LESSON 4

• Hydrometeorological Hazards


  Natural processes or phenomena that are of atmospheric, hydrologic, or oceanographic origin and may cause the loss of life, damage to property, social and economic disruption, or environmental degradation
• The geographic location of the Philippines accounts for the high frequency of occurrence of hydrometeorological hazards
• Typhoon


  • A violent tropical cyclone that forms over warm waters, North of the equator in the Western Pacific Ocean
  • Contains winds rotating counterclockwise, with a speed of 118-220 km/hr

  
• Thunderstorm


  • A small-scale storm accompanied by lightning and thunder
  • A typical thunderstorm only last about 30 minutes to an hour and may cover an area as small as 5 km in diameter
  • It bring about other hazards such as strong winds and heavy rainfall
  • It may also be accompanied by hail or tornado

  
• Storm surge


  • A rapid rise of seawater above normal sea level on the coast generated by strong winds brought about by typhoons and thunderstorms
  • The impending signs for this hazard is similar to typhoon and thunderstorm

  
• Storm surge is fast and unexpected hazard that can sneak in anytime during a storm

  
• It is advised that residents of low-lying coastal areas should evacuate upon observing signs of an incoming storm
• Flood & Flashflood


  • Flood occurs when land areas which are normally not covered with water are being submerged, often after heavy and continuous rainfall
  • Overflowing water from manholes can also cause flood
  • Flashfloods is a flood characterized by a raging current that occurs when the water level rises due to heavy rainfall
  • Unlike flood that may last for days and even weeks, flashflood lasts from a few minutes to a few hours only
  • Common along rivers, mountain canyons, coastline, creeks, and even urban areas

  
• Hydrometeorological Hazards Maps


  • A guide that highlights areas that are vulnerable to potential hazards like storm surge, typhoon, and flood
  • It was created to identify the areas that are prone to or affected to hydrometeorological hazards
  • Hazard maps can help prevent serious damage and deaths