Zone - II: This is said to be the least
active seismic zone.
• Zone - III: It is included in the moderate
seismic zone.
• Zone - IV: This is considered to be the
high seismic zone.
• Zone - V: It is the highest seismic zone.

The earthquake zoning map of India

divides India into 4 seismic zones Based
on the observations of the affected area
due to Earthquake India divided into four
types of zones:

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Earthquakes Predictions
Earthquake prediction is usually defined as the specification of the time , location , and magnitude
of a future earthquake within stated limits. But some evidence of upcoming Earthquake are
following:
• Unusual animal behavior
• Water level in wells
• Large scale of fluctuation of oil flow from oil wells
• Foreshocks or minor shocks before major earthquake
• Temperature change
• Uplifting of earth surface
• Change in seismic wave velocity

Earthquakes Effects
• Loss of life and property
• Damage to transport system i.e. roads, railways, highways, airports, marine
• Damage to infrastructure.
• Chances of Floods – Develop cracks in Dams

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Earthquakes Disaster Management Cycle
Do’s and Donts for

Earthquakes Disaster Management Cycle

Warning Systems

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 Soil Liquefaction

Landslide

Ground Rupture

Extensive Shaking

Disaster Management – Cyclones

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Cyclones - Definition
Cyclone is a region of low atmospheric pressure surrounded by high atmospheric pressure resulting in
swirling atmospheric disturbance accompanied by powerful winds blowing in anticlockwise direction
in the Northern Hemisphere and in the clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere. They occur
mainly in the tropical and temperate regions of the world.

Cyclones - Definition
• Cyclone refers to any spinning storm that rotates around a low-pressure centre.
• Closed low-level atmospheric circulation, strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce
a heavy rain.
• Cyclones are characterised by inward spiral winds that rotate about a zone of low air pressure
• Warm core cyclones such as tropical cyclones and subtropical cyclones are lie within the synoptic scale
• Mesocyclones, tornadoes are lie within the smaller mesoscale
• Cyclones are also seen on the extra terrestrial planets. Such as Mars, Neptune.
• Cyclones form due to latent heat driven by significant thunderstorm activity

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Cyclones - Names
Cyclones are known by different names in different parts of the world:
• Typhoons in the Northwest Pacific Ocean west of the dateline
• Hurricanes in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Northeast Pacific Ocean east of the dateline, or
• the South Pacific Ocean.
• Tropical cyclones ‐ the Southwest Pacific Ocean and Southeast Indian Ocean.
• Severe cyclonic storm (the North Indian Ocean)
• Tropical cyclone (the Southwest Indian Ocean)
• Willie‐Willie in Australia
• Tornado in South America

Cyclones – Types
The term 'cyclone' actually refers to several different types of storms. They occur in different places,
and some occur over land while others occur over water. What they all have in common is that they
are spinning storms rotating around that low ‐pressure center.
• Tropical Cyclone
Tropical cyclones are what most people are familiar with because these are cyclones that occur over the
tropical ocean regions. Hurricanes and typhoons are actually types of tropical cyclones, but they have
different names so that it’s clear where that storm is occurring. Hurricanes are found in the Atlantic and
Northeast pacific, typhoons are found in Northwest pacific.
• Polar Cyclone
Polar cyclones are cyclones that occur in polar region like Greenland, Siberia and Antarctica. Unlike
tropical cyclones, Polar Cyclones are usually stronger in winter months.
• Meso Cyclone
Mesocyclone is a cyclone that occurs when part of a thunderstorm cloud starts to spin, which may
eventually lead to a tornado. 'Meso' means 'middle’.

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Cyclones – General Characteristics
Tropical Cyclones are climatological phenomena that occur across the globe. They have certain
characteristics that distinguish it from other atmospheric disturbances. These are:
The foremost characteristic is that Tropical Cyclones are most violent, most awesome and most disastrous
of all the atmospheric disturbances.
The average speed is 120 kmph. Although it may vary from 32 kmph to 200 kmph or more. At times it
reaches 400 kmph also.
They have closed isobars. The pressure gradient is very sharp. More closely spaced isobars represents
greater velocity of the storm and vice-versa. The pressure at the center is extremely low. The winds from
the surrounding area are drawn towards this low-pressure core called the "eye" of the cyclone.
Tropical cyclones develop over oceans and seas only. They are most violent and vigorous over water.
On landfall, their velocity decreases due to friction, and as the source of energy is cut off, they dissipate
soon. Thus they affect the coastal areas only.
The movement of tropical cyclone is affected by the prevailing wind system. Normally they move from
east to west under the influence of trade winds.
They are seasonal in nature and occur during a specific period of the year only.

Cyclones – General Characteristics

Cyclones in India are moderate in nature. Some of the general characteristics of a cyclone are:
1. Strong winds
2. Exceptional rain
3. Storm surge

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Cyclones – General Characteristics
Cyclones in India are moderate in nature. Some of the general characteristics of a cyclone are:

Category Wind Gusts Ocean Swells Damage

upto 125kmph -
1 Gales 1.2 to 1.6m Slight Damage Trees and Farmland Damaged
Minor House damage, Sever
126 to 169 kmph - damage to signs and trees, heavy
2 Destructive 1.7 to 2.5 m Significant Damage damage to crops
170 to 224 kmph - House roofs and most likely
3 Very Destructive 2.6 to 3.7m structural damage power failures

225 to 279 kmph - 3.8 to 5.4m significant roofing Air borne debris, widespread
4 Very Destructive and structural damage power failure

above 280 kmph - More than 5.5m almost total

extremely destruction and extremely
5 destructive dangerous Houses flattened, Cars overturned

Cyclones – Development - Formation

The development of a
cyclone covers three stages
namely
1. Formation and initial
development state
2. Fully matured
3. Weakening or decay

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Cyclones – Components
1. Eye of Cyclone
2. Descending Air
3. Warm, Moist Air
4. Eye Wall

Cyclones – Indian Scenario

Indian Cyclones
1971 Eastern Coast 9658
Cyclones vary in frequency in
various parts of the world. The 1972 Andhra Pradesh and Orissa 100
7516.6 kilometers long Indian
coastline is 1977 Chennai, Kerala & Andhra Pradesh 14,204

the earth’s most cyclone battered 1979 Andhra Pradesh 594

stretch of the world. Around 8 per
cent of the total land area in India 1981 Gujarat 470
is prone to cyclones. About 1982 Gujarat & Maharashtra 500
two‐third of the cyclones that occur
in the Indian coastline occur in the 1984 Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh 512
Bay
1985 Andhra Pradesh 5000
of Bengal. The states which are
generally affected in the east coast 1990 Andhra Pradesh 957
are West‐Bengal, Orissa, Andhra
1990 Orissa 250
Pradesh; Tamil Nadu and on the
west coast Gujarat, Maharashtra, 1999 Orissa 8913
Goa, Karnataka and Kerala.

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Cyclones – Indian Scenario - Distribution
Volume Displacement
Theory

High Population
Density along the
coastline

More Obstacles for

Wind deviation

Cyclones – Effects
• Tropical cyclones cause heavy rainfall and landslides.
• They cause a lot of harm to towns and villages, causing severe damage to kuccha houses.
• Coastal businesses like shipyards and oil wells are destroyed.
• They harm the ecosystem of the surrounding region.
• Civic facilities are disturbed.
• Agricultural land is severely affected, especially in terms of water supply and soil erosion.
• It causes harm to human, plant and animal life.
• Communication systems are badly affected due to cyclones.

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Cyclones – Adverse Effects
• Casualties and Public Health
• Water Supplies
• Crop and Food Supplies
• Communication

Cyclones – Warnings
• First Stage - Pre Cyclone - Watch - Before 72 Hours
• Second Stage - Cyclone Alerts - Before 48 hours
• Third Stage - Cyclone Warning - Before 24 Hours
• Fourth Stage - Post Landfall outlook - Before 12 hours

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Cyclones – Pre Cyclone
• Emergency Supplies – Food, Medicines, First Aid, Batteries etc.
• Shift to Safe Areas
• Stay away from brittle objects like window glass etc
• Prevent moving out of homes
• Prepare for Power Failures
• Backup Communication modes for local communication

Cyclones – Protect during cyclone

• If you are in car remain in the car, stop driving.
• Move away from electric poles, trees, etc.
• Close doors & windows switch off electric appliances and stay in home.
• Keep a note of all the warnings given by the Meteorological Department.
• Keep emergency phone numbers of police, ambulance and fire brigade
handy.
• Move people and valuable items to a safe place.

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Cyclones – Management and Mitigation – General
• Coastal areas should be well prepared to meet eventualities that arise from cyclones.
• Houses should be constructed such that they can withstand the heavy rainfall and forceful winds.
• Shelter beds should be created to check soil erosion and speed of winds.
• Remote sensing techniques should be used to forecast cyclones appropriately.
• When a cyclone does occur, rescue and relief operations should be in place.
Possible Risk Reduction Measures:
• Coastal Belt Plantation
• Hazard Mapping
• Land use control
• Engineered Structures
• Flood Management
• Improving Vegetation Cover

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