Volcano, Earthquake, and Tsunami

Preparedness
A Guidebook for DepEd DRR Focal Persons

2020

Department of Science and Technology

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology

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Module 1. Volcano Preparedness
The Philippines is situated on a unique
tectonic setting ideal for volcanism and
earthquake activity. It sits at the
boundaries of two tectonic plates – the
Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian
plate, both of which subduct or dive
beneath the archipelago along the deep
trenches along its east and west seaboard.
It is thus important to prepare for these
geologic hazards.

The tectonic setting of the Philippines (Source: PHIVOLCS)

Where volcanoes form (Source: PHIVOLCS)

Volcanoes form near the margins of tectonic
plates or the moving fragments in the crust or
upper mantle. Converging plates create island or
continental arc volcanoes; diverging plates create
mid-oceanic ridges, and; magma that shoots up
directly from the mantle create hot spot
volcanoes.

Volcanic hazards include:

a.) Pyroclastic Density Current (PDC) or

Pyroclastic Flow
b.) Lava Flow
c.) Tephra Fall or Ashfall
d.) Lahar
e.) Volcanic Gases
f.) Secondary Explosions
g.) Debris Avalanche or Volcanic Landslide
h.) Tsunami or Seiche.

Volcanic Hazards (Source: PHIVOLCS)

Take a look at the figure below and get acquainted with the volcanic hazards that are most common in
the Philippines, along with the impacts:

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 Figure 2. Volcanoes and Volcanic Hazards (2011), Source: PHIVOLCS

Active volcanoes in the country are each unique in form and prevalent hazards. This should be put into
consideration when drafting school preparedness plans that are specific for volcanoes. The six most
active volcanoes in the Philippines (Figure 3) are: Mayon (Albay), Taal (Batangas), Bulusan (Sorsogon),
Hibok-Hibok (Camiguin), Kanlaon (Negros Oriental/Occidental), Pinatubo (Tarlac, Pampanga,
Zambales), each monitored through Volcano Monitoring Networks and an Integrated Multi-parameter
Volcano Monitoring system.

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 Figure 3. Most Active Volcanoes in the Philippines (2016), Source: PHIVOLCS

Definition of Terms
1. Hazard – a dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity or condition that may cause
loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, loss of livelihood and services, social
and economic disruption, or environmental damage.
2. PHIVOLCS Classification of Volcanoes
● Active volcano - erupted within historic times (within the last 600 years); accounts of
these eruptions were documented by man; erupted within the last 10,000 years based
on the analyses of material from young volcanic deposits
● Inactive volcano - No recorded eruptions; physical form has been intensively weathered
and eroded, bearing deep and long gullies
● Potentially active volcano - geomorphologically young-looking but with no historical or
analytical records of eruption
3. Tectonic plates (or lithospheric plates) - pieces of earth’s crust and uppermost mantle that
move relative to one another; massive, irregularly shaped slab of solid rock
4. Trench - deepest portions under the ocean; a manifestation of subduction zone or areas where
one plate moves or s pushed under another plate
5. Volcano – a hill, mountain or fissure from which molten or hot rocks with gaseous materials are
ejected.
6. Volcanic Hazards - phenomena arising from volcanic activity that pose potential threat to
people and property.

References
PHIVOLCS Flyer on Volcanoes and Volcanic Hazards (2011)
PHIVOLCS Poster on Volcano and its Hazards (2016)
PHIVOLCS Flyer on Volcanoes of the Philippines (2016)

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Module 1.1 Understanding Volcano
Alert Levels
Learning Objectives
At the end of this module, the participants will be able to:

1. Utilize PHIVOLCS information tools for learning and action;

2. Identify the different volcano alert levels for each monitored active volcano;
3. Identify the steps to take during each Alert Level, and;
4. Enhance Action Plan for each Alert Level in Schools.

Learning Motivation for Students

1. Classification, enumeration, and location of Volcanoes in the country can be discussed using
the available learning resources such as the Active and Potentially Active Volcanoes in the
Philippines, and the Volcanoes of the Philippines;
2. Make them aware of the hazards their community is prone to using HazardHunterPH;
3. Promote the concepts of disaster risk reduction in volcanoes specifically the existing Volcano
Alert Levels and brief them on the actions that may arise from each one. Way forward:
School’s Alert Level Action Plan

Discussion Guide for Teachers

Topic Outline
● Active Volcanoes in the Philippines (Figure 4)
● Hazards near You: Using PHIVOLCS’ Hazard Hunter PH
● Volcano Alert Levels

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Figure 4. Active and Potentially Active Volcanoes in the Philippines (2016), Source: PHIVOLCS

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HazardHunterPH
Everyone can now be sure whether or not they are situated near/prone to different hazards just by using
an information tool called HazardHunterPH.

HazardHunterPH is a tool that can be used to generate indicative hazard assessment reports on the
user's specified location. It is helpful as a reference of property owners, buyers, land developers,
planners, and other stakeholders needing immediate hazard information and assessment. It aims to
increase people's awareness of natural hazards and advocates the implementation of plans to prepare
for and mitigate the effects of hazards. It is a product of GeoRisk Philippines, a multi-agency initiative
led by DOST-PHIVOLCS and participated by DOST-PAGASA, DOST-ASTI, DENR-MGB, DENR-
NAMRIA, DND-OCD, and DepEd. GeoRiskPH acknowledges the valuable contribution of the
Geological Survey of Japan for training the team in developing the application.

HazardHunterPH - Hazard assessment at your fingertips

This tool can be visited on this website:

https://hazardhunter.georisk.gov.ph/ ; and downloaded in an Android
phone via Google PlayStore.

It can be useful in gaining knowledge on certain hazard impacts as well. Use this in class, refer to the
map and identify hazards that a specific area is prone to.

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Volcano Alert Levels
Volcanic Alert Levels define the current status of each volcano. The alert levels range from zero (0) to
five (5). These are used to guide and recommend appropriate responses. In the Philippines, six (6)
volcanoes are closely monitored and each have its own characteristics, therefore community action
plans for each one varies from the other.

Table 1. Bulusan Volcano Alert Levels (Source: PHIVOLCS)

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Table 2. Hibok-Hibok Volcano Alert Levels (Source: PHIVOLCS)

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Table 3. Kanlaon Volcano Alert Levels (Source: PHIVOLCS)

Table 4. Mayon Volcano Alert Levels (Source: PHIVOLCS)

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Table 5. Taal Volcano Alert Levels (Source: PHIVOLCS)

Table 6. Pinatubo Volcano Alert Levels (Source: PHIVOLCS)

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Alert Level Action Plan for School
Each alert level as seen in Tables 1-6 have unique criteria and interpretations. In order to come up with
effective action plans, it must be understood that local government plans can be used as reference
along with set recommendations from concerned authorities.
It is important to note that each team under the School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Committee (SDRRMC) will then have
roles and responsibilities that would help
mitigate and enhance resilience against
existing hazards within their localities,
most specifically, their respective schools.
Figure (5) below can be used as a
template for the draft SDRRMC Alert
Level Action Plan (Roles and Responsibilities), refer to Table A under Learning Activity 5 for review.

First Aid Fire Safety Communi- Building Evacuation Site Security

Team Team cation Team Safety Team Team
(SDRRMC) / Inspection
Team
Alert Levels

Alert Level
0

Alert Level
1

Alert Level
2

Alert Level
3

Alert Level
4

Alert Level
5

Figure 5. SDRRMC Alert Level Action Plan

References
PHIVOLCS Flyer on Active and Potentially Active Volcanoes in the Philippines (2016)
PHIVOLCS Website. <https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/> [Accessed 15 April 2020]
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Module 1.2 What to do before, during,
and after a volcanic eruption
Learning Objectives
At the end of this module, the participants will be able to:
1. Utilize PHIVOLCS information materials for learning and action;
2. Identify the precursory signs of an impending volcanic eruption;
3. Identify and apply proper volcano preparedness guidelines in schools.

Learning Motivation for Students

1. Introduce students to the concept of predicting a volcanic eruption;
2. Enhance their knowledge on and use of the Preparedness Guide not only in their school but
also in their homes, and;
3. Make them more proactive in the making of and following the school evacuation plan for
volcanoes; Way forward: School Evacuation Plan for Volcanoes

Discussion Guide for Teachers

Topic Outline
● PHIVOLCS Information Materials: How to Predict a Volcanic Eruption (Figure 6) and Ashfall:
Preparedness Guide (Figure 7 a&b)
● Precursory Signs of an Impending Volcanic Eruption
● What to do BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER a volcanic eruption

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It is important to know that most volcano eruptions can actually be predicted by observing some
prevalent signs listed in Figure 6 below.

Figure 6. How to Predict a Volcanic Eruption (2002), Source: PHIVOLCS

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Figure 7a. Ashfall Preparedness Guide (2015), Source: PHIVOLCS

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Figure 7b. Ashfall Preparedness Guide (2015), Source: PHIVOLCS

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Associated Learning Activity/ies
● Learning Activity 1 Precursory Signs of an Impending Volcanic Eruption

References
PHIVOLCS Poster on How to Predict a Volcanic Eruption (2002)
PHIVOLCS Flyer on Ashfall Preparedness Guide (2015)

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Learning Activity 1
Precursory Signs of an Impending Volcanic Eruption
Group No. Facilitator/s:

Group Members

1 6

2 7

3 8

4 9

5 10

OBJECTIVE
At the end of this activity, the participants will be able to identify precursory signs of an impending
volcanic eruption from the assigned reference materials

MATERIALS
• Reference materials to be assigned per group: (a. PHIVOLCS Poster on How to Predict a Volcanic
Eruption (2002); b. PHIVOLCS Poster on Mga Palatandaan na Dapat Bantayan Kaugnay sa Pagputok
ng Taal Volcano)
● Learning Activity Work Sheet
● Metacards
● Masking tape

PROCEDURE
1. Your group will be given a select reference material.
2. Read/View silently and then discuss within the group.
3. Answer the following questions:
○ Based on the assigned reference material, identify the signs mentioned. List your
answers on the work sheet provided.
○ As a group, discuss the final answers and write this on the work sheet provided. Present
it as instructed.

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Learning Activity 1- Work Sheet
Precursory Signs of an Impending Volcanic Eruption
Reference Material:

ANSWERS:

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