HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL HAZARDS

- process or phenomenon of atmospheric, hydrologica) or oceanographic nature that may cause loss of
life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and
economic disruption, or environmental damage.

HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL HAZARDS IN THE PHILIPPINES

• TYPHOON

- It is an extremely large and destructive storm that occur sespecially in the region of the Philippines.

SIGNS:

Increase Ocean Swell

Barometric Pressure Drop

Wind Speed

Heavy Rainfall

• THUNDERSTORM

- It is a weather condition generally characterize by heavy rain, thunder, lightning and even the
possibility of tornado.

SIGNS:

Cloud Formation Darkening Sky

Lightning Wind

Wind

• FLOOD / FLASHFLOOD

- It is a local flood of short duration generally resulting from heavy rainfall in the immediate vicinity.

Signs

Continuous storms, typhoons and rain

Distant Thunder

Rapidly Rising Water

Muddy Water

Water carry twigs, logs andother debris

• STORM SURGES

- It is an escalating seawater to the coast above normal sea level.

SIGNS:

Cumulu-nimbus -> Darker sky Low pressure -> Strong Winds -> Rising of Seawater

• LA NIÑA

- It is a weather pattern that occurs in the Pacific Ocean. In this pattern, strong winds blo wwarm water
at the ocean’s surface from South America to Indonesia. As the warm watermoves west, cold water
from the deep rises to the surface near the coast of South America.

SIGNS:

Cooling of sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, which occurs roughly every three to five
years, lasting from six to 24 months.

• EL NIÑO

- It is a climate phenomenon that occurs when a vast pool of water in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean
becomes abnormally warm. Under normal conditions, the warm water and the rains it drives are in the
western Pacific.

Signs:

Hot Weather -> High pressure -> Change in temperature -> Gradually Drying of land

× Hydrometeorological conditions can lead to other hazards such as landslides, fire, toxic leaks, volcanic
material flow.

MEASURES AND INTERVENTIONS BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL HAZARDS

1. TYPHOON

> BEFORE

• Coordinate with local community or barangay on safety plan during times of severe events

• Ensure that your house (or school) can withstand strong winds and heavy rains.
• Discuss with your family, friends,

classmate about typhoon and other weather disturbances, understand weather forecasts and how to
minimize our risks

• Recommend trimming and removal of unstable trees, electric posts, or any infrastructure that could
fall and may cause damage or injury.

• Have a survival kit containing battery-

operated radio, flashlight, emergency cooking equipment, candles, matches and first aid kit.

• Participate actively in the school drills on

disaster response

> DURING

• Regularly monitor official updates of PAGASA or other reliable sources on the tropical cyclone.

• Stay in a sturdy and stable shelter Stay indoors and away from windows or things that may topple
over.

• Coordinate with the local community on possible evacuation measures (especially if you are in a low-
lying area.

• Remain calm and take notice of your situation.

> AFTER

• Attend to injuries if needed.

• Apply first aid to minor cuts or wounds Seek medical assistance at your nearest clinic or hospital.

• Check your immediate vicinity (house, school, surroundings) for any damages that can pose a potential
hazard to people around it.

2. THUNDERSTORM

> BEFORE

• Learn about your area's thunderstorm risk by looking at past events. These risks differ for different
places and different months

• Discuss how you would know if a thunderstorm may produce light, moderate, heavy or torrential rain
as well as duration.
• Discuss the rainfall/thunderstorm warning system of PAGASA.

• Recommend trimming and removal of unstable trees, electric posts, or any infrastructure that could
fall and may cause damage or injury.

• Ensure proper drainage in the

surrounding by removing things that may hinder proper drainage flow.

• Participate actively in the school drills on disaster response.

> DURING

• Stay indoors and remain calm.

• Postpone all outdoor activities. Regularly monitor official updates by PAGASA or other reliable sources.

• Be on the lookout for falling debris and flashfloods.

• If treat of lightning is eminent, turn off and unplug all electrical and electronic devices to refrain from
using phones (mobile, landline) until the storm passes over.

• If no immediate shelter and threat of lightning is eminent: Stay low; Stay away from structures such as
trees, electrical lines, towers, or fences. Water can conduct electricity, refrain from swimming or being
in contact/submerged in bodies of water.

• Distance of thunderstorm cloud can be estimated by counting the time interval between seeing
lightning and hearing thunder (1 second 330m, 3 sec = 1 km). Remain indoors at least 30 minutes after
hearing the last thunder.

> AFTER

• Continue monitoring PAGASA or local radio/television stations for weather updates.

• Always observe safety measures on if you need to go outdoors.

• Stay away from storm-damaged areas. Watch out for fallen tree branches, trunks, electric lines,
etc.and report them to authorities.

• Stay away from flood waters. It is possible to contract diseases from flood water, uneven ground, open
drainage and/or sharp debris under floodwater can be potentially harmful.

3. FLASHFLOOD

> BEFORE
• Learn about your area's flood risk by by looking at past events. These risks differ for different places
and different months • Know the flood hazard map in your community.

• Learn from previous occurrences how frequent, how high and how fast flood can occur.

• Take notice of rapidly rising water and

prepare plans for evacuation.

• Have a survival kit containing battery.

operated radio, flashlight, emergency cooking equipment, candles, matches and first aid kit

• As the ground soak up more water from continuous rains, possibility of flooding increases.

• Participate actively in the school drills on disaster response.

> DURING

• Unplug all electric and electronic devices Listen continuously to official updates on weather and
flooding.

• Remain calm and be ready in case evacuation is necessary.

• Do not to attempt to cross flowing streams unless they are assured that the water is below knee level.
Avoid areas prone to flooding. Avoid swimming in swollen rivers. Make sure you only drink clean water.

• Stay away from flood waters as

Its possible to contract diseases from flood water

Uneven ground, open drainage and/or sharp debris under floodwater can be risky and potentially
harmful.

> AFTER

• Report broken utility lines (electricity. water, gas, etc.) to appropriate agencies/ authorities.

• Ensure that electrical appliances are checked by a competent electrician before switching them on.

• Stay away from flood waters. It is possible to contract diseases from flood water

Uneven ground, open drainage and/or sharp debris under floodwater can be potentially harmful.

4. STORM SURGES

> BEFORE
• Learn about your area's vulnerability to storm surge by looking at past events. If

vulnerable, recommend relocation to safer grounds.

• Stay away from beaches/shore during

tropical cyclone passage.

• Identify evacuation routes leading to safe higher grounds.

• Establish evacuation plans and

procedures.

• Participate actively in the school drills on disaster response.

STORM SURGE

> DURING

• Regularly monitor official storm surge advisory/forecast updates of PAGASA Remain calm and be ready
in case of evacuation.

• Stay away from beaches/shore and low- lying areas.

• Head towards inland away from potential flow of water.

• Turn off power supply.

• If caught in a storm surge, you are advised to hold on large structures like big trees.

> AFTER

• Check structural damage of your surroundings. and make sure structures are safe from collapsing.

• Check surroundings for electrical damage. Stay away from flood waters.

> It is possible to contract diseases from flood water.

> Uneven ground, open drainage and/or sharp debris under floodwater can be potentially harmful

> Clean all mud and debris.

5. EL NIÑO

> BEFORE
Listen and monitor PAGASA El Niño/ drought/dry spell forecast on what parts of the country will be
affected severe conditions.

• Plan your daily activities to avoid doing strenuous work during the hottest time of the day.

• Learn about the symptoms of heat stress or exposure to extreme environmental heat, sunburn, heat
exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and other related conditions caused by very hot climate by
discussing with local physicians/medical personnel.

> DURING

• Avoid doing strenuous activity during the hottest

time of the day.

• Keep hydrated.

• During drought condition, conserve water.

Stay indoors whenever possible.

• Regularly clean electric fans and air conditioner filters.

• Wear light-colored and lightweight clothing.

• Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors. Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

• Seek medical attention if you or another person experiences symptoms of heat stress.

> AFTER

• Seek medical attention if you or

another person experiences symptoms of heat stress.

6. LA NIÑA

> BEFORE

• Inspect your place or house and secure it from possible casualties.

• Check roof and gutterings.

• Have enough supplies for food, water, medicine and other necessities.

• Make sure that your drainages are clear.

• Know news about dams and flood emergencies around you.

• Charge and prepare your emergency flashlights.

> DURING

•. Stay inside the house only and only come out when needed.

• Stay updated with emergency news and weather updates.

> AFTER

• Check all the casualties it has caused in your surroundings.