1.3.4

The Impacts of Tropical Cyclones

Test yourself

The Impacts of Tropical Cyclones

The physical hazards of tropical cyclones impact people and the environment.

Illustrative background for Impacts on peopleIllustrative background for Impacts on people ?? "content

Impacts on people

  • In Cyclone Nargis, 84,500 people died and 53,800 are missing. 37 towns were damaged severely.
  • An economic impact of Cyclone Nargis would be that fisheries, especially shrimp farms, were destroyed. Thousands of people lost their jobs and livelihoods.
  • In 2015, Hurricane Patricia recorded wind speeds of 215 miles per hour (346km/h). This can carry debris and kill people.
  • 6,300 people were killed by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.
  • Damaged transport infrastructure and food shortages can be caused.
Illustrative background for Impacts on the environmentIllustrative background for Impacts on the environment ?? "content

Impacts on the environment

  • In Hurricane Katrina, Coastal habitats were damaged and bridges & infrastructure collapsed.
  • In Cyclone Nargis, thousands of square miles were flooded. Lots of the mangrove swamps were destroyed and the land was salinated (so much salt was deposited that it is hard to grow plants). This was caused by storm surges.
  • Strong winds can uproot and kill trees. Woodlands are most likely to be damaged by very fast winds.
  • River and lake wildlife can be harmed by sewage or toxic chemicals entering their eco-systems.

Jump to other topics

1Physical Geography

1.1River Environments

1.2Coastal Environments

1.3Hazardous Environments - Tropical Cyclones

1.4Hazardous Environments - Earthquakes & Volcanoes

2Human Geography

3Global Issues

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium