HurricanesHurricanes

What can be done ?What can be done ?

Remember to contrast MEDC Remember to contrast MEDC & LEDC responses& LEDC responses

RememberRemember

• PredictionPrediction

• PlanningPlanning

• ProtectionProtection

PredictionPrediction

• The time is predictable – towards the The time is predictable – towards the end of the summer when the oceans end of the summer when the oceans have gained maximum energyhave gained maximum energy

• Place – in the tropical oceansPlace – in the tropical oceans

• However exact time, position & track However exact time, position & track they take is not predictable.they take is not predictable.

Prediction (continued)Prediction (continued)

• In USA its very high tecIn USA its very high tec• The National Hurricane Centre (nationally funded) The National Hurricane Centre (nationally funded)

tracks every hurricane from start to finish via tracks every hurricane from start to finish via satellite and radar. satellite and radar.

• Hourly bulletins are postedHourly bulletins are posted• Weather planes fly through the hurricanes and Weather planes fly through the hurricanes and

record its characteristicsrecord its characteristics• Clear emergency plans are in place and widely Clear emergency plans are in place and widely

publicised – schools, homes etcpublicised – schools, homes etc• Help lines, internet sites, TV & radio are all used Help lines, internet sites, TV & radio are all used

for advise & warning.for advise & warning.

PredictionPrediction

• In ELDCs prediction is far less In ELDCs prediction is far less developed – less money, less developed – less money, less technology. Many small islands are technology. Many small islands are often remote & difficult to often remote & difficult to communicate with.communicate with.

• Difficult to issue warnings to Difficult to issue warnings to everyone.everyone.

Planning - MEDCPlanning - MEDC

• Clear emergency procedures in placeClear emergency procedures in place

• Emergency services, national guard Emergency services, national guard etc all part of the processetc all part of the process

• Clear early warnings to all populaceClear early warnings to all populace

• Regular updates to publicRegular updates to public

• Evacuation plans in place – go to stay Evacuation plans in place – go to stay with friends/relativeswith friends/relatives

ProtectionProtection

• Research into seeding etc – making it Research into seeding etc – making it rain rain

• Strengthening homes, strict building Strengthening homes, strict building regs – not in LEDCsregs – not in LEDCs

• Hurricane shelters, evacuation points Hurricane shelters, evacuation points – safe buildings to withstand winds & – safe buildings to withstand winds & floodsfloods