Disaster Risk Management. Cyclone Pam: 'Monster' storm that devastated the South Pacific island of Vanuatu”

Introduction WHAT IS A CYCLONE? A cyclone can be characterised as a large- scale, atmospheric wind-and-pressure system characterized by low pressure at its centre and by circular wind motion Cyclones are a common phenomena pver the south pacific The need for preparedness upon being stricken by a cyclone needs to be brought into practise due to the nature of cyclones

Overview Review Overview on cyclone pam Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam struck Vanuatu as an extremely destructive category 5 cyclone on the evening of 13 Mar 2015, causing serious damage to infrastructure and leaving debris strewn across the capital. (OCHA, 15 Mar 2015)OCHA, 15 Mar 2015 As of 26 Mar, the storm had affected around 166,000 people on 22 islands who are in need of some form of humanitarian assistance. Approximately 15,000 homes have been reported to be destroyed or damaged throughout the provinces of Penama, Malampa, Shefa and Tafea, and 75,000 are in need of emergency shelter. (OCHA, 26 Mar 2015)OCHA, 26 Mar 2015

Statistical analysis of deaths The death toll indicates that a total of 24 innocent lives were lost in the devastating cyclone

Lessons learnt from this disaster From this cyclone it is certain that: Mangroves plantations along the coast and the thick tree cover on the hills are needed to protect the islands that walls, roofs and eaves need to be secured and treetops and branches should be clear of any structures and preferably fit shutters/metal screens to all glass areas If this had been done before hand many lives would have been safe

Know your surroundings In case of storm surge/tide, or other flooding, know your nearest safe high ground and the safest access routes Keep a list of emergency phone numbers heck with local authorities and/or management for evacuation procedures

Cyclone kit Portable battery radio Torch and spare batteries Water containers, dried or canned food & can opener Matches, fuel lamp, portable stove, cooking and eating equipment First aid kit and manual T ape & waterproof bags Store somewhere safe and handy

Before a cyclone Before a Cyclone Disconnect all electrical appliances. Listen to your battery radio for updates Stay inside and shelter (well clear of windows) in the strongest part of the building, i.e. cellar, internal hallway or bathroom. Keep evacuation and emergency kits with you If the building starts to break up, protect yourself with mattresses, rugs or blankets under a strong table or bench or hold onto a solid fixture, e.g. a water pipe Beware the calm 'eye'. If the wind drops, don't assume the cyclon e is over; violent winds will soon resume from another direction. Wait for the official 'all clear' If driving, stop (handbrake on and in gear) - but well away from the sea and clear of trees, power lines and streams. Stay in the vehicle

After a cyclone After a Cyclone Wait for the official all-clear. Don't go outside until officially advised it is safe Check for gas leaks. Don't use electrical appliances if wet If the building starts to break up, protect yourself with mattresses, rugs or blankets under a strong table or bench or hold onto a solid fixture, e.g. a water pipe If you have to evacuate, or did so earlier, don't return until advised. Use a recommended route and don't rush Beware of damaged power lines, bridges, buildings, trees, and don't enter floodwaters Heed all warnings and don't go sightseeing Don't make unnecessary telephone calls

Conclusion Cyclones are deadly affairs and the nature of them can be predicted to an extent but the severity of the damages caused can not be definite. Disaster risk management during and after cyclones need to be brought into practise to ensure the safety of people. If need be people need to be prepared for cyclones as it can be deadly. Precautions need to be taken to ensure safety and welfare of people

References (n.d.). Retrieved may 27th, 2015, from e/