Understanding Hydrometeorological Hazard Maps

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Risk Index of the Philippines

 The Philippines ranks 3rd (26.70%) out of 171 countries in the World

Risk Index 2016. Countries were ranked based on the exposure and
the vulnerability of counties to natural hazards such as earthquakes,
floods, and storms.
 Based on the current state of logistics and infrastructure, the
Philippines is under category IV. In category IV countries, there is
“an urgent need for action” in order to improve transport
infrastructures, electricity supply, and “logistics friendliness ”.

Hydrometeorological Maps

 Hydrometeorological hazard maps plot the levels of risk

may it be in a local area or the whole country due to potential
damage from floods, tropical cyclones, winds, monsoons
and other hydrometeorological phenomena.
 Hazard maps can be resident-educating type which has the
main objective to inform the residents in an area about the
possible susceptibility of that area to natural disasters
Creating Hazard Maps

1. Define the scale and the phenomenon as well as to forecast the

range of disaster using digital simulation technology.
2. Disaster-related information should be collected to be inserted in the
hazard map.
3. Disaster prevention activity will start once the maps are published
and distributed to the public and government agencies may it be
digital or hard copies.

Project NOAH

 A program launched by the the Department of Science and

Technology on July 6, 2012.
  Project NOAH is also known as Nationwide Operational Assessment
of Hazards (NOAH).
 The program lead to the development of very high resolution maps of
Philippine landscape.

Coping with Hydrometeorological Hazards

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Coping with Typhoons and Monsoons

Before a Typhoon

 Always keep yourself updated. Follow the pages of PAGASA, Project

NOAH and other government agencies in different social media
platforms.
 Inspect and fix your house’s drainage system.
 Prepare enough amounts of ready-to-eat foods and water with
consideration that it may take several days before the grocery store
will open after the storm.
 If you have second or third floors or any elevated area in your house,
place your things there to protect it from flood.
 If the authorities advised you to evacuate, please do so.
 Prepare emergency kits ahead of time containing first-aid supplies,
candles, flashlights, live vests (if any) and battery-operated radio.

During a Typhoon

 If you were not advised to evacuate, remain inside your house and
postpone any scheduled travels for the next days.
 Be fully informed about the track of the storm through your television,
radio or internet.
 Do not wade along flooded areas without any protection such as
boots and raincoats because floodwater may cause water-borne
diseases.
 If you are told to evacuate, calmly comply and proceed to the nearest
evacuation area.
After a Typhoon

 If you stayed in an evacuation center during the storm, make sure to

wait for the authorities’ announcement before coming back.
 Properly inspect and repair the damages first before staying inside.
 Be careful of live wires or any electrical outlet that is still wet or still
submerged in water.
 Wear protective gears such as boots especially if there are still areas
submerged in flood.
 Clean your house and the surrounding area.

Coping with Floods

During A Flood

 Listen to radio or television about the weather condition and if there is

any flood warning issued in your area.
 If you need to evacuate, secure your house and transfer essential
items such as electric appliances in the upper floor (if any).
 If there is a need for you to leave your house, do not walk through
moving water.
 Avoid driving in flooded areas.
 Always bring your emergency kit.

After A Flood

 Listen to local news if the flood in your area has subsided and
whether water supply is safe to drink.
 Avoid floodwaters as it may be contaminated with harmful chemicals.
I
 Do not go back to your house if the authorities have not yet
announced that it is safe.
 Carefully check the surrounding of your house along with the
structure inside because there is a possibility of hidden damages.
Damaged structures and sewage systems should be quickly repaired
as it may cause serious health hazard and even loss of lives.
Coping with Tornadoes

Before the Occurrence of a Tornado

 If you live in an area where tornado occurs frequently and there is an available
area, you may opt to build an underground shelter. If there is none, then you can
choose to create a safe room.
 If you see or hear a tornado warning, you should immediately evacuate and seek
shelter.

During the Occurrence of a Tornado

 If you are in a building, follow the said steps:

o Proceed immediately to a designated shelter in your house (if any) such
as cellar, basement, or safe room.
o If there are no available shelters nearby, go to a small interior room at the
lowest floor and put as much walls as you can to separate yourself with
that of the outside environment.
o Make sure to stay away from windows and doors.
o Get under a heavy piece of furniture and put your arms over your head to
protect it from flying and falling debris.
o Do not stay in a structure with a large-area roof such as auditorium,
cafeteria or gymnasium.
 If you are inside a car, truck or any vehicle, follow the corresponding
precautionary measures:
o Move out from your vehicle and proceed immediately to a nearby secure
shelter or a sturdy building.
o If you are in a congested or urban area, do not try to outrun a tornado.
 If you are caught outside with no shelter:
 Look for a ditch or a depression and lie down. Make sure that your location is far
from streambeds and powerlines.
 Do not go under an overpass or bridge just in case it collapses.
 Be on the lookout for flying debris.

After the Occurrence of a Tornado

 Check the latest weather information if you have a cellphone or battery-operated

radio.
 Check yourself and your family for any injuries and administer first aid as
needed.
 Keep out from broken power lines and damaged structures until the officials
declared that it is safe to enter it.
 While cleaning up, make sure to wear sturdy shoes and gloves to protect yourself
from sharp debris. Clean up any dangerous spills such as medicines, bleaches,
chemicals, and flammable liquids.
 Finally, assess the psychological impact such as trauma especially to small
children. If there is a need for crisis counseling, contact your local government
agency for additional information.