Tropical Cyclones

Tropical cyclones are one of the biggest threats to life and property even in the formative
stages of their development. They include a number of different hazards that can
individually cause significant impacts on life and property, such as storm surge, flooding,
extreme winds, tornadoes and lighting. Combined, these hazards interact with one
another and substantially increase the potential for loss of life and material damage.

Characteristics of tropical cyclones

A tropical cyclone is a rapid rotating storm originating over tropical oceans from where
it draws the energy to develop. It has a low-pressure center and clouds spiraling towards
the eyewall surrounding the "eye", the central part of the system where the weather is
normally calm and free of clouds. Its diameter is typically around 200 to 500 km, but can
reach 1000 km. A tropical cyclone brings very violent winds, torrential rain, high waves
and, in some cases, very destructive storm surges and coastal flooding. The winds blow
counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern
Hemisphere. Tropical cyclones above a certain strength are given names in the interests
of public safety.

Hazards of typhoon
Hazards from tropical cyclones (also known as tropical depressions, tropical storms, and
hurricanes) include storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive
winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents.
Extreme Winds
Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing
material, and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.
Storm Surge
Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds. Storm surge and
large battering waves can result in large loss of life and cause massive destruction along
the coast.
Inland Flooding
Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling
tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause
flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm
has dissipated.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur
in rain bands well away from the center of the storm.

What is the cause of typhoon?

A typhoon forms when winds blow into areas of the ocean where the water is warm.
These winds collect moisture and rise, while colder air moves in below. This creates
pressure, which causes the winds to move very quickly.

What is the effect of typhoon?

Buildings and Other Infrastructure
Wind and water account for the two most destructive forces associated with typhoons.
Typhoons affect buildings and other structures in two ways: through direct force and
through projectiles. Direct force occurs when a wind gust slams directly into a building
or structure and causes physical damage, such as when wind blows the roof off a home.
Wind also inflicts damage by picking up and launching tree branches, building
materials, and other debris into structures. The heavy and persistent rainfall and coastal
storm surges that typhoons bring can also have devastating effects. In addition to
making homes uninhabitable, the flooding associated with typhoons can cripple rescue
and aid efforts by making roads impassable.
Trees and Other Vegetation
The impacts of typhoons extend to the natural environment, of course. The storms may
damage or destroy trees and other vegetation, including crops that communities may
rely on for sustenance or trade, or both. Strong winds can snap branches; detach and
injure leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds; and uproot trees and plants. Flooding can over-
saturate soils, drown vegetation or kill plant life via salt spray or the saltwater intrusion
produced by storm surges.
Impacts to Life and Livelihood
The destructive forces of typhoons also impact – and sometimes take – the lives of both
humans and animals. While this can occur directly, as when flying debris or collapsing
structures injure or kill people, a “silent killer” of sorts is the lack of available resources
and infrastructure that may follow typhoon landfall. Flooding from typhoons may
destroy food stocks and supplies and spread disease. In communities cut off by
typhoons, individuals may not be able to get the medical attention they so desperately
need, and starvation becomes a big risk as well.

PUBLIC STORM WARNING SIGNAL

Public Storm Warning Signals are raised to warn the public of incoming weather
disturbances.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal #1

WINDS: 30-60 kph may be expected in at least 36 hours
SEA CONDITIONS (Open Sea)
Wave Height: 1.25-4.0 meters
DAMAGE TO STRUCTURE:
•Very light or no damage to high-risk structures,
•Light to medium and low risk structures
•Slight damage to some houses of very light materials or makeshift structures in exposed
communities.
DAMAGE TO VEGETATION:
•Some banana plants are tilted, a few downed and leaves are generally damaged
•Twigs of small trees may be broken.
•Rice crops, however, may suffer significant damage when it is in its flowering stage.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal #2

WINDS: 61-120 kph may be expected in at least 24 hours
SEA CONDITIONS (Open Sea)
Wave Height:4.1-14.0 m
Storm surge possible at coastal areas.
 DAMAGE TO STRUCTURE:
•Light to Moderate damage to high-risk structures;
•Very light to light damage to medium-risk structures;
•No damage to very light damage to low-risk structures
•Unshielded, old dilapidated schoolhouses, makeshift shanties, and other structures of
light materials are partially damaged or unroofed.
•Some old galvanized iron (G.I.) roofs may be peeled or blown off.
•Some wooden, old electric posts are tilted or downed.
•Some damage to poorly constructed signs/billboards.
DAMAGE TO VEGETATION:
•Most banana plants, a few mango trees, ipil-ipiland similar trees are downed or broken.
•Some coconut trees may be tilted with few others broken.
•Rice and corn may be adversely affected.
•Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some heavy-foliaged trees blown
down.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal #3

WINDS: 121-170 kph may be expected in at least 18 hours
SEA CONDITIONS (Open Sea)
Wave Height: > 14.0 meters
Storm surge possible at coastal.
DAMAGE TO STRUCTURE:
•Heavy damage to high–risk structures;
•Moderate damage to medium-risk structures;
Light damage to low-risk structures
•Increasing damage to old, dilapidated residential structures and houses of light
•Houses of medium strength, some warehouses or bodega-type structures are unroofed
 DAMAGE TO VEGETATION:
•Almost all banana plants are downed, some big trees (acacia, mango, etc.) are broken or
uprooted,
•Dwarf-type or hybrid coconut trees are tilted or downed
•Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with heavy foliage blown off; some large
trees blown down.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal #4

WINDS: 171-220 kph may be expected in at least 12 hr
SEA CONDITIONS (Open Sea)
Wave Height: more than 14.0 meters
Storm surge 2-3m possible at coastal areas.
DAMAGE TO STRUCTURE:
•Very heavy damage to high –risk structures.
•Heavy damage to medium risk structures;
•Moderate damage to low-risk structures
•Considerable damage to structures of light materials (up to 75% are totally and partially
destroyed); complete roof structure failures.
•Many houses of medium-built materials are unroofed, some with collapsed walls;
extensive damage to doors and windows
•A few houses of first-class materials are partially damaged
•All signs/billboards are blown down.
DAMAGE TO VEGETATION:
•There is almost total damage to banana plantation,
•Most mango trees, ipil-ipiland similar types of large trees are downed or broken.
•Coconut plantation may suffer extensive damage.
•Rice and corn plantation may suffer severe losses.
 Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal #5
WINDS: > 220 kph may be expected in at least 12 hours
A Super Typhoon will affect the locality.
SEA CONDITIONS (Open Sea)
Wave Height: more than 14.0 m
Storm surge more than 3 meters possible at coastal areas
DAMAGE TO STRUCTURE:
•Widespread damage to high-risk structures
•Very heavy damage to medium-risk structures
•Heavy damage to low-risk structures;
•Almost total damage to structures of light in highly exposed coastal areas.
•Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Severe and extensive
window and door damage
•Most residential and institutional buildings of mixed construction may be severely
damaged.
•Electrical power distribution and communication services severely disrupted.
DAMAGE TO VEGETATION:
•Total damage to banana plantation
•Most tall trees are broken, uprooted or defoliated;
•Coconut trees are stooped, broken or uprooted.
•Few plants and trees survived

What to do before, during and after typhoon?

Before Typhoon
•Keep yourself fully updated. With the various media platforms available, it is nearly
impossible to remain unaware of the alleged typhoon's movement.
•Stock up on ready-to-eat foods and water. Make certain that the foods and water you
stockpile are plenty for you and your family and will last for a few days. When cooking is
no longer an option, ready-to-eat items such as canned/packed foods come in handy.
•Make sure your possessions, especially those that generate electricity, are placed on the
second or third floors or any other elevated area of your house. As a result, water will not
be able to come into contact with these materials.
•If you are advised to evacuate, do so. These individuals who will inform you of the need
for evacuation are more knowledgeable than anyone else. So, don't be too stubborn, at
least not now.
•Always have your emergency kits with you. Your emergency kit may include first-aid
supplies, candles, flashlights, life vests and battery-operated radio.

During Typhoon
•If no advice to evacuate was announced, then better stay inside your house. Keep
yourself calm and postpone any scheduled travels.
•Keep on monitoring the typhoon’s movement through your television, radio or the
internet.
•If you see signs of water rising, better turn off the main sources of electricity. Do keep
your electric-powered items stored in higher areas and refrain from using them during
flood.
•Do not wade along flooded areas to keep yourself from contacting water-borne diseases.
If it is inevitable, wear protective gears such as raincoats and boots to protect yourself.
•If you are told to evacuate, calmly comply.

After the Typhoon

•Monitor and update yourself with the progress of the typhoon through radio, television
or the internet (should this be accessible).
•If your house was one of the heavily damaged, make sure that you heed to the advice of
the authorities regarding its safety and stability. If they are uncertain of your house’s
condition, do not go yet. If the house didn’t have that much damage, have your house
inspected and do the needed repairs immediately. Just be safe in inspecting your house
and avoid scattered debris.
•Watch out for live wires or any electrical outlet that may be submerged in water. If you
don’t have the sufficient knowledge on electrical wirings, have a knowledgeable person
inspect these wires as well as your appliances before you actually use them again.
•Wear protective gears such as boots. Water-borne diseases such as Leptospirosis do not
only spread-out during typhoon but also after the typhoon. The bacteria that cause this
disease may still be present in moist soils or scattered debris and if these contacts with
your open wound, the chances of developing such disease is very much likely.
•Boil water before drinking as they may be contaminated.
•Clean up. Dispose things that may be a ground for mosquitoes to breed. Such stuffs may
include tires, cans or pots.