Tropical storms

Tropical storms are cyclones, hurricanes, tornadoes, typhoons and wind storms. Up to 67 million people have been affected in the last five years. High winds that accompany tropical storms and resulting floods have a devastating impact on the rural sector.

The most immediate and visible impact of storms on agriculture is damage to:

• standing crops
• livestock
• household property
• production assets
• physical infrastructure

This may result in food shortages at household, community and national levels. There is commonly a reduction in livelihood security and poor households’ access to food.

Hardest-hit regions include South East Asia and the Caribbean, the latter suffering unprecedented losses during the 2004 and 2005 hurricane season. The pattern and predictability of storms calls for more investment in prevention, mitigation and preparedness. At the international level there has been impressive technological progress in the accuracy and promptness of early warnings and forecasting of storm hazards. However there remains a need to translate forecasting into meaningful scenarios of responses for farmers.

Minimizing the impact of storm related disasters

FAO supports member countries in improving methods to reduce storm-related risks and improve preparedness for emergency response in the agricultural and fishery sectors.

Example of FAO response to a post-tropical cyclone

Following the 2004 hurricane season, FAO provided support in the Caribbean region worth USD 8 million. This included a project to collect and share information on agricultural practices, so increasing future ability to cope.

Tropical Storm Stan hit the western highlands and south coast of Guatemala in October 2005. FAO supported the early recovery of families and is implementing longer-term rehabilitation projects aimed at:

• recapitalizing productive assets
• improving agricultural techniques
• diversifying diets
• restoring community infrastructure