Disaster Preparedness for

typhoons/cyclones

Mitigation Phase
This phase includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the likelihood of occurrence, or
reduce the damaging effects of unavoidable hazards. Mitigation activities should be considered long before
an emergency

HAZARD MAPPING ENGINEERED STRUCTURES

Structures need to be built to withstand wind
Hazard mapping for cyclones represents forces. Good site selection is also important.
the results of cyclone hazard assessment The public infrastructures including buildings
on a map, showing the for electricity services, communication
frequency/probability of occurrences of facilities, hospitals, schools, rural healthcare
various intensities or durations. Past centres and community centres should be
records and paths can give the pattern engineered structures.
of occurrence for particular wind speeds.
THE MAP IS PREPARED WITH
DATA INPUTS OF PAST A hazard map will illustrate the areas
CLIMATOLOGICAL RECORDS,
vulnerable to the cyclone, and associated
HISTORY OF WIND SPEED,
FREQUENCY OF FLOODING ETC.
storm surge and flood in any given time.
CYCLONES SHELTHER
It will be useful to estimate the
severity of the cyclone and potential Cyclone Shelters are necessary for areas
damage intensities in the region. vulnerable to recurrent cyclones. The
construction of cyclone shelters require
substantial funding, therefore, generally
LAND USE PLANNING linked to support from government or
external donors
Land use planning should be
systematically considered for
cyclones so that least critical
activities are placed in
vulnerable areas. Siting of key
VULNERABLE AREAS SHOULD BE
KEPT FOR PARKS, GRAZING
facilities must be marked in
GROUNDS OR FLOOD DIVERSION
INSTEAD OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS the land use.
THE LOCATION OF THE CYCLONE SHELTER SHOULD HAVE ROAD
LINKS TO MAIN ROUTES AND TO SURROUNDING RURAL

FLOOD MANAGEMENT COMMUNITIES SO THAT PEOPLE CAN REACH THE SHELTERS

DURING EMERGENCIES WITHOUT DELAY

Heavy rains and storm surges caused by typhoons/cyclones will bring in CONSIDERATION ALSO NEEDS TO BE GIVEN NOT ONLY TO SHELTER
flash floods. Water flow can be regulated through construction of PROVISION DURING DISASTERS BUT TO WATER SUPPLY,FOOD
reservoirs, check dams and alternate drainage channels/routes STORAGE, SHELTER FOR LIVESTOCK AND CATTLE AND BASIC
SANITATION FACILITIES.

Community Flood Mitigation Activities

IMPROVING VEGETATION COVER

Improvement of the vegetation will
increase water infiltration capacity of the
soil. The roots of the plants and trees will
Improving drainage system in the area by
clearing gutters, drains, creeks and streams
keep the soil intact and prevent erosion and
slow runoff to prevent or reduce flooding
Raising platforms for flood shelter for Build Flood Walls
human beings and cattle and/or raising
the public utility installations above
flood levels. Water proofing infrastructures

FLOOD DEPTH FOR

WHICH FLOOD
PROOFING IS
DESIGN

LIVING AREA
ELEVATED ABOVE
DESIGN FLOOD

OTHER OPENINGS
PROVIDE OPENINGS OR SUCH AS WINDOWS
PROPERLY ANCHOR BREAK-AWAY WALL SECTIONS WATERPROOF CPATINGS AND MOVABLE BARRIER ELEVATED ABOVE
TO PREVENT TO ALLOW FREE PASSAGE OF COVERINGS TO ENSURE TO SEAL OPENINGS FLOOD LEVEL
FLOATATION OF THE WATER WATER CANNOT SOAK SUCH AS DOORS
STRUCTURE THROUGH EXTERNAL WALLS