HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL HAZARDS Tornado

Phenomena of atmospheric, hydrological, or A tornado is described as a violently rotating

oceanographic nature that may cause loss of life, injury column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the
or other health impacts, property damages, loss of ground.
livelihoods and services, social and economic
disruptions, or even environmental damages. Tornadoes develop from severe thunderstorms
in warm, unstable air along and ahead of cold fronts.
Includes:

o Tropical cyclones
o Thunderstorms Flash flood
o Hailstorms A flash flood is a rapid flooding of geomorphic,
o Tornadoes low-lying areas like rivers, dry lakes and basins. It may
o Storm surges be caused by heavy rain associated with a severe
o Floods thunderstorm, hurricane, tropical storm, or melt water
from ice or snow flowing over ice sheets or snowfields.

POTENTIAL HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL HAZARDS Flash floods may occur after the collapse of a
natural ice or debris dam, or a human structure such as
The following are the most common a man-made dam.
hydrometeorological hazards as defined by the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

Cyclone Flood

A cyclone is an intense low pressure system Flood is the inundation of land areas which are
which is characterized by strong spiral winds towards not normally covered by water. A flood is usually caused
the center, called the “Eye” in a counter-clockwise flow by a temporary rise or overflowing of a river, stream or
in the northern hemisphere. other enclosed bodies of water.

Classification of Cyclone Flooding occurs in known floodplains when

prolonged rainfall last for several days, intense rainfall
o Tropical Depression – maximum winds form over a short period of time, or a debris jam causes a
35 kilometers per hour (kph) to 63 kph river or stream to overflow and flood the surrounding
o Tropical Storm – maximum winds from 64 kph area.
to 118 kph
o Typhoon – maximum winds exceeding 118 kph
Storm Surge

Typhoon Storm surge is a rise of seawater above normal

sea level on the coast, generated by the action of
It is a large, powerful and violent tropical weather elements, such as cyclonic wind and
cyclone. It is a low pressure area rotating atmospheric pressure.
counterclockwise and containing rising warm air that
forms over warm water in the Western Pacific Ocean.

They are typically attached to a thunderstorm. El Nino and La Nina

Less powerful tropical cyclones are called Tropical These are complex weather patterns resulting
Depressions and Tropical Storms. from variations in ocean temperatures in the Equatorial
Pacific. These two phenomena are opposite phases of
what is known as the El Nino-Southern Oscillation
Thunderstorms (ENSO) cycle.

A thunderstorm is a weather condition that La Nina is also referred to as the cold phase of
produces lightning and thunder, heavy rainfall from ENSO and El Nino as the warm phase of ENSO.
cumulonimbus clouds and possibly a tornado.
Thunderstorms occur most frequently in the equatorial El Nino and La Nina episodes usually last nine
zone (some localities have many as 200 a year) and to 12 months, but some prolonged events may last for
seldom in the polar region. years. While frequency can be quite irregular, El Nino
and La Nino events occur on average every two to
seven years. Typically, El Nino occurs more frequently
than La Nina.
SIGNS OF AN IMPENDING TYPHOON OR 12 hours before landfall
HURRICANE
The rain squalls are more frequent and the
Every typhoon/hurricane is different and there winds don’t diminish after they depart. The cloud ceiling
are many factors that contribute to its development. is getting lower, and the barometer is falling at 1 millibar
However, the following is a general sequence of events per hour. The wind is howling at hurricane force at 74
that could occur during the development of a Category mph. The sea advances with every storm wave that
2 typhoon/hurricane (wind speed 96-110 mph) crashes ashore, and foam patches.
approaching a coastal area (Herald Tribune, 2011):
6 hours before landfall
96 Hours before Landfall
The rain is constant and the 92 mph wind drives
At first there aren’t any apparent signs of a it horizontally. The barometer is falling 1.5 millibar per
storm. The barometer is steady, winds are light and hour, and the storm surge has advanced above the high
variable, and fair-weather cumulus clouds appear. tide mark. The sea surface a whitish mass of spray. It is
impossible to stand upright outside without bracing
72 Hours before Landfall yourself.
Little has changed, except that the swell on the 1 hours before landfall
ocean surface has increased to about six feet and the
waves come in every nine seconds. This means that the The rain becomes heavier. Low areas inland become
storm, far over the horizon, is approaching. flooded. The winds are at 104 mph, and the barometer
is falling at 2 millibar per hour. The sea is white with
48 hours before landfall foam and streaks. The storm surge has covered coastal
The sky is now clear of clouds, the barometer is roads and 16 foot waves crash into buildings near the
steady, and the wind is almost calm. The swell is now shore.
about nine feet and coming in every eight seconds.

36 hours before landfall Landfall- The eye of the storm

The first signs of the storm appear. The o The eye is the most visible feature of a storm.
barometer is falling slightly, the wind is around 11 mph, o They are located in the center and range in size
and the ocean swell is about 13 feet and coming in from 20 to 50 kilometers.
seven seconds apart. On the horizon, a large mass of o The eye is the focus of the hurricane, the point
white cirrus clouds appear. As the veil of clouds around which the rest of the storm revolves, and
approaches, it covers more of the horizon. A hurricane the location of the storm's lowest surface
watch is issued, and areas with long evacuation times pressures.
are given the order to begin.
Tools in Tracking the Storm
30 hours before landfall
 Satellite- Is the most advanced technology
The sky is covered by a high overcast. The used in monitoring a cyclone or typhoon. It can
barometer is falling at .1 millibar per hour, winds pick up visualize exactly in real time the formation and
to about 23 mph. The ocean swell, coming in five the path of a cyclone.
seconds apart, is beginning to be obscured by wind-  Doppler Radar- Radio Detection and Ranging
driven waves, and small whitecaps begin to appear on (RADAR). Radar technology has been for
the ocean surface. purpose ranging from warfare to weather
24 hours before landfall predictions to catching speeders on the
highways since 1939. Radar detection devices
Small low clouds appear overhead. The emit and receive radio waves to determine the
barometer is falling by .2 millibars per hour, the wind distance from the source to the object by
picks up to 34 mph. The wind driven waves are covers measuring the time if it takes for the echo of the
in whitecaps, and streaks of foam begin to ride over the wave to return.
surface. Evacuations should be completed and final
preparations made by this time. A hurricane warning is
issued, and people living in low lying areas and in
mobile homes are ordered to evacuate.

18 hours before landfall

The low clouds are thicker and bring driving rain

squalls with gusty winds The barometer is steadily
falling at half a millibar per hour and the winds are
whistling by at 46 mph. It is hard to stand against the
wind.
PREPAREDNESS AND MITIGATION B. Thunderstorms
Preparedness (What to do before):
The following preparedness and mitigation Develop a Family Preparedness Plan
strategies are adopted from the Department of In case of severe thunderstorm -
Education's Disaster Risk Reduction Resource Manual specific planning should include the
issued on 2008 following:
A. Typhoon o Learn more about your area's severe
Preparedness (What to do before): thunderstorm risk.
o Establish and maintain coordination o Discuss how you would know if a
with Barangay Disaster Coordinating thunderstorm may produce a tornado.
Councils (BDCC) and personnel. o Discuss how to be warned of an
o Ensure that the house can withstand approaching thunderstorm.
heavy rain and strong winds. Houses o Recommend trimming and removal of
built at ground level may be anchored dead or rotting trees that could fall and
by guy wires to strengthen the stability may cause damage or injury.
of the structure. o Secure outdoor objects that could be
o Learn more about typhoons and other blown away and cause damage.
weather disturbances, their signs and o Secure house doors and windows both
warnings, effects and dangers and how from the inside and outside.
to protect houses and other properties. o Learn how to estimate the distance of
o Learn something relevant to mitigation the thunderclouds by computing the
and preparedness for tropical cyclones. difference in time (second) between
o Participate actively in the school's seeing the flash of lightning and
disaster response - drill or simulation hearing the claps of thunder. (1 second
Response (What to do during): = 1000 ft.).
o Monitor through radio or other reliable Response (What to do during):
sources the latest official report of o Learn to do the lightning safety position
PAGASA on the typhoon. and stay away from structures, trees,
o When a house is no longer safe, towers, fences, telephone lines, or
evacuate immediately to safer places power lines if out in the open.
like evacuation centers or houses of o Carefully watch out for falling debris
relatives that are proven stable and can and flash floods.
withstand strong wind and rain. o Stay calm throughout the occurrence of
o Stay indoors and away from windows. thunderstorm.
o Keep an open line of communication o Postpone all outdoor activities.
with relatives that are not affected to o Avoid plumbing and bathroom fixtures
keep them posted. that are good conductors of electricity.
o Ensure that members of the family will o Unplug or turn off all appliances and
remain calm by keeping them informed other electrical items such as
of the latest developments. computers. Electric power surges and
Rehabilitation (What to do before): storm lightning can cause serious
o Help in attending to victims damage to these appliances.
immediately. For minor cuts and o Turn off the air conditioner and
wounds apply first aid. television, and stay off the phone until
o In case of major cuts and wounds, seek the storm is over. Use a battery
necessary medical assistance at a operated radio for gaining information.
disaster station or hospital. o Choose and move to a "safe place" in
o Help in checking the house for your house (if there is any) where
damages and losses. Note damages members of the family can gather
that require immediate repair, e. g. together during a thunderstorm
electrical connections and water supply preferably on the lowest floor of your
o Coordinate with the Barangay officials house. This should be a place where
and LGU's for assistance. there are no windows, skylights, or
glass doors, which could be broken by
strong winds or hail, causing damage
or injury.
 o Switch off the electricity and lock the
rooms after all have gone out.
Lightning Safety Position o Have a handy survival kit. It should
"Lightning safety experts have invented a contain battery-operated transistor
"lightning safety position" that is very important to know radio, flashlight, emergency cooking
if you are caught in a thunderstorm and you can't find a equipment, candles, matches and first
shelter. This position looks hard, but it could save your aid kit.
life. There are several reasons for doing it. It makes you o Use a radio or a portable, battery-
a smaller target. With your heels together, if lightning powered radio (or television) for
hits the ground, it goes through the closest foot, up to updated information. Local stations
your heel and then transfers to the other foot and goes provide the best advice for your
back to the ground again. If you don't put your feet particular situation.
together, lightning could go through your heart and kill Response (What to do during):
you. You put your hands over your ears to protect them o Stay calm and keep updated with the
from thunder." (Lightning Safety Experts) status of the situation and safety
reminders on what to do and where to
C. Tornado go in case of evacuation.
Preparedness (What to do before): o Listen closely to a radio, or a portable,
o Develop a preparedness plan for the battery-powered radio (or television) for
whole family. updated emergency information.
o Have periodic drills with the members o Do not attempt to cross flowing streams
of the family. unless assured that the water is below
o Inspect pre-designated areas to ensure knee level.
the best protection. o Avoid areas prone to flash flooding and
o Keep an open line communication with be cautious of water-covered roads,
other members of the family. bridges, creeks and stream banks and
o Listen to radio and television for recently flooded areas.
information. o Do not go swimming or boating in
Response (What to do during): swollen rivers.
o Move to a pre-designated area or an o Watch out for snakes in flooded areas.
interior room on the lowest floor o Eat only well-cooked food and drink
o and get under a sturdy piece of only clean or preferably boiled water
furniture. and throw away all food that has come
o Stay away from windows. into contact with flood water.
o Lie flat in a depression if caught outside Rehabilitation (What to do after):
your house/school or any building. o Report broken utility lines (electricity,
Rehabilitation (What to do after): water, gas, etc.) immediately to
o Attend to survivors immediately. appropriate agencies/authorities.
o Check the house for damages and o Ensure that electrical appliances are
losses. checked by a competent electrician
o Coordinate with proper authorities for before switching them on.
assistance. o Avoid affected areas.
D. Flood and Flash Flood o Continue to listen to a radio or local
Preparedness (What to do before): television stations and return home
o Find out the frequency of occurrence of only when authorities indicate it is safe
floods in the locality, especially those to do so.
that affect your area. o Stay away from any building that is
o Know the flood warning system in your flooded.
locality. If none exists, recommend to E. Storm Surge
the appropriate authority for the Preparedness (What to do before):
creation of one. o Know the surge risk zones and identify
o Research from previous occurrences safer grounds for reflection if
how fast the water floods occur in your necessary.
area and how high it rises. o Stay off the beach when weather
o If it has been raining hard for several disturbance exists.
hours, or steadily raining for several o Help establish evacuation plans and
days, be alert to the possibility of a procedures
flood. Floods happen as the ground o Participate in the regular conduct of
becomes saturated. drills and exercises.
o Watch out for rapidly rising water and Response (What to do during):
help prepare the family for evacuation. o Immediately move to higher grounds
upon detection of signs of a probable
 storm surge or upon receiving a
warning that a storm surge is imminent.
o Be alert of and stay away from steep,
high coastal areas which are prone to
landslides.
o Switch off power supply.
o Stay on the inland side away from the
potential flow of water.
o If caught in a storm surge, take hold of
large boulders or tree trunks which can
provide protection from the force of
water or debris carried by the flowing
water.
Rehabilitation (What to do after):
o Do not eat fresh food that came in
contact with flood waters.
o Drinking water should be submitted to
proper authorities for testing.
o Check damage of the house to ensure
that there is no danger of collapse.
o Check the house for electrical damage
and open live wires. Electrical fixtures
should only be switched on after
making sure that it is safe to do so.
o Help clean all mud and debris
immediately.

DIFFERENT HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL HAZARD

MAPS
 gathering, modeling and information output, and release
flood forecasts
TOOLS FOR MONITORING HYDRO-
METEOROLOGICAL HAZARDS 6. Local Development of Doppler Radar Systems
(LaDDERS).
Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of
Hazards) The Project sought to develop to design,
fabricate, and operate sub-systems of Doppler radars
Project NOAH is the Philippine government's for remotely sensing the dynamic parameters of sea
unified initiative for precise disaster forecasting and surface.
mitigation using scientific forecasting, monitoring,
assessment and information services regarding natural 7. Landslide Sensors Development Project.
hazards. It was established by the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST) in response to The project was a locally developed, sensor-
President Benigno S. Aquino III in enhancing disaster based early monitoring and warning system for
prevention and response in high-risk areas. The project landslides, slope failures, and debris flow. They started
utilizes technology and expertise from organizations like installing the technology in May 2012. Ten sensors have
PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, and (ASTI), alongside been installed from each of the specific regions in
partnerships with UP's National Institute of Geological Visayas. Additional sensors were expected to be
Sciences and UP College of Engineering. deployed in 50 more sites by 2013.

The Project has the Following Tools for Monitoring

Hydrometeorological Hazards: 8. Weather Hazard Information Project (WHIP).
1. Distribution of Hydrometeorological Devices in The project utilizes platforms such as television
hard-hit areas in the Philippines (Hydromet). and a web portal, which displays real-time satellites.
A total of 600 automated rain gauges (ARG) Doppler radar, ARG, and WLMS data to empower LGUs
and 400 water level monitoring stations (WLMS) was to and communities to prepare against extreme natural
be installed along the country's 18 major river basins hazards. The data gathered by the (WHIP) would be
(RBs) on December 2013 to provide a better picture of relevant and up-to-date information for public use.
the country's surface water in relation to flooding.

2. Disaster Risk Exposure Assessment for

Mitigation - Light Detection and Ranging (DREAM-
LIDAR) Project.

The project, which was targeted to be

completed by December 2013, aimed to produce more
accurate flood inundation and hazard maps in 3D for the
country's flood-prone and major river systems and
watersheds.

3. Enhancing Geohazards Mapping through LIDAR.

The project, which was targeted to be

completed by December 2014, would use LIDAR
technology and computer-assisted analyses to identify
exact areas prone to landslides.

4. Coastal Hazards and Storm Surge Assessment

and Mitigation (CHASSAM).

The project, which was targeted to be

completed by December 2014. It would generate wave
surge, wave refraction, and coastal circulation models
to understand and recommend solutions for coastal
erosion.

5. Flood Information Network (FloodNET) Project.

The project, which had a target completion date

by December 2013. It is a flood center that will provide
timely and accurate information for flood early warning
systems. FloodNET will come up with computer models
for the critical RBs, automate the process of data