Cyclone Cleopatra : meteorological conditions & its socio-economic impacts on Sardinia

Abstract

Throughout the year, the Mediterranean is affected by several Mediterranean cyclones, resulting in negative socio-economic impacts. An example is Cyclone Cleopatra which resulted in the inundation of various regions in Sardinia on November 18th 2013. Sardinian communities were severely impacted, resulting in multiple damages and fatalities. Thus, this dissertation focuses on the meteorological and socio-economic aspects of Cyclone Cleopatra. The main aims of this study were (i) to investigate whether Cyclone Cleopatra was an extreme weather event and its dynamics, (ii) to investigate the socio-economic impacts and damages due to the cyclone’s severity, and (iii) to identify and determine the weaknesses/gaps in the preparedness, prevention, response and recovery strategies and their implementation, including the warnings/alarms given out during Cyclone Cleopatra. These aims were addressed through the analysis of meteorological data and simulations carried out by the WRF model, along with the aid of interviews/questionnaires carried out in Italian and English onsite in Sardinia. It was determined that Cyclone Cleopatra was an extreme weather event resulting from a cut-off low, leading to high precipitation and flooding in Sardinia. The gathered responses led to the identification of the weaknesses in the warnings/alarms sent during Cyclone Cleopatra, which include miscommunication and the failure to send such warnings/alarms. The lack of public awareness regarding the measures which should be taken during such events was also highlighted. Despite the relief operation carried out, Sardinia still suffers from several long-term implications, highlighting the importance of the need for revised strategies which should include improved early warning/alarm systems, greater public awareness such as the ‘self-protection’ campaign and strategies which account for the difficulties encountered during such events.