At present, we can do little, if anything, to lessen the occurrence, frequency, or intensity of tropical cyclones, or to influence their paths. But over the past three decades significant advances have been made in mankind's capability to prepare for and mitigate their damaging effects. Concerted international scientific efforts have resulted in better understanding the phenomenon of tropical cyclones, their formation, characteristics, path of movement, and effects. Technical advances in weather monitoring equipment - satellites, computers, improved radar systems and other space age meteorological tools - enable scientists today to vigilantly monitor cyclones as they form, track them as they move, and predict with some accuracy where they are likely to impact on land and people.
Correspondingly, meteorological services in many countries have been substantially improved in recent years. Cyclone monitoring equipment has been installed in most cyclone-prone regions of the world. National systems have been linked to regional and international networks through which meteorological data is shared and warnings of approaching cyclones conveyed. In many localities, local communication systems and administrative procedures have been strengthened to ensure that information about approaching cyclones is passed to communities most at risk.
While great strides have been made in our ability to understand and live with cyclones, still more must be done. We must strive to further expand our basic knowledge about tropical cyclones, up-grade tools needed for weather monitoring and prediction, improve the warning and communications network, and strengthen meteorological services. It is a useful reminder that the primary objectives of these varied activities is to prevent the loss of lives and, prevent or minimize property damage from cyclones. The need for continued effort is reconfirmed by the deaths and destruction left in the wake of each tropical cyclone that affects populated areas today; a problem that is likely to continue and increase in seriousness as coastal populations enlarge.
The goal of preventing loss of life and reducing property damage from tropical cyclones, however, can not be achieved simply through improved technical and meteorological services. Accurate prediction and timely notice are critically important, but loss of life and property can only be minimized if officials and the general public are knowledgeable of the hazards faced, understand the warnings provided, and take the proper actions to protect life and property before, during, and after a cyclone. The process required to achieve a public state of readiness is commonly referred to as an awareness programme. This resource guide provides a framework for the development and implementation of local tropical cyclone awareness programs.
Recommendations and guidelines, in the form of assessment checklists are found in appropriate sections of the guide. It is hoped that the generic examples shown in this guide will be adapted and expanded for use in the development and/or improvement of specific locally-relevant awareness programmes.
Holland, G., ed., 1993: Global Guide to Tropical Cyclone Forecasting. WMO/TD - No. 560, Secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
Cook, R. A., and M. Soltani, eds., 1992: Hurricanes of 1992: Lessons Learned and Implications for the Future. Proceedings, Symposium of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Dec. 1-3, 1993, New York, New York.
Disaster Mitigation in Asia and the Pacific. Asian Development Bank, Manila, Philippines, 1991.
Friedman, H. A., and E. Ressler, 1983: Tropical Cyclone Programme No. 14: A Resource Guide for United Nations Members of Tropical-Cyclone-Prone Regions (unpublished manuscript). World Meteorological Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
National Research Council. A Safer Future: Reducing the Impacts of Natural Disasters. U.S. National Committee for the Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1991.
Last modified: 10/22/96