The recent coverage of Vietnam’s storm activity has cast the spotlight on Typhoon Molave, one of the country’s most significant storms in two decades. Vietnam is no stranger to natural disasters, particularly between June and November, their rainy season. Central coastal provinces are often affected during this period, but alarmingly, these storms have been intensifying over the years.
Understanding Typhoons
A key point to note is that the term ‘typhoon’ is specific to a region and refers to a distinct type of tropical cyclone. Various terms are used around the globe to describe these powerful weather phenomena. For instance, in the northwest Pacific Ocean, they’re referred to as typhoons, while in the North Atlantic Ocean, they are known as hurricanes. Meanwhile, they’re called Willy-Willies in north-western Australia and Tropical Cyclones in the Indian Ocean region.
Tropical cyclone is an overarching term used by meteorologists when discussing a system originating over tropical or subtropical waters. Characterised by a rotating, organised arrangement of clouds and thunderstorms, these systems are defined by their closed, low-level circulation. Interestingly, in the Northern Hemisphere, tropical cyclones rotate counterclockwise.
Classification of Tropical Cyclones
Classifying these cyclonic systems is done using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. This scale measures the strength and potential destructiveness of these storms.
Naming Conventions for Typhoons
Understanding how typhoons gain their unique names can be fascinating. The Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) in Tokyo, specifically its Typhoon Centre, is responsible for assigning names to tropical cyclones. They operate using five lists, from which names are selected.
The recent Typhoon Molave, for example, was named by the Philippines, contributing to the practice of international collaboration in tracking and responding to these potentially devastating natural events.
Vietnam’s Vulnerability to Typhoons
Vietnam’s geographical position exposes it to regular natural disasters, especially during the rainy season. The coastal provinces centrally located bear the brunt of these disasters, but recent years have witnessed an alarming trend of intensifying storms.
As witnessed with Typhoon Molave, these events can cause massive disruptions and necessitate extensive recovery efforts. The escalating intensity of these storms only emphasizes the urgency for developing resilient systems and measures to mitigate their effects.
Impact of Typhoon Molave on Vietnam
Typhoon Molave’s recent disastrous impact on Vietnam underscores the country’s vulnerability to such intense natural disasters. As one of the largest storms to hit the region in two decades, it has highlighted the need to understand and prepare for the risks associated with these powerful weather phenomena.
By understanding the nature of typhoons, their classification, naming conventions as well as their frequency and growing intensity in regions like Vietnam, we can better prepare for, respond to, and recover from these disasters.
