Cyclone NargisThe worlds second deadliest cyclone

What is a cyclone?A cyclone is an

atmospheric system characterized by the rapid inward circulation of air masses about a low-pressure center, usually accompanied by stormy, often destructive weather.

Type of natural disaster

Cyclone Nargis is classified as a atmospheric hazard.

Date and Place of Cyclone NargisCyclone Nargis

affected Southeast Asia, primarily Myanmar.

It occurred in April 27 – May 3, 2008.The population of Myanmar at the time of occurrence of cyclone Nargis was 47 million.

Consequences and AftermathOfficial estimates of:

85,000 deaths, 54,000 missing, 19,000 injured, and 1 million homeless.

It blew away 700,000 homes.

Killed ¾ of livestock, sank half the fishing fleet, and salted millions of acres of rice paddies with sea waters surges.

Consequences and Aftermath “Cyclone Nargis struck the

country full force at its most vulnerable spot, the low lying delta region. There was no natural barrier to hinder the storm as it swept up from the coast through the country’s major city, Rangoon.

This region is the rice bowl of Burma, and disruptions in rice production there will have negative ramifications for food availability throughout the country, especially in the context of regional and global price increases and shortages.

Consequences and AftermathAs a result of the

cyclone: under-5 child mortality is 104 per thousand, the highest rate outside Africa except for Afghanistan.

HIV infection rates are the highest in Southeast Asia and malaria, a treatable and preventable disease, is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity.

Other Potential Hazards in Southeast Asia

Fires are a very frequent disaster in Southeast Asia. Other disasters include: Cyclones, earthquakes, floods, and droughts

FrequencyCyclones are a very

frequent occurrence in the southeast Asia area.

DurationCyclones generally

have a long duration. Which allows them to cause more harm and devastation.

Cyclone Nargis lasted two days in the Myanmar area(April 27 – May 3, 2008).

ExtentCyclones are

enormous air masses that have the ability to affect a huge area.

Cyclone Nargis affected the majority Myanmar, Southeast Asia.

Speed of OnsetCyclones build slowly

before reaching a peak period.

Cyclone Nargis built for several days, starting April 27th, gathering speed and strength over the Indian Ocean, before hitting land, and eventually dissipating may 3rd.

Spatial DispersionCyclones are a

seasonal occurrence.

Southeast Asia does frequently endure cyclones.

Bibliography

http://dictionary.reference.com/

http://www.freebase.com/view/guid/9202a8c04000641f800000000819010a

http://joesonic.com/blog/2008/05/06/effects-of-cyclone-nargis-in-myanmar/

http://www.naturalhazards.org/

http://www.aag.org/HDGC/www/hazards/glossary/glossary.html

http://www.mapsofworld.com/

http://www.refugeesinternational.org/policy/testimony/burma-aftermath-cyclone-nargis

Corbin B., Trites J., Taylor J. (2000) Global Connections