How does extreme weather, such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall, affect the spread of vector-borne diseases in India?
According to WMO (World Meteorological Organization)- "Cyclone is a low pressure system with sustained winds of atleast 34 knots (63 km/h) and a closed circulation pattern." Favourable conditions for the formation of Tropical Cyclones- High Humidity i.e around 60-80%. Vertical Wind Shear should be lRead more
According to WMO (World Meteorological Organization)- “Cyclone is a low pressure system with sustained winds of atleast 34 knots (63 km/h) and a closed circulation pattern.”
Favourable conditions for the formation of Tropical Cyclones-
- High Humidity i.e around 60-80%.
- Vertical Wind Shear should be low (< 10 m/s).
- Warm Ocean waters with temperature ≥ 26.5 °C .
- Low pressure area.
- Convergence of winds with the upper level of divergence.
- Presence of Coriolis Force.
Differences between Tropical and Temperate Cyclones –
- Origin – Tropical cyclones form only on seas with temperature more than 26.5 °C in between 10° to 30° N and S of the equator ex-Hurricanes whereas Temperate cyclones can be formed both on land as well as seas in between 35° to 65° N and S of equator ex- European Windstorms .
- Shape – Tropical cyclones are elliptical in shape where as Temperate cyclones are in shape of of inverted V .
- Lifespan – Tropical cyclones doesn’t last for more than 1 week whereas Temperate cyclones may last for 2 to 3 weeks .
- Movement – Tropical cyclones move westward then poleward whereas Temperate cyclones move eastward then northeastward.
- Intensity – Tropical cyclones are more intense(Category 1 to 5) as compared to the Temperate cyclones.
Understanding these favourable conditions and differences will help us to predict,prepare and track the movements of cyclones by using effective mitigation strategies like – early warning system,storm shelters, evacuation drills,remote sensing etc .
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To understand the spread of vector-borne diseases in India due to extreme weather conditions such as heat waves and heavy rains, it is essential to consider how these are significantly influenced by three main factors: 1- Breeding habitats 2- Vector behaviour 3- Human vulnerability 1- BreRead more
To understand the spread of vector-borne diseases in India due to extreme weather conditions such as heat waves and heavy rains, it is essential to consider how these are significantly influenced by three main factors:
1- Breeding habitats
2- Vector behaviour
3- Human vulnerability
1- Breeding Habitats : Heavy rains create stagnant water, ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which are vectors of diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. This can be exacerbated by flooding and the establishment of additional breeding sites in unexpected areas.
2- Vector behavior : Heat waves may modify vectors’ behaviour and their lifetime. The development of pathogens in vectors may be accelerated, the incubation period shortened and transmission rates increased due to higher temperatures. For example, in hotter conditions the development cycle of an Anopheles mosquito that disseminates malaria is accelerating.
3- Human Vulnerability : Extreme weather events frequently result in displacement and overcrowding of shelters, increasing the risk for spread of disease. The risk of vector borne diseases is further increased by poor infrastructure and lack of access to clean water and sanitation during such events.
These factors contribute to a favourable environment for the proliferation of vector borne diseases in India, which poses significant health problems.
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