False: Cyclones can eliminate COVID-19.

By: Ishita Goel
January 25 2022

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COVID-19 is an infectious viral disease and can only be tackled by vaccination and following public health measures. There is no evidence that cyclones can "wash away" COVID-19. In fact, some studies have warned that the devastation caused by cyclones and other natural disasters could leave communities more vulnerable to the virus and its spread. During a cyclone, rapid wind rotation occurs in an area close to low atmospheric pressure. The rotation pattern is characterized by strong winds and spiral movements, leading to heavy rain. A paper published in the Lancet found that there was an alarming number of cyclones in 2020. It explained that "most storms formed over unseasonably warm waters, many intensified rapidly, and several stalled over land, factors that are likely to be linked to climate change." Climate change is making the tropical systems stronger and leading to stronger cyclones. Oxfam noted that the devastation caused by cyclones in Mozambique in 2021 left more than 260,000 people in need of humanitarian aid. As survivors were forced into cramped conditions, with no access to water or masks, it had made them extremely vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) also says there is "no conclusive evidence that either weather or climate has a strong influence on transmission." A previous fact check by Logically has noted that rain cannot "wash away" COVID-19. Experts do not believe rain deactivates the virus or disinfects surfaces the way soap and water do. COVID-19 transmits from person to person through direct contact, but a person may also get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object contaminated with the virus and touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. According to the WHO, "temperature and humidity may influence how long the virus survives outside of the human body. This effect is likely to be small compared to the degree of contact between people." There is no evidence that cyclones can control the COVID-19. The CDC and other medical bodies note that the transmission of COVID-19 can be controlled by social distancing, wearing masks, and disinfecting surfaces. The COVID-19 vaccine will help to stop you from contracting the virus and passing it on to others, with recent studies showing that it is between 70 and 90 percent effective. The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority. The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19, including symptoms, prevention, and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organization or your national healthcare authority.