Tropical cyclones, known for their powerful winds, heavy rains, and potential to cause significant destruction, frequently affect the Pacific, posing serious threats to both public health and infrastructure. According to the New Zealand National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and MetService six to ten cyclones are projected in the South Pacific for the upcoming cyclone season between 1 November 2024 and 30 April 2025.
Tropical cyclones have a profound impact on health in the Pacific island countries and areas (PICs), causing both immediate and long-term health challenges. Tropical cyclones of any size can be dangerous due to extreme winds, heavy rain and storm surges which can flood coastal and river areas. Intense winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges can lead to injuries, loss of life, limit access to health and other services, and the destruction of healthcare infrastructure and homes. Contaminated flood water can lead to outbreaks of diseases such as leptospirosis and typhoid. Stagnant water left behind following heavy rain or flooding is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria.
The upcoming season projects higher risk of impact from a tropical cyclone near the Coral Sea, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. However, according to NIWA, between three to four severe tropical cyclones reaching category three or higher may occur anywhere across the Region. Category three tropical cyclones can have winds between 119-157 km/hr, and even stronger wind gusts that can be destructive. View the number of predicted named tropical cyclones interacting with an island group for the 2024-25 season on the NIWA website.
According to the Regional Climate Consortium for Asia and the Pacific (RCCAP), due to the changing climate, fewer tropical cyclones are projected long term however their average intensity is expected to increase. The combined impact of increased cyclone intensity, rising sea levels and increased heavy rainfalls can be devastating for PICs, in which most of the population live in coastal areas vulnerable to sea level rise, storm surges and flooding. WHO continues to advocate for practical climate actions including climate resilient facilities such as through this current project in Kiribati.
Being prepared for tropical cyclone season improves health outcomes for families and communities. It is important to follow national health and disaster response advisories to keep safe during cyclone season.
Here are a few tips to prepare for a tropical cyclone:
Stay informed:
- Monitor weather updates issued by local authorities including the national disaster management and meteorological services.
- Learn about your community’s evacuation plans.
- Low-lying areas can easily get flooded. If advised, evacuate.
- Move to safety during daylight hours.
Health and personal information:
- Store copies of personal documents, medical records and important health information in a water-tight container or sealed bag.
- Have the contact information for nearby health facilities and emergency services.
- Talk to your doctor now to plan for any special medical needs in case of a power outage.
Prepare your emergency and first aid kits:
- Prepare your emergency kit with a first aid kit, important documents, candles, bottled or boiled drinking water, canned food, a battery powered radio, a torch and spare batteries.
- Your first aid kit should include: band-aids and bandages, antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment, a thermometer, essential medicines including pain relievers, cough and cold medicine, anti-diarrhoea medication, and antihistamines, and a two-weeks supply of any prescription medicines family members require.
Water and food safety:
- Stockpile clean water and dry food for a minimum two-week period. Prepare 15 liters of water per person per day for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Boil, filter or chlorinate untreated drinking water and store it properly.
- Choose food that can be cooked with minimal water.
- Store food in watertight containers and move food off the ground.
Home safety:
- Prepare your home and outdoor area by securing outdoor items that can cause damage in winds and flooding, like appliances and solar panels. Tidy outdoor spaces to limit loose debris.
- Drain or tip out stagnant water in and around the house to prevent mosquito breeding sites – even an overturned bottle cap contains enough water for a mosquito to breed.
Community support:
- Assist neighbors, especially the elderly and those with medical conditions, in preparing for cyclone season and accessing necessary healthcare and supplies.