Hydrometeorological Hazards

• Hydrometeorological Hazards: is a branch of meteorology and hydrology that studies the transfer of water and energy between the land surface and the lower atmosphere.
• Meteorology: study of the atmosphere that focuses on weather processes
• Hydrology: the study of movement distribution and management of water on earth.
• Philippines is prone to hydrometeorological hazards due to it being in the northern hemisphere which is above the equator
• ITCZONE or Intertropical Convergence Zone: are what we call countries located above the equator
• Typhoon: The most common in the Philippines; Also known as "bagyo"; It is an intense circulating winds with heavy rain over tropical waters and lands; are tropical cyclones whose winds have more than 118Kph
• Tropical Cyclones: any circulating winds
• Low-pressure area or habagat: cyclones that are not strong and fast enough
• Classification of Winds

  • Tropical depression: up to 61kph
  • Tropical Storm: 62 - 88kph
  • Severe Tropical Storm: 89 - 117kph
  • Typhoon: 118 - 220kph
  • Severe Typhoon: exceeding 220kph
• PAGASA or Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration: monitors the behavior of the cyclone as they approach Philippine territory.
• Five (5) Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS)

  • Public Storm Signal no. 1: 30 - 60kph; 36hrs
  • Public Storm Signal no. 2: 60 - 100kph; 24hrs
  • Public Storm Signal no. 3: 100 - 185kph; 18hrs
  • Public Storm Signal no. 4: more than 185kph; 12hrs
  • Public Storm Signal no. 5: more than 220kph; 12hrs
• Thunderstorm: also known as "Electrical Storm". Is characterized by heavy rain with the presence of thunder and lightning. Associated with Heavy rainfall, Lightning, Air Turbulence, and Fire
• Heavy rainfall: can lead to flooding
• Lightning: can electrocute humans and livestock and damage electrical facilities
• Air Turbulence: can displace or disorient a flying aircraft
• Fire: can burn building and vegetation
• Flood: It is the presence of excessive water on supposedly dry land.
• Hazards that are associated to flood:

  • Disruption of commercial and industrial operations.
  • Stand-still traffic causing paralysis in network transportation and communication
  • Displacement of affected homes and families
  • Waterborne diseases such as leptospirosis and typhoid fever
• Flash Flood: Rapid flow of water on saturated soil or dry soil or any foundations that has poor absorption capability. Has current or water current
• Storm Surge: It is an abnormal rise in coastal waters due to a massive force from the sea or from the air above the sea.
• Tornado: It is a rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with the air and land.
• El Niño: "little Boy"; A phenomenon refers to the large scale warming of the ocean and atmosphere.
• La Niña: "little girl"; a climate pattern that describes the cooling of surface ocean waters.
• Doppler Radar: tool used by Pagasa. to detect important weather parameters such as the amount of rainfall, direction, speed, and intensity of winds.
• Automated rain gauge: seen in telecommunication cell sites. Is not able to get speed, direction and intensity. Can measure the amount of rainfall.
• BEFORE a Hydrometeorological Hazards

  • Store enough food, drinking water, and medicine.
  • Have a working flashlight, spare batteries, candles, and matches ready.
  • Meet with all members of your family and make plans for evacuation.
  • Reinforce the roof, windows, or structural supports or foundations of your house.
  • Transfer valuables, appliances, and furniture's to higher ground.
  • Participate in clean-up to clear waterways such as canals.
  • Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that may fall and can be carried away by water current.
• DURING a Hydrometeorological Hazards

  • Stay Indoors.
  • Listen to weather updates by PAGASA and advisory by the NDRRMC.
  • If you see any signs of water rising, unplug any electrical equipment.
  • Move to a safer ground or evacuated as advised by local authorities.
  • Bring basic necessities such as food.
  • Beware of open electrical cables that can electrocute.
  • Do not go near windows and doors.
• AFTER a Hydrometeorological Hazards

  • Wait for any announcements from local authorities.
  • Report fallen power lines or cracked roads to local authorities.
  • Check your house for any damage.
  • Watch out for live wires or any electrical outlet.
  • Boil water before drinking it.