How Are Typhoons Harmful?

The effects of typhoons are often catastrophic both at sea and on land. Landslides and rapidly rising water levels pose great dangers. High winds and massive rains contribute to the destruction of properties.

Water Levels

• High tides caused by a typhoon's winds and rains have the potential to destroy anything in their path. Coastal residences and buildings are usually at a greater risk of flooding and damage due to high tides.

Landslides

• Landslides are a possible threat during a typhoon, especially in regions with varying elevations. Heavy rains increase the chance for road washouts and severe flooding.

Casualties

• Historically, typhoons have led to many deaths both at sea and on land. Advanced warning systems have helped decrease the number of victims in these storms; still, lives are sometimes claimed by the sudden rise in water levels, landslides and damaging winds.

Societal Impact

• Transportation, businesses, schools and homes are all impacted by the threat of a strong typhoon. Air travel may be stopped, roads might be closed and debris or destruction may inhibit travel by other means.

Natural Destruction

• Typhoons may severely impact land and water-based ecosystems that are displaced or damaged by the storm. A species' habitat may be significantly altered or altogether destroyed by a typhoon.

Fun Fact

• Typhoons have different names in different regions around the world. In parts of the Atlantic Ocean, a typhoon is commonly known as a hurricane. In Hawaii, the storms are known as "tainos," while along parts of the Indian Ocean, typhoons are called tropical cyclones.