Strategies to reduce the effect of typhoons have been largely
successful. Many strategies have been developed to cope with tropical
cyclones over the years. These strategies include emergency action as well as mitigation measures. However, as these measures have their limitation, responding to tropical cyclones is a continuing challenge as conditions may suddenly change, it will be difficult to predict and thus prepare for the occurrence of cyclones. Emergency actions before the occurrence of a cyclone and in its aftermath are important to minimise injury and death. Emergency action involves taking immediate action in response to any situation that poses risk to peoples health and lives. Before a cyclone occurs, people can be evacuated to cyclone proof shelters. Cyclone shelters are built with strong concrete which are able to reduce the number of casualties in the countries such as India and Bangladesh. Immediate assistance from national government and governments from neighbouring countries is essential in the aftermath of a cyclone. The assistance will help repair the damage caused and provide necessities such as food, clothing, shelter and health care. This allow the people to get back on their feet and rebuild their homes. For example, when typhoon Megi hit the Philippines in 2010, about 4000 families were able to rebuild and repair their homes after receiving help from Red Cross. Mitigation measures are essential in reducing the effect of cyclones. Mitigation measures are strategies take to reduce the impact of cyclones. These include prediction and warning, land use control, floodplain management and measures to reduce the vulnerability of infrastructure. Predicting cyclones is important as it buys people time to evacuate from the cyclone and reduce the damage. Prediction methods includes analysing long-term climate records and using the computer to predict cyclone paths. However, emergency actions and mitigation measures have their limits. Funds and food may not be readily available after cyclones hit an area. In conclusion, strategies used to reduce the effect of tropical cyclones have been largely successful. These strategies have helped people recover from cyclones quickly and also reduce the damage caused.