A preliminary study on mortality attributed to tropical cyclones in Taiwan 2000–2014. (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chang, Chiung-Ting
• Is Part Of: Environmental hazards. Volume 15:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 178
• Page End: 187
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Classification table -- mortality -- tropical cyclone -- typhoon; Environmental disasters -- Periodicals; Environmental disasters -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Natural disasters -- Periodicals; Natural disasters -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Environmental protection -- Periodicals; 363.7005
• DOI: 10.1080/17477891.2016.1167011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-7891

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Studies on mortality attributed to tropical cyclones often concern large-scale disasters. Attention is rarely paid to small-scale mortality over the long term. To understand the relationship between the environment and the behavior that contributes to mortality, this article uses a classification table to review the 1556 deaths attributed to tropical cyclones, named typhoons, in Taiwan during the period 2000–2014. The results demonstrate that the majority of outdoor deaths are associated with work-related activities, while most indoor deaths occur during non-work-related activities. Taking action, such as stopping the car on a bridge if the tail lights of a vehicle in front disappear, and not walking on the roadside when the road is flooded by muddy water, may help to reduce the likelihood of typhoon-attributed death. The findings also help to dispel four myths associated with typhoon-attributed mortality.