A series of cyclones hitting the Indian coast this year and many more landing over other south Asian countries, has led scientists and researchers to look for an intelligent alternative to be safe in a storm. And, as always, the solution to this perennial problem lies in technology. Experts believe that this new age of technology is a boon which can save us from anything, even from the devastating storms and cyclones that leave a trail of destruction every year. Here’s how technology can save you in a storm:
Weather Radar–“A better weather radar system which can track storms that are more than 100 miles away is the need of the hour. Currently India has a limited radar and satellite network and we can do with a greater density of radars to track an approaching cyclone and save several lives”, says, Mahesh Palawat, meteorologist at Skymet Weather. This is required because the old radar systems have limitations. The Earth tends to block the view of anything (electromagnetic radiation) that's far away. The blind spot in the atmosphere where most weather activity takes places is therefore left uncaptured.
Storm proof houses and roofs – Super cyclone in Odisha in 1999 and ‘Very Severe Cyclone’, Phailin in October this year had wind speeds of 200 kmph that uprooted trees and blew off roofs of hundreds of houses. This isn’t uncommon, say experts “if your roof beams aren't strongly connected, the roof will lift off and your house will fall apart.” Most building codes call for roofs to be connected to the exterior walls with 9 centimeter nails to withstand brief gusts of wind at speeds of up to 150 kilometers an hour and above. The storm proof house should also include other features like a 10-gauge steel hollow door within a door, shatter resistant windows and unbreakable walls.
Scientists across the world are currently doing studies on building houses with super strong carbon fiber (used in bulletproof jackets) to be safe in case of a storm.
Landline Phones–Came the mobile phones and everyone forgot the ‘old-fashioned landline phones thinking they are of no use now. Did you know that your copper lines, in contrast to mobile phones could usually work fine as long as the line isn't on a telephone pole that has got knocked down in the storm. Do not forget, fancy mobile phones never catch connectivity in case of a major storm or hurricane. But using a landline you could call up the authorities and get emergency rescue ASAP. Although mobile phones can send alerts to fishermen about a storm in their region but the alert is only till the period the phone signals in the area do not get obstructed by the winds and rain.That's why you should keep an old-fashioned phone around for emergencies!!
It must be remembered that technology offers us a much improved warning system, but not a magic shield from the fury of these natural disasters. So we suggest you read up on ways to strengthen your house and property in case you live in storm prone area.
