Typhoons are a form of tropical Cyclones, which occur in the Western Pacific Ocean as a result of Severe weather conditions resulting from intense low pressure formation. The typhoons normally develop over warm ocean waters and rotate in clockwise direction. Typhoons are also called Hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean and Cyclone in the Indian Ocean. They are accompanies by heavy thunderstorms and can cause immense damage with the fierce wind and torrential downpour. Typhoons are also accompanied by landslides, floods and waves.

The country, which is affected by these typhoons most, is Japan. The months of August and September are dreaded period for the country with the danger level being the highest. The other months where there is likeliness of typhoons hitting the country are May to November. The year 2004 saw 10 Typhoons hitting the mainland of Japan.

Effects of Typhoons

The typhoons have been classified into a five parts to gauge the extent of the damage caused by them. This is known as Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.

• Category 1 : The damage can be done only to the weak structures and trees. The Strom Surge-4-5 feet above the normal

• Category 2 : The exteriors of the houses will be damaged along with the trees and shrubberies. Weak Structures also fall a prey to it. Storm Surge-6 to 8 feet above normal.

• Category 3 : Structural damage to small residences and low lying residences and trees. Storm Surge-9 to 12 feet above normal

• Category 4 : Mobile homes are completely destroyed along with great damage to the buildings, uprooting of trees. In this type of Typhoon it is necessary to evacuate the residential areas, which are 6 miles near the shore. Strom Surge-13 to 18 feet above normal.

• Category 5 : These are the most destructive types of Typhoons with the storm surge higher than 18 feet above normal. Evacuation of the residential areas within 5-10 miles of the shores is required in this category of typhoon.

The damage by a typhoon is mainly caused by the Strom Surges and the accompanying rainfall. It is advisable to have a plan ready to tackle such a type of situation. Most of the typhoon affected countries follow a well chalked out plan to save the lives of the inhabitants.