Natural Events: Cyclone | Kuruhau-Awatea

Whāinga ako: Lesson Goals

We are learning to describe the impact that natural disasters can have on people, communities, and the environment.
We are learning how societies prepare and respond to disasters.

Mahi - work

terrific-natural-disasters-compilation-720.mp4

Warning - real footage from natural disasters

Before you watch:

What is a natural disaster?
List as many natural disasters as you can

After you watch:

What examples of natural events did you see in this clip?
What effects might each of these have on people/communities?
What are some recent disasters that have happened here and overseas?

Current Events: Cyclone Gabrielle

A cyclone is another name for what Americans call a hurricane. It is basically very strong storm which creates really powerful winds and heavy rain.

We have recently been hit by a cyclone which has caused major damage and loss of life.

The map on the left shows the wind moving over the North Island before it fully hit.

What do you notice about the wind?
Based on the map where do you think it hit?

earth :: a global map of wind, weather, and ocean conditions

Quick Task

Use this map to find a cycone currently active around the globe.

Where is it?
How can you find out what it is called
Extension: How does naming a cyclone work?

The Impact

If you are not from the area it can be hard to understand the scale and impact of this weather. It caused widespread flooding which destroyed bridges, leaving people stranded, cut power and left people without any way to contact others (cellphone towers were not working and phone lines were damaged). As of Sunday 19th Feb, there are still over 6000 people who are uncontactable. Chances are they are safe but unable to let people know they are safe, however the number of people who have died is likely to rise. It currently sits at 11.

To give an idea of the scale:

Brookfields Bridge, Hawkes Bay

Before Usually waist deep water, bridge about 5-7m above river

After Water is reaching over the bridge and washed sections away

Eskdale, Hawkes Bay

Before Property in a previous flood. The house was built to withstand flooding and was built on 1.5m piles.

After Same property- house is fully submerged

For context of the last two photos and to understand the severity of the flood you can read this article, TW: it includes details leading to a woman's death.

Cyclone Gabrielle: 'Nah, we’re just three Māori boys’: the heroes who saved dozens of people are revealed

How people respond to disasters

When disasters happen there are always people who step up to help save lives, provide food or shelter, or think of ways to solve issues.

How people prepare for disasters

We cannot stop natural events from happening (despite the fact Donald Trump suggested firing a nuclear missile into a hurricane to make it stop) but we can prepare.