Managing tropical storms

Preparedness

• Prediction is essential when preparing, satellites give real time view of location, speed and size of storms. Weather balloons help gather data which is analysed by supercomputers

• Better prediction means better evacuation warning systems

• Emergency shelters and stockpiling supplies

• Evacuation plans and emergency routes

Mitigation

• Storm surge barriers and flood defences built

• Mangrove restoration acts as a natural buffer

• Coastal embankments and sea walls

• Improved drainage systems

Prevention

• Can’t really prevent tropical storms

• Re-locating settlements and people so they are unaffected

• Zoning laws

• Techniques like cloud seeding and hydrogen bombing has been tried

Adaptation

• Buildings adapted such as cyclone resistant building design like using galvanized steel to secure roofs, gabled roofs and elevating homes on stilts

• Limiting developments in areas of high storm surge risk

• Retrofitting homes so they are wind resistant