Nature Disasters

Warning signs are often there! Learn to recognise them and be prepared. (A) Hurricane When the skies turn gloomy and begin to change colours or become very dark with hints of yellows or greens, it is time to seek shelter. The rise in ocean temperatures causes strong upper tropospheric winds to blow, as happened with hurricane Katrina in August 2007. As barometric pressure falls, and temperatures rise and stillness settles over the sea. These are all signs that a hurricane is on its way. (B) Tsunamis Tsunamis are perhaps the most difficult to prepare for. An earthquake near water may be an indication that a tsunami will shortly follow. In a coastal area where the sea suddenly draws back many survivors report a sucking sound. During the Indian Ocean tsunami of 26th December 2004, the sea withdrew and many people then went onto the exposed sea bed to investigate just before the fatal tsunami struck. (C) Earthquakes Before the occurrence of an earthquake the subsurface temperature of the earth rises between 5 and 9 degrees Celsius. This causes negative effects on electromagnetic waves of the radio, television and telephone. Before the earthquake, mobile telephones start malfunctioning. 10 to 20 hours before the occurrence of an earthquake, animals become highly disturbed and restless. Domestic animals like cows, dogs, cats struggle against being tied up, and even turn on the owner. (D) Tornado Nothing is more frightening than a tornado. A tornado is a huge tower of moist, warm circling air. It usually develops during a strong thunderstorm. A column of clouds will form and reach down toward the ground. This is called a funnel cloud. It becomes a tornado when the cloud reaches the ground.