Skip Navigation

Agriculture & Environment: Tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean

Tropical-cyclones-in-the-Indian-Ocean-Flickr-Oxfam-International-140x140.jpg

In this Spotlight we focus on developing countries around the Indian Ocean that are particularly vulnerable to cyclones. How can they harness science and technology for better forecasts and disaster mitigation, and how can they cope with the impacts?

(Photo credit: Flickr/Oxfam International)

Introduction

The eye of a cyclone

Science: An anchor for the storm

Science and technology can contribute significantly to mitigating the impact of tropical cyclones.

8 October 2008 | EN | FR | 中文

Features

High winds during cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, May 2008

Cyclones in the Indian Ocean: Facts and figures

Greg O'Hare explains the what, why, when and how of cyclones, and reviews their effects in South Asia.

8 October 2008 | EN | FR

Windspeed map of Cyclone Sidr

India's storming cyclone research

Bay of Bengal cyclones are often hugely destructive. India hopes to cut deaths in the region through improved storm prediction and research.

8 October 2008 | EN | FR | 中文

Opinions

Map of coastal vulnerability to flooding

Vulnerability maps could help cut cyclone death tolls

Investing in detailed maps of potential cyclone damage will save lives in Indian Ocean countries, says Shishir Dube.

8 October 2008 | EN | FR

Cyclone shelter in Bangladesh

Countries must prepare for and adapt to cyclone impacts

Preparing for cyclones can save lives, but to save livelihoods nations must also help people adapt to cyclones' impacts, says Saleemul Huq.

8 October 2008 | EN | FR

Bangladesh cyclone victims, after Cyclone Sidr.

Research ethics must still apply in disaster zones

Disaster research can help future interventions, but urgency should never excuse exploitation of survivors, says Athula Sumathipala.

8 October 2008 | EN | FR | 中文

Cyclone Indlala heads for Madagascar, 14 March 2007

How best to model local cyclone risk

Combining statistical and physical models offers the best hope of predicting changes in local cyclone risks in the Indian Ocean, says Mark Tadross.

8 October 2008 | EN | FR | 中文

Policy Briefs

People with house damage from cyclone Sidr, Bangladesh.

An integrated approach to disaster management

An analysis of integrating disaster management in developing countries in the context of increased disaster risk from climate change.

8 October 2008 | EN

Source: UN-DESA