Risk Assessment

The evaluation of risks of tropical cyclones should be undertaken and illustrated in a hazard map. The following information may be used to estimate the probability of cyclones which may strike a country.

• Analysis of climatological records to determine how often cyclones have struck, their intensity and locations;


• History of winds speeds, frequencies of flooding, height location or storm surges;


• Information about 50-100 years cyclone activity.

Land Use Control

This is designed to control land use so that the least critical facilities are placed in most vulnerable areas. Policies regarding future development may regulate land use and enforce building codes for areas vulnerable to the effects of tropical cyclones. For example, in coastal areas, regulation can stipulate maximum building heights, types of land and occupant density. Another option includes the purchase of vulnerable areas by government for use of parks, sports facilities and open grazing land.

Flood Plain Management

A master plan for flood plain management should be developed to protect critical assets from flash, riverine and coastal flooding.

Reducing Vulnerability of Structures and Infrastructures

• New buildings should be designed to be wind and water resistant. Design standards are usually contained in building codes;


• Communication and utility lines should be located away from the coastal area or installed underground;


• Improvement of building sites by raising the ground level to protect against flood and storm surges;


• Protective river embankments, levees and coastal dikes should be regularly inspected for breaches due to erosion and opportunities taken to plant mangroves to reduce breaking wave energy;


• Improved vegetation cover. This helps to reduce the impact of soil erosion and landslides and facilitates the absorption of rainfall to reduce flooding.