Information Technology Major

Website Requirement

Disaster Risk Management: Flood and Earthquake

Member

Baluran, Patrick L.

Bugas, Pearl Grace A.

Dantes, Adrian Kobe A.

Gerona, Khell Joy G.

Romo, Svynbryce Johnelle F.

Zamora, Adrian Dan A.

 MISSION

Our mission is to provide reliable information, resources, and tools to help individuals,
communities, and organizations mitigate the risks and impacts of earthquakes and floods. We
aim to empower people with the knowledge and skills they need to prepare for disasters,
respond effectively in times of crisis, and build more resilient communities over time. Our
website will serve as a hub for disaster risk management to inform and inspire action to foster
the safety of the people.

VISION

Our vision is to create a world where communities are resilient in the face of natural
disasters. We envision a future where people have the knowledge and tools to prepare for and
respond to earthquakes and floods, reducing the devastating impact these events can have on
lives and livelihoods.
 ABSTRACT

Natural disasters happen naturally and are the result of a hazard overwhelming highly
vulnerable communities, often resulting in mortality and morbidity. Over the past decade,
over 300 natural disasters occur yearly around the world affecting millions and cost billions.
These natural disasters can sometimes be indirectly caused by human activity and may also
cause a few other disasters to happen, which makes their effects on civilization and terrain
even more dangerous. Earthquakes and Floods alone have had records in history regarding
the massive impacts they had on communities. Fortunately, there are precautionary measures
for before, during, and after these disasters happen, which are taught not only to students and
workers during drills but are also shared on almost every media outlet. Disaster risk
management (DRM) and the implementation of disaster risk reduction strategies makes
preparing for these natural disasters and effectively reducing their effects and damages easier
by identifying vulnerabilities within the communities and their infrastructures as well as
studying the signs of an incoming natural disaster.
STUDY OF THE TOPIC

INTRODUCTION

Year by year, natural disasters happen which causes significant damage to property,
infrastructure, and even human life. We are no longer a stranger to this, especially the
Philippines in which it experiences by an average of 20 typhoons every year. From typhoons
to tsunamis to volcanic eruptions to earthquakes. However, among these natural disasters,
floods and earthquakes are the most common and devastating phenomena out of the natural
disasters.

According to National Geographic, flood is an overflow of water that soaks a land

that is usually dry. A flood develops when an area is inundated with water or due to human
factors. There are five various types of floods. This are the river flooding, drain and sewer
flooding, coastal flooding, groundwater flooding, and flash flooding. River flooding occurs
when a body of water exceeds its capacity, typically happens when a river burst its banks. On
the other hand, drain and sewer flooding occurs due to a blockage or failure within the
drainage system while coastal flooding is when dry and low-lying land is submerged by
seawater. Furthermore, flash flooding happens when the ground cannot absorb the water as
quickly as it falls which is opposed to a groundwater flooding where it takes time to occur.
Groundwater flooding is when the ground cannot absorb any more water due to an extended
period time which causes for water to rise.

When talking about natural disasters, an earthquake always comes to mind. According
to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS), an earthquake is a
weak to violent shaking of the ground produced by the sudden movement of rock materials
below the earth’s surface. The earthquakes are caused by tectonic plate boundaries. The focus
is point inside the earth where the earthquake started, sometimes called the hypocenter, and
the point on the surface of the earth directly above the focus is called the epicenter. There are
two ways in measuring the strength of an earthquake: magnitude and seismograph.
Magnitude is the energy released by an earthquake at the focus which is measured through an
instrument called seismograph. While intensity is the strength of an earthquake as perceived
and felt by the people. Just like floods, an earthquake also has its types: the tectonic
earthquakes and volcanic earthquakes. Tectonic earthquakes are produced by sudden
movement along faults and plate boundaries of the earth. While an earthquake that is induced
by rising lava or magma beneath active volcanoes is called volcanic earthquakes.
 Talking over natural disasters always makes people anxious and worried. In order to
raise awareness and knowledge, this aims to educate people about what is a flood and
earthquake and what are the possible ways to prevent or at least lessen the casualties of the
given phenomena.

HISTORY

History of Earthquake

The first earthquake for which we have descriptive data happened in 1177 B.C. in
China. Earthquakes have been reported in Europe as early as 580 B.C., but the first for which
we have specific information happened in the mid-16th century. The first known earthquakes
in the Americas occurred in Mexico in the late 14th century and in Peru in 1471, although
records of the effects were insufficient. Tales of earthquake effects were being published
during the 17th century, albeit these accounts were sometimes exaggerated or twisted.

The most extensively felt earthquakes in North America's documented history

occurred in 1811-1812 at New Madrid, Missouri. A large earthquake with a magnitude of 8
occurred on December 16, 1811, followed by another powerful earthquake on January 23,
1812, followed by a third on February 7, 1812. Aftershocks were almost constant between
these massive earthquakes, affecting people as far away as Boston and Colorado. The loss of
human life and property was minimal, but millions of people, buildings, and other things
worth billions of dollars would be affected if one of these massive earthquakes struck today.

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake was one of the most severe in North American
recorded history, killing 700 people and destroying the city. The 1964 Alaska earthquake was
larger in magnitude than the San Francisco earthquake, releasing twice as much energy and
being felt over 500,000 square miles. It killed 141 people, some from as far away as
California, but the loss of life and property would have been much worse had Alaska been
more densely populated.

History of Floods

The flood at Saint Marcellus, also known as the "Great Drowning of Mankind," killed
at least 25,000 people and was triggered by a severe extratropical hurricane. The storm tide is
also known as the "Second St. Marcellus flood" since it peaked on January 16, the feast day
of St. Marcellus. It destroyed entire cities and districts, splintering islands, and transforming
sections of the mainland into islands.

The Johnstown Flood, also known as the Great Flood of 1889, occurred on May 31,
1889, following the tragic fall of the South Fork Dam on the Little Conemaugh River. It
caused $17 million in damage and killed 2,209 people, with the same volumetric flow rate as
the Mississippi River's typical flow rate. The American Red Cross launched a large aid
operation with 50 volunteers and Clara Barton as its head. Citizens attempted to sue the dam
owners, but were denied, leading to strict liability supplanting the fault-based legal system.

The Yellow River flood in September 1887 in Qing China killed at least 930,000
people. Farmers who lived along the river for centuries erected dikes to keep water out, but
the river flow increased due to heavy rain. This surging river smashed through the dikes on
September 28, 1887, resulting in a massive flood. Floods are often classified based on
damage, water depth, and the number of deaths. Most people believe the floodwaters

The Yangtze-Huai River floods of 1931, also known as the China floods of 1931,
occurred in Wuhan, Nanjing, and other important Chinese cities from June to August.
Estimates of how many people died vary, but John Lossing Buck discovered that 50,000
people died. According to the official story, 140,000 people died through drowning and 2
million died from a lack of food during the flood. The next year, there was a cholera
outbreak, with 31,974 deaths and 100,666 cases. The widely held high estimate of 3.7 to 4.0
million deaths maintained the 1931 flood on sensationalist lists of the world's worst disasters.

CAUSES

The Causes of Earthquake

 Tectonic Earthquakes- Tectonic earthquakes occur at plate tectonic boundaries.

Tectonic plates move gently all the time, yet friction between them can force them to
lock together and become immobile. The remaining plates continue to move,
increasing pressure on the locked part. The locked part eventually gives way to the
strain, and the plates pass quickly past each other. This movement results in a tectonic
earthquake.
 Induced Earthquakes- Human activity, such as tunnel building, reservoir filling, and
the implementation of geothermal or fracking operations, causes induced quakes.
  Volcanic Earthquakes- A volcanic tectonic earthquake is triggered by magma
movement under the Earth's surface. The movement causes pressure fluctuations
where the rock around the magma has been stressed. This tension may eventually
cause the rock to crack or shift. Scientists utilize this seismic activity to monitor
volcanoes. The earthquakes might potentially be caused by dike intrusion or happen
as a swarm.
 Collapse Earthquakes- Little earthquakes in underground caves and mines triggered
by seismic waves created by the burst of rock on the surface are known as collapse
earthquakes.

The Causes of Floods

There are several reasons of floods, and the following are the most common.

 Heavy Rainfall- Rain can fall so quickly during heavy rainfall, such as during a
thunderstorm, that it is impossible to permeate the ground, resulting in a fast increase
in surface runoff and the possibility of a flash flood (rapid rise in river discharge).
 Overflowing Rivers- During an overflow, areas near rivers are more likely to flood. If
you reside in such a location, you must secure your property from river flooding. You
may construct a series of dams and manage them effectively.
 Collapsed Dams- Dam collapses or levee breaches can happen fast and unexpectedly,
creating significant flash floods in the surrounding region and inflicting property
damage and loss of life.
 Snowmelt- A snowmelt flood occurs when melting snow is a primary source of the
water involved. Unlike rainfall, which reaches the soil nearly immediately, snow
holds water until it melts, delaying the delivery of water for days, weeks, or even
months.
 Climate Change- Uncontrolled human activities can lead to climate changes, which
cause flooding in many areas. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere will rise as a
result of widespread deforestation, creating climatic changes related to flooding
hazards.

EFFECTS

The effects of earthquake

  Ground Shaking- Ground shaking is the vibration of the ground caused by an
earthquake, which increases with magnitude and decreases with distance from the
fault. It is explained in terms of compressional, shear, body, and surface waves,
Rayleigh and Love.
 Ground Rupture- Ground rupture is a significant effect of earthquakes, occurring
when the movement of the earthquake cracks the Earth's surface. It has occurred in
California, where fences around Point. Reyes were displaced by up to 7 meters and an
8-meter-high fault scarp pierced the ground at Lone Pine in 1872. Pipelines, tunnels,
aqueducts, railway lines, roadways, and airport runways that intersect an active
rupture can quickly be destroyed or seriously damaged.
 Landslide- Landslides of various forms have been observed to occur in association
with earthquakes in the past. Rock falls and slides of rock pieces on steep slopes are
the most common forms of earthquake-induced landslides. Shallow debris slides
develop on steep slopes, as do soil and rock slumps and block slides on moderate to
severe slopes. It is uncommon for earthquakes to reactivate dormant slumps or block
slides.
 Tsunami- Tsunamis are water waves created by a huge portion of the sea floor
suddenly moving vertically during an underwater earthquake. They are not created by
the Moon and Sun's tidal motion, and the height of a tsunami is usually 1 foot, but the
distance between wave crests can be up to 60 miles. The tsunami's speed reduces as
the depth of the ocean drops.
 Liquification- The liquefaction syndrome is a physical phenomenon that occurs
during earthquakes, causing clay-free soil layers to lose strength and become viscous
fluids. This causes seismic shear waves to move through a saturated granular soil
layer and cause empty regions to collapse, increasing pore-water pressure and
resulting in deformations.
 Fires- Earthquakes can cause power lines to fall, spark fires, rupture gas lines, and
spill combustible liquids. Fires caused by earthquakes are one of the most serious
secondary hazards, and explosions and flames caused by escaping gas and falling
containers containing combustible substances pose a risk of death and property loss.
Water pipes can also burst, complicating the issue of suppressing such flames.

The effects of flooding

  Floods Carry Contamination- One of the negative effects of flooding on the
environment is the spread of pollution by floodwaters carrying toxins. Floodwater can
be contaminated by pollutants such as agricultural pesticides, industrial chemicals,
rubbish, and sewage.
 Floods Cause Sedimentation and Erosion- Flooding has a detrimental impact on the
environment by causing sedimentation and erosion. Floodwaters, for example, can
alter the landscape by eroding riverbanks and forcing them to collapse. Floodwaters
transport sediment from eroding banks into the water, which can worsen lake quality
and lead to hazardous algal blooms.
 Floods Can Harm Wildlife- Flooding may be harmful to animals, causing drowning,
disease spread, and habitat devastation. In 2012, floods in the Indian state of Assam
killed hundreds of animals, including several vulnerable one-horned rhinos
(Rhinoceros unicornis). Unpredictable floods can be dangerous to aquatic life. Fish,
for example, might be moved and their nests destroyed.
 Dislodges Accumulated Debris- One of the good environmental effects of floods is
the dislodgement of accumulated debris. Additionally, the force of rushing
floodwaters can dislodge objects that have been entangled in rivers and estuaries.
Branches, logs, and stones frequently hinder river movement. They can occasionally
totally block the flow of water, resulting in downstream droughts.
 Floods Recharge Groundwater- Floods can restore subsurface water supplies by
percolating through layers of soil and rock and reaching subsurface aquifers, which
provide pure freshwater to springs, wells, lakes, and rivers. During dry times,
groundwater may be the only source of freshwater accessible to ecosystems,
improving soil health and resulting in more productive agricultural and grazing fields.
 Renewal of Wetlands- Floods have a positive environmental benefit by replenishing
wetlands, which are a vital ecosystem that support 40% of the world's biodiversity.
They act as a carbon sink, purifying water and decreasing floods, and contribute to the
health of ecologically significant wetlands, water sources, and air quality.

DO’S & DON’TS

Before Earthquake:

Do's
  Practice First Aid
 Practice the basic (drop, cover, and hold)
 List of emergency phone numbers
 Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire
risks.
 Repair deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations. Get expert advice if there are
signs of structural defects.

Don’ts

 Spread rumors or fake news.

 Not practicing the basics (drop, cover, and hold)
 Place heavy objects on higher shelves
 Don’t be unprepared in terms of first aid kit.
 Don’t place flammable liquids on higher shelves.

During Earthquake:

Do's:

 Drop, Cover, and Hold

 Stay away from objects that could fall during an earthquake such as glass or anything
that would harm you.
 Don’t move/walk if the shaking is still going.
 If you are in a crowded place, cover in a place where you won't be trampled.
 If you're in a vehicle, avoid bridges or anything that could collapse.

Don’ts

 Move around while the shaking is still going.

 Don’t go near to a heavy object that could fall during the shaking
 Don’t be too confident that the earthquake wouldn’t harm or cause damage to your
place.
 (Avoid/Go near) to a doorway as it would slam hard and cause injuries.
 Don’t panic, just secure yourself to the safest possible place.
After Earthquake:

Do's

 Check other family member/s if they are harmed or injured.

 Beware (of/from) secondary effects, particularly landslide.
 Turn on radio for further notice/announcements.
 Look for any defects in the water supply lines or electrical wiring in your home or
area.
 Follow the public safety instructions to maintain safety.

Don’ts

 Leave any member/s behind, especially those who are harmed or injured.
 Stay to damage areas/buildings.
 Don’t forget the aftershock.
 Avoid using vehicles right after the shaking stops.
 Immediately get out of your house

Before a Flood:

Do's

 If you live in an area with a high risk of flooding, elevate your home's furnace, water
heater, and electrical panel.
 Prepare first aid kit and make family communication plan.
 Build barriers to keep floodwater from entering your area, and waterproof basement
walls if it's possible.

Don’ts

 Don't keep your important papers in the basement. Keep them up higher so they are
safe from flood damage.
 Don’t be too over confident that the flood will not cause heavy damage in your area.
 Avoid building in a flood prone area unless you elevate and reinforce your home.

During a flood:
Do's

 Secure your house. Bring outside stuff inside if you have the time. Place your
essentials on a higher floor.
 Be alert, monitor your surroundings. Turn on radio for further notice in terms of
rescue.
 Get to the high grounds, secure yourself. and your family as well.

Don’ts

 Don’t drive unless it’s for rescue purposes.

 Don’t go to already flooded areas and don’t attempt to cross flowing water.
 Don’t go near to electric wires and power lines as this may put you in danger.

After flood:

Do's

 Turn on radio for safety notice/announcements if it’s safe to go outside.

 Check for possible damages in your area.
 Wait until it is safe to go outside or wait until there is no more flood occurring.

Dont's

 Don’t enter areas that is still surrounded by floodwaters, secondary effects may harm
you.
 Avoid areas with damage electric wires and power lines.
 Don’t visit damaged areas after a flood. Your presence might delay rescuers in
rescuing people.

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

Effective disaster risk reduction strategies for earthquakes include identifying

potential hazards and planning developing both top-down institutional changes and strategies,
as well as bottom-up local and community-based approaches and implementing measures that
can reduce the adverse effects of earthquakes. Mitigation efforts such as securing heavy
objects to walls and floors, such as shelves, cabinets, and bookcases, can also help reduce the
impact of earthquakes.

Disaster risk reduction is an important aspect of mitigating the impact of earthquakes

and floods. Successful disaster risk reduction requires both top-down and bottom-up
approaches. Disaster risk reduction (DRR) is the policy objective of anticipating and reducing
risk, while disaster risk management (DRM) refers to the implementation of DRR. The
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) leads the federal government's
efforts to reduce fatalities, injuries, and property damage caused by earthquakes. Tornadoes,
flash floods, and other natural hazards can also be mitigated through disaster risk reduction
measures. Identifying potential hazards and planning can reduce the threat of damage,
injuries, and loss of life caused by earthquakes.

Disaster risk reduction of floods can be achieved through a combination of structural

and non-structural measures. Structural measures include floodwalls, levees, and floodgates.
Non-structural measures include property buyouts, permanent relocation, zoning, subdivision,
building codes, and evacuation routes. Community flood risk reduction is also important in
reducing the consequences of floods. Additionally, individuals can take steps to prepare for
floods by strengthening their homes against flooding and reviewing family preparedness
plans.

There are several effective ways to reduce earthquake risk. Identifying hazards,
building safer structures, and providing education on earthquake safety can significantly
mitigate the effects of natural earthquakes. To prevent injuries from flying glass, apply safety
film to windows and glass doors. Anchor large appliances to walls using safety cables or
straps. Brace heavy machinery, appliances, containers, tanks, and inventory that an
earthquake could cause to shift, fall or rupture. Lock the rollers of file cabinets and secure
computers with straps. Developing resistant structures by interpreting recorded ground
motions and constructing seismic hazard maps can also help reduce earthquake hazards. The
California Earthquake Authority provides seven steps to earthquake safety which includes
practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On during an earthquake.

PRO’S & CONS

Pros:
  Increased Awareness: By providing information about the risks, causes, and
consequences of floods and earthquakes, a disaster risk management website can help
increase public awareness of these threats. This can encourage individuals and
communities to take proactive steps to prepare for potential disasters.
 Timely Information: A well-maintained disaster risk management website can provide
up-to-date information about current weather patterns, seismic activity, and disaster
alerts in real-time. This can help people prepare for potential disasters and take the
necessary precautions before it's too late.
 Effective Communication: By providing a centralized platform for sharing resources,
best practices, and other useful information, a disaster risk management website can
help facilitate effective communication and collaboration among various stakeholders,
including government agencies, NGOs, and local community groups.
 Preventative Measures: By offering advice about how to mitigate risks and minimize
damage from floods and earthquakes, a disaster risk management website can help
individuals and communities take proactive measures to prevent or reduce potential
hazards. This can include strategies like retrofitting homes and buildings, building
flood defenses, or developing evacuation plans.

Cons:

 Access Limitations: Not everyone has access to the internet or may have difficulties
navigating websites. This means that not all members of the population may be able
to access information provided on the disaster risk management website.
 Overreliance: It's possible that some individuals could become over-reliant on the
information provided on the website, potentially causing them to overlook other
important factors or preparations that should be considered for disaster risk
management.
 Language Barriers: If the website is only offered in a specific language, this could
create a language barrier for some individuals or communities, potentially restricting
their ability to fully utilize the website's resources.
 Inadequate Maintenance: If the website is not maintained regularly or is not updated
with current information, it could prove to be less effective in providing helpful
resources for risk management.
FEATURES

The feature of our website includes the following:

 Responsive Design- Since many people rely on their phone as another means on
accessing the web. These features allow the visitors to view our website properly and
nicely on a smaller screen such as phones or tablets. It also means that we would be
able to provide the visitors both a mobile and desktop way of visiting our website.
 Live Chat- With the use of the built in WIX Chat. We will be able to communicate
with the visitor of our website more easily. The live chat would also be used to
answer the users' questions or if they have suggestions on a way to improve our
website more.
 Images- Most importantly, images are used to effectively communicate information
and ideas that cannot be communicated solely through text. Besides that, images make
the website visually appealing and engaging.
 Suggestion/Comments- it is a feature on the majority of news websites, blogs, and
other websites that allows viewers to comment or make a suggetions on the content
that has been posted.

SCOPES AND LIMITATIONS

The scope of the study on Disaster Risk Management (DRM) focusing on Flood and
Earthquake includes an examination and analysis of the causes, effects, and impacts of these
two disasters. The study will explore the different strategies and measures that can be
implemented to reduce the risks and impacts of floods and earthquakes on communities and
their infrastructure. This study will focus on the analysis of the preparedness and response
mechanisms of different government agencies in managing floods and earthquakes. It will
also examine the role of community participation, including the involvement of civil society
organizations and other stakeholders, in DRM initiatives. Moreover, this study will analyze
the policies and regulations governing DRM specifically for floods and earthquakes. The
research will also explore the challenges, limitations, and gaps in the current DRM strategies
in managing floods and earthquakes. The study will conclude with recommendations for
improving DRM for floods and earthquakes, including the development of effective early
warning systems, implementation of resilient infrastructure planning and design, the creation
of robust communication channels, and enhanced community involvement in disaster
preparedness and risk reduction.

The focal point of this study is to examine the effectiveness of promoting awareness
and implementing mindfulness techniques in handling earthquake and flood disaster risk
management. It does not purport to present an exhaustive analysis of all conceivable natural
disasters. Furthermore, the study limits its effectiveness and information to the two natural
disasters, earthquake and flood.
Reference
Amaechi, P. (2022). 17 Effects of Flooding on the Environment (Positive & Negative) -
Environment Go!. Retrieved 17 March 2023, from https://environmentgo.com/effects-
of-flooding-on-the-environment/
Asian Disaster Reduction Center（ADRC）. (2023). Retrieved 25 March 2023, from
http://bit.ly/3lDSz5q
Causes and Impacts of Flooding. (2023). Retrieved 15 March 2023, from
http://bit.ly/3JBFxxm
Comments section - Wikipedia. (2023). Retrieved 10 April 2023, from http://bit.ly/3KkWn41
Flood. (2023). Retrieved 25 March 2023, from https://education.nationalgeographic.org/
New Page 1. (2023). Retrieved 15 March 2023, from
https://people.uwec.edu/jolhm/eh/toivonen/types.htm
Staff, P. (2023). Introduction to Earthquake. Retrieved 25 March 2023, from
https://bit.ly/3nmWHam
SED | In General. (2023). Retrieved 15 March 2023, from http://bit.ly/42IZKdd
Technology, I. (2023). What are the Different Types of Floods?. Retrieved 25 March 2023,
from http://bit.ly/40zhMg9
The Many Effects of Flooding. (2023). Retrieved 17 March 2023, from
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/many-effects-flooding/
Volcano tectonic earthquake - Wikipedia. (2023). Retrieved 15 March 2023, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcano_tectonic_earthquake
What Is a Tectonic Earthquake?. (2023). Retrieved 15 March 2023, from
https://sciencing.com/tectonic-earthquake-8662520.html
https://uwiseismic.com/earthquakes/effects/
https://topex.ucsd.edu/es10/es10.1997/lectures/lecture20/secs.wit
https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/what-are-effects-earthquakes
https://training.weather.gov/nwstc/Hydrology/flooding_factsheet.pdf
https://www.rappler.com/moveph/64916-worst-natural-disasters-philippines/
https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/earthq1/history.html