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 ‘cyclones’ 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
• Always pay attention to the weather forecast over the radio or any news and information medium
• Alert neighbours and the community
• Avoid sailing out to sea
• If a call for evacuation is issued, ACT IMMEDIATELY, DO NOT DELAY.
• ALWAYS HAVE AN EMERGENCY KIT READY
BEFORE THE STORM APPROACHES
• chop down dead or threatening trees
• fix loose boards and roofing irons
• put rubbish bins where they cannot be blown about
• put strips of tape across large picture windows
• place support timber or wood tied with ropes on weak structures
• store food and water in containers, tightly closed
DURING THE STORM:
• stay indoors
• Turn off water, gas, electricity and other power-working appliances in the house
• take cover in the strongest part of the house or a safe building in the community
• If the building begins to break up, shelter under a strong table, bench or heavy mattress
• beware of flying objects such as roofing irons
• if you are at sea put on your life jackets and instantly seek shelter at the nearest coast/shore or island
• 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.
• 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
• Do not get out to the open until you have been notified by authorities that it is safe to do so.
