Tropical storms are becoming increasingly more powerful, as a general trend, and occurring in places they have never been seen before. They often lead to more powerful and dangerous weather, on average, there are around 45 storms of hurricane force per year, usually nine major storms form each year in the tropical Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico area, these figures are rising each year. Therefore, it is essential to have some means of preparation and planning to be ready for the possible devastation. The effects of tropical storms always vary, however, with unplanned and ill prepared defences, a storm of any power could lead to devastation.
Cyclone Aila is a true representation of how a tropical storm can bring terror to a location, and cause suffering for long after the cyclone has hit (the secondary affects which can occur in such a deprived area). The storm was responsible for at least 339 deaths across Bangladesh and India; more than 1 million people were left homeless. Health officials in Bangladesh confirmed a deadly outbreak of diarrhea on 29 May, with more than 7,000 people being infected and four dying. In Bangladesh, an estimated 20 million people were at risk of post-disaster diseases due to Aila.
The secondary effects of this cyclone were especially bad as Bangladesh is a fairly poor region of India and it prone to the constant battering of cyclones. It wasn’t that the people didn’t know the cyclone was coming, it’s the fact they have little money to prepare. Most locals live in mud built houses which get flattened by the powerful winds and rainfall. The land is very flat in the area next to the coastline, so when the storm surge hits, everything gets affected.
New Orleans is an example of how a place can be prepared, however still get the worst of the effects. In 2005, New Orleans was hit by a category 4