Impact of storms :
    Every year, storms cause great damage across the world. Cyclones are the worst in this respect because they last longer and affect a wider area. The wind speeds are also greater, reaching up to 300 km/h.

    As they travel over the sea, they gather a lot of moisture. So when they hit a coast, they bring heavy rainfall. High waves hit the coast and flood vast areas.

    Towns and villages get submerged. Trees get uprooted. Telephone and electric lines snap. Buildings, bridges and other man-made structures get damaged.

    The extent of damage is usually much less in a thunderstorm. However, when counted over the whole world, more people are killed by lighting (accompanying thunderstorms) than by cyclones.

    Tornadoes are far more destructive than thunderstorms. The core of low pressure creates a suction which can blow off roofs and make houses collapse.

    All storms uproot trees and kill wildlife. Cyclones also affect marine life, and coral reefs, in particular. The rushing in of sea water has another harmful effect. It turns soil saline and unfit for cultivation. (i.e. cylclone reduces the fertility of soil)