Massive Tropical storms are becoming ever more frequent sweeping through with huge energy that rips off house tops and uproot trees leaving destruction after its path.
While these tropical storms may have different names across the globe, such as hurricanes, Typhoons, and Cyclones, it should be noted that they are all just the same thing. The only difference in their names is according to the areas from which they occur.
While commonly known as โcyclonesโ here in PNG and other parts of the Pacific and Indian Ocean, it is called a hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean region while in the Western Pacific it is known as Typhoons. Here is a helpful site to familiarise yourself with facts behind tropical cyclones.
PNG has seen some of its fair share of the unfortunate destruction caused by a number of cyclones in the region. While it is a natural phenomenon we cannot control, we can however, learn to be prepared to avoid or minimize casualties and putting ourselves at risk during times of emergencies.
BEING PREPARED FOR TROPICAL STORMS/CYCLONES
โข Always pay attention to the weather forecast over the radio or any news and information medium
โข Alert neighbours and the community
โข Avoid sailing out to sea
โข If a call for evacuation is issued, ACT IMMEDIATELY, DO NOT DELAY.
โข ALWAYS HAVE AN EMERGENCY KIT READY
BEFORE THE STORM APPROACHES
โข chop down dead or threatening trees
โข fix loose boards and roofing irons
โข put rubbish bins where they cannot be blown about
โข put strips of tape across large picture windows
โข place support timber or wood tied with ropes on weak structures
โข store food and water in containers, tightly closed
DURING THE STORM:
โข stay indoors
โข Turn off water, gas, electricity and other power-working appliances in the house
โข take cover in the strongest part of the house or a safe building in the community
โข If the building begins to break up, shelter under a strong table, bench or heavy mattress
โข beware of flying objects such as roofing irons
โข if you are at sea put on your life jackets and instantly seek shelter at the nearest coast/shore or island
โข If you are driving when a cyclone hits, immediately park in an area that is clear of trees, powerlines and water courses. Stay inside your car.
โข avoid flood waters/area where power lines/electrical poles have fallen onto as the wires may be live and thus pose a risk of electrocution
โข Do not get out to the open until you have been notified by authorities that it is safe to do so.
