The document discusses the critical role of geography students in disaster management, especially in relation to cyclones. It outlines the definitions and types of disasters, particularly tropical cyclones, and provides guidelines for preparation, response, and recovery during such events. The geography students are encouraged to contribute through monitoring disasters, community awareness, and assisting with disaster preparedness plans.

1. The role of Geography student
in Disaster Management
S.Mohanaraj
CYCLONE
Special in Geography
Department of Geography
SOUTH EASTERN UNIVERSITY OF SRI LANKA

2. CONTENTS
 What is disaster
 Types of disaster
 Definitions of cyclone
 Cyclone's are named variously in various regions
 Before the cyclone
 When the cyclone hit
 After the cyclone
 What is disaster management
 Role of the geography student in disaster management
S.Mohanaraj

3. WHAT IS DISASTER
Disaster is a sudden, calamitous event bringing great damage, loss,
destruction and devastation to life and property.
WHO defines Disaster as "any occurrence, that causes damage,
ecological disruption, loss of human life, deterioration of health and
health services, on a scale sufficient to warrant an extraordinary
response from outside the affected community or area
“a serious disruption of the functioning of society, causing widespread
human, material or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the
affected society to cope using its own resources”
S.Mohanaraj

4. TYPES OF DISASTER
S.Mohanaraj

5. DEFINITIONS OF CYCLONE
Tropical Cyclones are low pressure systems
which develop in the tropics, in the southern
hemisphere.
They are sufficiently intense to produce
sustained gale force winds of at least 63 km/h
on average that rotates in clockwise
circulations.
The National Weather Service defines a
tropical cyclone as "a rotating system of
clouds and thunderstorms that originated
over tropical or sub-tropical areas."
S.Mohanaraj

6. CYCLONE'S ARE NAMED VARIOUSLY IN VARIOUS
REGIONS
A tropical cyclone is the general term
for violent circular winds with
torrential rains that originate in the
tropics.
Hurricanes is the term when they
occur in the Atlantic Ocean
They are called typhoons in the Pacific
Ocean.
They are called cyclones in the Indian
Ocean. S.Mohanaraj

7. BEFORE THE CYCLONE
 Keep watch on weather and listen to
radio or TV.
 Keep alert about the community
warning systems – loudspeakers,
bells, drums or any traditional warning
system.
 Get to know the nearest cyclone
shelter
 Prepare an emergency kit containing
 Keep important documents,
passbook, etc. in a tight plastic bag
and take it along with your emergency
kits if you are evacuating
 Keep a list of emergency addresses
and phone numbers on display. Know
the contact telephone number of the
government offices /agencies, which
are responsible for search, rescue
and relief operations in your area.
S.Mohanaraj

8. WHEN THE CYCLONE HIT
 Disconnect all electrical
appliances and turn off gas.
 If the building starts crumbling,
protect yourself with mattresses,
rugs or blankets under a strong
table or bench or hold on to a
solid fixture (e.g. a water pipe)
 Listen to your transistor radio for
updates and advice.
 Beware of the calm `eye’. If the
wind suddenly drops, don’t
assume the cyclone is over;
violent winds will soon resume
from the opposite direction. Wait
for the official “all clear”.
 If driving, stop – but well away
from the sea and clear of trees,
power lines and watercourses.
Stay in the vehicle.
S.Mohanaraj

9. AFTER THE CYCLONE
 Do not go outside until
officially advised it is safe.
 Check for gas leaks. Do not
use electric appliances, if
wet.
 Listen to local radio for
official warnings and
advice.
 If you have to evacuate, or
did so earlier, do not return
until advised. Use a
recommended route for
returning and do not rush.
 Be careful of snake bites
and carry a stick or
bamboo
 Beware of fallen power
lines, damaged bridges
 Heed all warnings and do
not got sightseeing.
S.Mohanaraj

10. S.Mohanaraj

11. ROLE OF THE GEOGRAPHY STUDENT IN
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
 Monitoring the natural Disaster
 Knowledge on first aid, rescue and
evacuation.
 Help in the preparation of the school
disaster contingency plan.
 Aware the parents and community on
various types of hazards and what
are the preparedness measures to be
taken.
 Plantation in the school premises.
 Boosting the morale of the community
after the disaster.
 Senior students can help villagers in
preparing the Village Disaster
Preparedness and Response Plan.
 The students can be volunteers in the
first-aid team, Rescue and
Evacuation team, early warning team
in their village

12. S.Mohanaraj