Safety tips to follow before, during and after a cyclone

Strong winds, storms and torrential rains are characteristics of a cyclone. It is essential to take the necessary precautions and safety measures. In this article, we share some important dos and don’ts to remember in case of a cyclonic storm.

Recent cyclones

Cyclone ‘Hamoon’ makes landfall in coastal Bangladesh

October 25, 2023: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on October 23, 2023, said that the deep depression in the West-central Bay of Bengal strengthened into a ‘severe’ Cyclonic Storm. The Cyclonic storm has been named ‘Hamoon’ by Iran.

The IMD today said that the cyclonic storm ‘Hamoon’ has made landfall in coastal Bangladesh. It is predicted to move north-eastwards and weaken into a deep depression during the next six hours and further into a depression during the subsequent six hours, the IMD said. The IMD  has predicted light to moderate rainfall at many places over Nagaland, Manipur and east Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Cyclonic Storm Hamoon over coastal Bangladesh lay centered at 0530 hours IST of 25th Oct about 40 km east-southeast of Chittagong (Bangladesh). To move northeastwards and weaken into a deep depression during next 06 hrs and further into a depression during subsequent 06 hrs. pic.twitter.com/UANYLzKnQr

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) October 25, 2023

June 19, 2023: A cyclone named Biparjoy made landfall in Gujarat on June 15, 2023, with heavy rainfall and strong winds, causing extensive damage to crops and infrastructure and affecting human lives. The cyclone has now moved to Rajasthan.

Impact of cyclones

• A cyclone can cause damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
• It can damage crops and livestock.
• Torrential rainfall can lead to floods and damage buildings.
• A cyclone can disrupt transportation and communication.

Cyclone: Dos and don’ts

Be aware of the official cyclone warning and get the latest updates on the official website of the Indian Meteorological Department. The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) official website shares certain dos and don’ts to follow before, during and after a cyclone.

Before a cyclone

• Inspect the house. Make sure to secure loose tiles and conduct repairs of doors and windows, if required.
• Remove dead branches or trees near the house. Anchor removable objects that can fly in strong winds. These may include tin sheets, bricks, garbage cans, signboards, etc.
• Keep a hurricane lantern filled with kerosene and battery-operated torches with extra batteries at home. Keep the mobile phones fully charged.
• Prepare an emergency first-aid kit. Store essential items such as groceries, medicines and non-perishable food for use in emergency.
• Store water as the water supply may be disrupted during and after a cyclone.
• Park vehicles underneath a solid shelter.

During a cyclone

• Until it is officially announced that the cyclone has passed, do not step out of the house as the winds may intensify.
• Evacuate early before the way to high ground or shelter gets flooded
• If your house is securely on high ground, take shelter in a safe corner.
• Install storm shutters and board up glass windows.
• Keep doors and windows closed. Provide strong support for outside doors.
• Switch off the electrical mains in the house.
• Place wooden boards or paper strips on glass windows to prevent splinters.

Post-cyclone safety measures

• If you are outside, stay in the shelter until it is announced that you can return to your house.
• Drive your vehicle carefully once the cyclone clears.
• Avoid going to areas with floodwater.
• Keep away from any loose and dangling wires from lamp posts.
• Clear the debris from your premises.
• Report the correct losses to appropriate authorities.
• Get vaccinated against diseases immediately.
• Avoid tap water for drinking or cooking. Make sure to boil water before using it.

What does a cyclone emergency kit include?

• Communication devices such as mobile phones and a radio.
• Battery-operated torches with extra batteries.
• Candles and matches.
• Medicines and a first-aid kit.
• Cash and important documents such as ration paper and identity proofs.
• Non-perishable food.
• At least 3.7 litre (one gallon) of water per person per day.
• Tools such as knife, thick ropes, duct tape, etc. and sturdy shoes.