Factors affecting damage:
(1) wind speed at location
(2) exposure
(3) building standards (storm bracings, construction materials, foundation, other)
(4) vegetation type
(5) amount of potential debris
(6) rainfall (total amount and rate)
(7) storm surge (if on coast)
(8) adequacy of evacuation and other preparations
(9) erosion risk
The damage is greater if the location is susceptible due to previous rainfall, storm damage, etc.
|
Wind Speed in m/s
|
Wind Speed in miles/hr
|
Potential Damage
|
|
22-35
|
49-79
|
minor
|
|
36-45
|
80-100
|
intermediate
|
|
> 45
|
> 100
|
structural
|
from http://www.oas.org/usde/publications/Unit/oea66e/ch12.htm, page 6.
where:
• Multiple wind speed in meters per second by 2.2369 for miles per hour.
• Wind speeds > 135 miles per hour are associated with significant structural damage.
Consequences of rainfall:
(1) flooding
(2) landslides in mountainous regions
(3) structural damage to buildings
Factors affecting recovery:
(1) severity of initial damage
(2) extent of damage to essential services
(3) extent of damage to critical facilities
Essential services:
(1) potable water
(2) sanitation sewage handling, including agricultural
(3) electricity
(4) transportation (roads, bridges, road cuts, railroads, airports, ocean ports)
(5) telecommunications
Critical facilities:
(1) medical care delivery
(2) police and fire departments
(3) emergency shelter facilities (schools, churches, community centers)
