Cyclone Fears High In Samoa

Written by Astrid Sesega
Thursday, 20 December 2007
The effects of Climate Change have been described as a “real disaster” by Principle Disaster Management Officer of the Meteorology Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Sala Sagato Tuafiso. This is because climate change has increased the frequency of Tropical Cyclones in the Pacific Region by 5%. Currently Tropical Cyclones with Gale Force winds occur in Samoa roughly every three years, statistical analysis shows. These predictions come from data which includes figures that have been collected over the past 150 years. “Statistical analysis of all tropical cyclones that affect Samoa in the last 150 years, Samoa is likely to be affected by a tropical cyclone with gale force winds (40-55 miles per hour) in every three years and likely to be affected by tropical cyclones with hurricane force winds (55+ mph) every six years.” However, the risks are getting much higher; one of the reasons for this is because of the effects of climate change changing the temperature of the water. Sala says, “This will affect the whole Pacific Region including Samoa.” “This is a real disaster,” he explained. Increased frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones is mostly related to Climate Change, explained Sala, “Climate Change is a big factor.” If the Meteorology Division inside the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Meteorology’s Predictions are right Samoa should be bracing itself for a Cyclone this season as Cyclone Heta occurred in 2004; three years ago. Although Sala could not say whether there would defiantly be a Tropical Cyclone this year, the chances of one occurring is becoming higher. In previous year tropical cyclones usually occurred in January and February and this is still considered as being ‘below normal risk’, however, during El Nino this risk becomes high. Sala explained that El Nino usually occurs in the Solomon Island and Vanuatu region and moves towards South America where the water temperature is higher.. When this happens vapour is released and energy is created in turn creating a tropical cyclone. Not a lot is known about cyclones, explained Sala, even in the United States of America where they fly scientists into the eyes of the cyclones. During his presentation he also explained that more equipment is needed in Samoa and they have requested the assistance from overseas to help with this. It is hoped Samoa will be able to get equipment which will provide increased service observations and satellite images. They also want to get a monitoring system in the water; these extra equipments are to help to learn about Tropical Cyclones. “We still don’t know much about the Tropical Cyclone process but we are trying to put the pieces together.” “Our goal at the moment is to minimise the losses and impacts.” It was also noted that although the Tropical Cyclone season is between the 1st of November and the 30th of April they can still form outside this time period. For example a Tropical Cyclone struck Tonga in June of 1997. A Xmas carol from youtube Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment Name Email Title Comment
Last Updated ( Friday, 21 December 2007 )

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