HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL

HAZARDS

ALWAYS FIRST ALWAYS READY ALWAYS THERE

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Module 4: Hydrometeorological Hazards

1. Define hydrometeorological hazard

2. Identify the different hydrometeorological hazards
3. Recognize the signs of impending hydro-
meteorological hazards
4. Improve creativity through brochure making about
the signs of hydrometeorological hazards
5. Value and apply the learned knowledge about
hydrometeorological hazards.
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The Philippines being located in the

Southeast Asia is considered very
vulnerable
to natural hazards and disasters,
which include typhoons, earthquakes,
floods, volcanic eruptions, landslides,
and fires that affect the country and
its inhabitants. Surrounding the
Pacific Ocean basin is a circular arm
of active volcanoes known
as the “Pacific Ring of Fire” in which
most of the volcanoes in the
Philippines are part of. Continental
plate activities around this area
result to volcanic eruptions and
tsunamis in the country
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HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL HAZARD is a process or

phenomenon of atmospheric, hydrological 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
include:
1. Typhoon
2. Thunderstorm
3. Flood
4. Flashflood
5. Storm Surge
6. El Niño
7. La Niña
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WHY DO TROPICAL CYCLONE FORM

Tropical Cyclones form as a result of atmosphere’s

natural tendency to maintain equilibrium by
distributing heat through the wind from the equatorial
regions to the polar regions

As a result:
This mechanism prevents the tropical areas from
getting excessively hot and the polar regions from
becoming extremely cold.
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TROPICAL CYCLONE

A tropical cyclone is rapidly rotating

storm system characterized by:
- a low-pressure center,
- a closed low-level atmospheric
circulation
- strong winds,
- spiral arrangement of
thunderstorms that produce
heavy rains
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FORMATION OF TROPICAL CYCLONE

Tropical cyclones are important on Earth for transferring heat and energy
between the equator and the poles. Low pressure occurs either side of the
equator and together with the air heated over the warm tropical ocean,
results in thundery showers. Occasionally, these thundery showers group
together creating rapidly rising warm air which leads to the development of
a low pressure centre.

Several conditions are needed for a tropical cyclone to form:

-High sea temperatures of at least 27°C.
-Converging winds near the ocean surface forcing air to rise and form
storm clouds.
-Winds that do not vary greatly with height - known as low wind shear.
This allows the storm clouds to rise vertically to high levels;
-Sufficient distance from the equator for a spin such as the Coriolis force
to take effect.
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Characteristic features of tropical

cyclones:
EYE- a central region of clear
skies, warm temperatures, and
low atmospheric pressure;
EYEWALL- the most
dangerous and destructive part
where winds are strongest and
rainfall is heaviest
RAINBANDS-secondary cells
that spiral into the center of the
storm.
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CATEGORIES OF TROPICAL CYCLONE

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Effects of Tropical Cyclones

1. Strong Winds
2. Heavy Rains
3. Storm Surge
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MITIGATION
1. Determine the areas prone to typhoon related-areas
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MITIGATION

2. Implementing legislation involving land use planning, zoning, and

building standards.
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MITIGATION

3. Weather forecasting and monitoring

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MITIGATION
4. Effective Public Typhoon Warning system
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Before a Typhoon:
1.Help your family check and fix your house for any damage
(especially the roofs and windows), so it can withstand the strong
winds.
2.Remind your family members to stock up an adequate food
supply such as rice, canned goods, and foods that would last even
without refrigeration.
3.Stock up an adequate supply of drinking water, and water for
cleaning or other purposes.
4.Prepare flashlights, batteries for flashlights and radio, candles
and kerosene lamps, or other lighting devices.
5.Prepare a first-aid kit.
6.Always monitor news about the typhoon, whether on television
or radio. If the power is cut, keep a radio on and tuned in to news.
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7. Help check and clean your community drainage system and

canals to prevent flood.
8. Check your electric posts to prevent accidents. If you notice
some impending danger due to weak electric posts that might fall,
report this to the electric company so they can reinforce it right
away.
9. Remind family members to cut all branches of trees around your
house that could possibly fall on your house.
10. Help check all electrical warnings.
11. Teach younger members of your family what to do during a
typhoon.
12. Pack a bag with clothes, batteries, flashlight, water, canned
goods and other necessities, in case you have to evacuate.
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During a Typhoon:
1.Stay calm and be alert.
2.Stay indoors. Postpone any plans of travels or errands.
3.Monitor the weather reports. Check what is happening around you.
4.When local authorities advise you to evacuate, do so. Move family
pets and valuable to a safe place; turn off gas valves, electricity and
water, when safe to do so.
5.If you happen to be outdoors when a typhoon comes, (a) stay away
from electric posts and wires; (b) never stand under a lone tree in an
open field to avoid being hit by lightning; (c) never fix your TV
antenna during a thunderstorm; (d) stay away from boats and from
bodies of water; and (e) enter the nearest safe shelter
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6.Avoid staying or going to low-lying and coastal areas that are prone to floods
or storm surge.
7. Be ready to evacuate if necessary. Leave your house as soon as you realize
you are not safe.
8. Boil drinking water or have some bottled water ready.
9. If you happen to be in a car or any land vehicle when the typhoon comes, you
are usually safe, but not when there is a flood.
10. If you roofs have very little vents where winds pass through, or sometimes,
when the winds of a typhoon are very strong, you may need to open a few
windows in the opposite side of your house to let the wind pass through.
11. Monitor flood reports and predictions.
12 Have a flood plan which everyone in the family will follow when necessary.
Be prepared to act on your food plan. Prepare a flood kit of essential items, just
like your essentials for typhoons.
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After a Typhoon:
1.Have a knowledgeable person inspect electrical wiring before using electrical appliances. It
is usually advisable not to use appliances immediately after a typhoon especially if your
house got flooded.
2.Check for any damage, including water pipes, and help make necessary repairs as soon as
possible.
3.Boil water before drinking it to avoid getting sick.
4.Wear slippers, shoes or other footwear, for protection from any sharp or pointed objects
that might have fallen.
5.Avoid electrical wires that have fallen.
6.Stay away from flood waters. They carry water-borne diseases. Many people who have
survived a storm but braved flood waters actually have been hospitalized, not just for injuries
or diarrhea, but also to the deadly leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is also known as Weil’s
syndrome, and is caused by bacterial infection when dirty water contaminated with animal
urine (commonly rats) comes in contact with a person’s unhealed wounds or scratches, newly
pedicure nails, a person’s eyes, or with mucous membranes (like in skin, nostrils, mouth,
lips, eyelids, ears, genital area and anus).
7.Clean and clear everything damaged by the typhoon.
8.Stay in a safe place with a means of escape.
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FLOOD AND FLASHFLOODS

Flood is a high-water stage in which water overflows its
natural or artificial banks onto normally dry land, such
as a river.
- It is the abnormal rise of water level in rivers, coastal
areas, plains and in highly urbanized centers which may
be a result of natural phenomena, human activities or
both
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Here are the main types of floods to look out for:

1. Inland flooding is the technical name for ordinary flooding that
occurs in inland areas, hundreds of miles from the coast.
2. Flash floods are caused by heavy rain or the sudden release of
water over a short period of time. The name "flash" refers to their
fast occurrence and also to their raging torrents of water that
move with great speed.
Flashfloods are also caused by heavy precipitation in a short
period of time,
usually less than 6 hours.
3. River flooding occurs when water levels in rivers, lakes, and
streams rise and overflow onto the surrounding banks, shores,
and neighboring land.
4. Coastal flooding is the inundation of land areas along the
coast by seawater.
5. Urban flooding occurs when there is a lack of drainage in an
urban (city) area.
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CAUSES OF FLOODING
1.Increased Urbanization
2.Informal settlers
3.Indiscriminate dumping of garbage
4.Deforestation
5.Failure levees and dams
6.Blasting
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EFFECTS OF FLOODING
1. Loss of lives and damage to amenities and loss
of access to basic necessities
2. Power loss
3. Domestic and potable water loss/shortage
4. Risk of acquiring waterborne diseases
5. Economic hardship
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MITIGATING FLOOD HAZARD

1.Flood hazard
Mapping
2.Flood prediction
3.Flood forecasting
and warning
4.Flood- control
engineering measure
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What to do BEFORE, DURING and AFTER a flood?

Before Flooding
1. Know how often your location is likely to be flooded and to what extent
2. Be familiar with the flood warning system in your community and be sure
your family knows it
3. Keep informed of daily weather condition
4. Designate an evacuation area for the family and livestock and assign family
members specific instructions and responsibilities according to an evacuation
plan
5. Keep stock of food which requires little cooking and refrigeration as electric
power may be interrupted
6. Keep a transistorized radio and flashlight with spare batteries, emergency
cooking equipment, candles, matches and handy first- aid kit in case of
emergency
7. Securely anchor weak dwellings and items
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What to do BEFORE, DURING and AFTER a flood?

When Warned of Flood

1. Be alert to the possibility of flood, if it has been raining for several
days. Floods happens as the ground becomes saturated
2. Listen to the radio for emergency instructions
3. If advised t evacuate, do so. Don’t panic. Move to a safe area before
access is cut off by flood waters
4. Store drinking water in containers, as water service may be
interrupted
5. Move household belongings to upper levels
6. Bring livestock to higher ground
7. Turn off electricity at the main switch in the building before evacuating
and also lock your house.
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What to do BEFORE, DURING and AFTER a flood?

During Flooding
1. Avoid flooded areas
2. Do not attempt to cross rivers or flowing streams where water is
above the knee
3. Beware of water- covered roads or bridges
4. Avoid unnecessary exposure to the elements
5. Do not go swimming or boating in swollen rivers
6. Eat only well- cooked food. Protect leftovers against contamination
7. Drink clean or preferably boiled water only
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What to do BEFORE, DURING and AFTER a flood?

After flooding
1. Re- enter the dwellings with caution using flashlights, lanterns or torches.
There may be flammable inside.
2. Beware of fire hazards like broken electric wires
3. Do not eat food and drink water until they have been checked for water and
food contamination
4. Report broken utility lines (electricity, water, gas, and telephone) to
appropriate agencies or authorities.
5. Do not turn on the main switch or use appliances and other equipment until
they have been checked by a competent electrician
6. Consult health authorities for immunization requirements
7. Do not go “ sightseeing” in disaster areas. Your presence might hamper
rescue and other emergency operation.
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STORM SURGE
Storm surge is a sudden rise of sea level above the normal level on the coast
due to a drop in atmospheric pressure and the force of the wind as a tropical
cyclone approaches the coast

CAHARACTERISTICS:
1. The stronger the tropical cyclone and the shallower the coast, the higher the
surge,. Storm surge can sweep the coastline inland to as much as a few
kilometers
2. Usually, the peak storm surge is experienced near the point of landfall of a
typhoon or a storm
3. The rise in sea level can cause flooding and damages in low-lying coastal
areas and villages, particularly when the approach of the storm coincides
with the occurrence of high tide,
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CAUSES OF STORM SURGE:

1. Wind/pressure effect
2. Rainfall effect
3. Tidal Effect
4. Shape of the coastline and
slope of the sea bed
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POTENTIAL DAMAGE FOR STORM SURGES

Buildings, roads, bridges, piers and other infrastructure may not only submerge,
they can also be washed away and destroyed when a storm surge hits an area if
they are not strongly rooted on the ground
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MITIGATING POTENCIAL DAMAGE BY STORM SURGE

1. Storm surge prediction, hazard map preparation and zoning
2. Construction of storm surge barriers
3. Wet and land preparation
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How to prepare for a storm surge?

-During tropical cyclone events, always be on the updates of the tropical cyclone
advisories, alerts or warnings which PAGASA disseminates:
•Listen to the local news (TV and radio)
•Prepare at the earliest time your community has been identified as a storm surge-
prone area. Identify the safest and quickest way to a high safe ground.
•Know the locations of concrete reinforced multi-story buildings designated by
the local government for evacuation.
•Make pre-arrangements with family or friends living in higher grounds with
whom you can temporarily stay with during the storm surge.
•Prepare to evacuate as soon as your Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction
Management Council (MDRRMC) or your barangay officials advise you to do so.
•Should you be instructed to evacuate, do not forget to do the following:
•Bring your emergency kit.
•Switch off the electrical power supply and gas tank.
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THUNDERSTORM
Thunderstorm, also known as
an electrical storm or a
lightning storm, is a storm
characterized by the presence
of lightning and its acoustic
effect on the Earth's
atmosphere, known as
thunder. Relatively weak
thunderstorms are sometimes
called thundershowers
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STAGES OF THUNDERSTORM

CUMULUS STAGE-
A.

where the sun heats

the Earth's surface
during the day and
warms the air
around it.
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STAGES OF THUNDERSTORM

B. MATURE STAGE-
A cumulus cloud
becomes very large,
where the water therein
becomes large and
heavy, and raindrops
begin to fall through
the
cloud when the rising
air can no longer hold
them up
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STAGES OF THUNDERSTORM

C. DISSIPATING STAGE-
After 30 mins,
thunderstorm begins to
dissipate, this occurs
when the downdrafts in
the cloud begins to
dominate over the
updraft. Since warm
moist air can no longer
rise, cloud droplets can
no longer form
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SIGNS OF IMPENDING THUNDERSTORMS

1.Towering cumulonimbus clouds
2.Darkening skies
3.Flashes of wind and gusty wind
4.Sound of thunder
5.Static on your communication
equipment
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How prepare to for a thunderstorm?

1. Stay or go indoors
2. Stay away from anything that could conduct electricity
3. Do not use any plug-in- electrical appliances
4. Do not use telephone/cellular phones during the occurrence of thunderstorm
5. Stay in your automobile if you are travelling
6. Do not metal objects outside the house or buildings
7. Stay away from bodies of water
8. If you are outdoors, seek shelter from light
9. If you cannot find shelter, avoid the solitary tree or the tallest objects in the area .
Lighting ca strike all tall objects
10. Become a very small target. Squat on the ground. Drop to your knees and bend
your hands forward over your knees
11. When you feel an electrical charge – if your hair stands on end or your skin tingles-
lightning may be about to strike you. Drop to the ground immediately.
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TORNADO
-Tornado is a localized windstorm characterized by a visible funnel-shaped, rapidly
whirling cloud extending downward from the base of a dark cumulonimbus cloud.
- It is also known as twister
- In the Philippine, it is called buhawi or ipo-ipo
- When a tornado occurs or moves over a body of water, this called waterspout
- It acts like a vacuum cleaner, it can siphon the water and released it afterwards.
It becomes more destructive if the water is released inland.
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While a tornado can be predicted through the use of Dopler

Radar, people must lookout for precautionary signs:
1.The appearance of the funnel-shape column from
the base of the Acumulonimbus cloud
2. Having weather that feels warm, humid,
uncomfortable and calm
3. Lightning and thunder
4. Roaring and buzzing sound of the tornado as it
reaches the ground
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What you should do during a tornado?

1. If at work, home or in school, keep calm; take cover in any
interior hallway, at the lowest place in a building, or under
sturdy furniture. Stay away from windows.
2. Secure outdoor objects( like garbage cans, garden tools,
toys, signs, garden sets) if time permits , to prevent them
from causing danger during the tornado’s passage
3. Lie down in any depression or crawl into culverts when a
tornado is about to strike as it is considerably better than
remaining upright
4. Tornadoes are generally short-lived. They come and go
quickly. There may not be time for a warning
5. Be alert for the sudden appearance of violent winds, rain,
hail, or funnel-shaped cloud in your locality
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EL NINO means The Little Boy, or Christ Child in

Spanish.
● El Niño was originally recognized by fishermen off
the coast of South America in the 1600s, with the
appearance of unusually warm water in the Pacific
Ocean.
● The name was chosen based on the time of year
(around December) during which these warm waters
events tended to occur. The term El Niño refers to
the large-scale ocean-atmosphere climate interaction
linked to a periodic warming in sea surface
temperatures across the central and east-central
Equatorial Pacific.
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LA NIÑA – means The Little Girl in Spanish.

● La Niña is also sometimes called El Viejo,
anti-El Niño, or simply "a cold event."
La Niña episodes represent periods of below-
average sea surface temperatures across the
east-central Equatorial Pacific. Global climate
La Niña impacts tend to be opposite those of
El Niño impacts.
● In the tropics, ocean temperature variations
in La Niña also tend to be opposite those of
El Niño
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IMPACT TO HEALTH CONDITION

Extreme climatic conditions are characterized by the
El Niño phenomenon; high temperature rises with a
little rainfall, and extremely heavy rainfall occurs at
the opposite end.
● According to the Philippines Department of
Health, El Niño effects health such as diseases
related to water scarcity or shortage like diarrhea
and skin diseases;
● Red Tide Blooms also known as Paralytic shellfish
poisoning and disorders associated with high
temperatures: heat cramps, heat exhaustion,
exertional heat injury and heat stroke.
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La Niña is a weather phenomenon characterized by

unusually cold ocean temperature in the Equatorial
Pacific which causes increased numbers of tropical
storms in the Pacific Ocean.

According to the Philippines Department of Health, La

Niña effects Health through Disease related to
contaminated water due to flooding, such as acute
gastroenteritis, typhoid fever, cholera and hepatitis A;
● Disease related to wading in floodwaters
contaminated with urine of infected animals, such as
leptospirosis; Disease brought by mosquitoes, such
as dengue and malaria; Accidents and injuries such
as contusions, lacerations, fractures, electrocution.