Typhoon refers to a tropical cyclonic storm that originates in the western Pacific Ocean; in the Atlantic,

the same kinds of storms (tropical cyclones) are called hurricanes. Large masses of clouds that spiral
around a central point, or eye, characterize typhoons. Infamous for their destructive powers, typhoons
can generate winds of more than 75 miles per hour and cause major flooding through their intense
rainfall and storm surges. Their effects range from structural damage to trees, watercraft, and buildings
to both immediate and long-term impacts on human life and livelihood.

Buildings and Other Infrastructure

Wind and water account for the two most destructive forces associated with typhoons. Typhoons affect
buildings and other structures in two ways: through direct force and through projectiles. Direct force
occurs when a wind gust slams directly into a building or structure and causes physical damage, such as
when wind blows the roof off a home. Wind also inflicts damage by picking up and launching tree
branches, building materials, and other debris into structures. The heavy and persistent rainfall and
coastal storm surges that typhoons bring can also have devastating effects. In addition to making homes
uninhabitable, the flooding associated with typhoons can cripple rescue and aid efforts by making roads
impassable.

Trees and Other Vegetation

The impacts of typhoons extend to the natural environment, of course. The storms may damage or
destroy trees and other vegetation, including crops that communities may rely on for sustenance or
trade, or both. Strong winds can snap branches; detach and injure leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds; and
uproot trees and plants. Flooding can over-saturate soils, drown vegetation or kill plantlife via salt spray
or the saltwater intrusion produced by storm surges. (It’s important to note that native ecosystems in
typhoon-prone areas have adapted with these disturbances, which may be important influences on
plant succession, and that typhoon winds and floodwaters may in some cases also help disperse tree
seeds and seedlings.)

Impacts to Life and Livelihood

The destructive forces of typhoons also impact – and sometimes take – the lives of both humans and
animals. While this can occur directly, as when flying debris or collapsing structures injure or kill people,
a “silent killer” of sorts is the lack of available resources and infrastructure that may follow typhoon
landfall. Flooding from typhoons may destroy food stocks and supplies and spread disease. In
communities cut off by typhoons, individuals may not be able to get the medical attention they so
desperately need, and starvation becomes a big risk as well.
What Effects Do Typhoons Cause on Animals, Humans & Plants?

Updated November 22, 2019

By Desdemona Delacroix

In order to be classified as a typhoon, a tropical storm must reach winds of at least 33 meters per
second (74 miles per hour) and be located in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. Typhoons are major storms
that affect everything they come in contact with, from boats to agriculture to human beings.

Humans

People can be killed, injured, or lost during typhoons. Flooding can cause people to drown, houses to be
completely destroyed, property to be swept away, and farms to lose all of their crops to the winds and
relentless rains. Mudslides and power outages are common. Food shortages, lack of access to good
medical care and medical supplies, and limited access to major roads and cities can further complicate
the problems caused by a typhoon.

Animals

Typhoons cause major flooding, which can drown animals and destroy their natural environments.
When smaller animals and food supplies disappear or get killed, it affects larger animals because they
can no longer find enough food. Livestock and other domesticated animals suffer when man-made
shelters collapse, when their human caretakers are unable to care for them, and when they are exposed
for long periods of time to violent winds and torrential rains.

Plants

Plant life can easily be swept away by floods and severe winds. Even trees cannot withstand the sheer
force of a typhoon’s strength indefinitely. Excessive rain can cause plants to drown, and it also causes
soil erosion. Mudslides often take plants down with them, ripping up their roots and killing the plant.

Prepare for a Hurricane or Typhoon

🔹Hurricane and Typhoon Preparedness Checklist

🔹Build an emergency kit and make a family emergency plan

🔹Know your surroundings

🔹Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone, which will help you
know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted

🔹Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you

🔹Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground

🔹Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate

🔹Make plans to secure your property:

🔹Cover all of your home’s windows with permanent storm shutters or 5/8-inch marine plywood, cut to
fit and ready to install (tape does not prevent windows from breaking!)

🔹Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure

🔹Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant

🔹Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts

🔹Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural
damage

🔹Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied
down

🔹Determine how and where to secure your boat

🔹Install a generator for power outages

🔹If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10 th floor

🔹Consider building a safe room

🥺During a Hurricane or Typhoon

🔹Listen to the radio or TV for information and keep your weather radio handy

🔹Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors

🔹Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. 🔹Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest
setting and keep its doors closed

🔹Turn off propane tanks

🔹Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies

🔹Moor your boat if time permits

🔹Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets: fill the bathtub and
other larger containers with water

🔹Find out how to keep food safe during and after an emergency

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

🔹If you are directed by local authorities to do so, and be sure to follow their instructions

🔹If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure — such shelter are particularly hazardous during
hurricane no matter how well fastened to the ground

🔹If you live in a high-rise building — hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations

🔹If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river or on an island waterway

🔹If you are unable to evacuate, go to your wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these
guidelines:

🔹Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors

🔹Close all interior doors, secure and brace external door

🔹Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm and
winds will pick up again

🔹Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level

🔹Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object

🔹Avoid elevators

Prepare For the Extreme

By the time severe weather hits, it’s already too late. Disaster preparedness is about having an
established safety plan. Whether it’s preparedness for floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, or fires, the key
to survival in disasters is planning. Use our preparedness section to stay informed, make a plan, and
most importantly—remain safe in an emergency.