Hydrometeorological Hazards - Learning Material
Hydrometeorological Hazards - Learning Material
The geographical location of the Philippines suggests not just possible geological hazards but also
hydrometeorological hazards from the strong swirling of winds due to its proximity to the Intertropical
Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
Typhoon
Typhoons, or bagyo in Filipino, are intense circulating winds with heavy rain over tropical waters
and land. Typhoons are actually tropical cyclones whose winds have reached more than 118 kph, which is
why it is described as “intense.”
Tropical cyclones in the Philippines usually begin on the surface of the warm northwestern portion
of the Pacific Ocean. The increase in temperature and humidity can induce the trade winds in the
atmosphere to spiral as it moves from a higher pressure area to a lower pressure area. The energy of the
swirling movement can strengthen as it moves westward. Depending on the speed of the wind, tropical
cyclones are recently classified as follows:
• Tropical depression (TD): up to 61 kph
• Tropical storm (TS): 62 to 88 kph
• Severe tropical storm (TY): 89 to 117 kph
• Typhoon (TY): 118 to 220 kph
• Super typhoon (STY): exceeding 220 kph
In some cases, winds do not develop and just naturally dissipate before reaching land.
But if typhoons make a landfall, they usually lose their energy. The large mass of land, especially
terrains characterized by mountains and slopes, breaks up the pressure of the cyclone. Typhoons also
weaken when they enter a cooler and drier environment because they come from warm, moist tropical
air.
PAGASA monitors the behavior of the tropical cyclones as they approach Philippine territory.
There are now five public storm warning signals (PSWS) established by PAGASA.
Revised Public Storm Warning System
Source: http://typhoonwatchphilippines.blogspot.com/2013/03/philippine-public-storm-warning-signal_1.html
Thunderstorm
A thunderstorm, also known as electrical storm, is a storm characterized by heavy rain with the
presence of thunder and lightning. Thunderstorms may not have strong winds in contrast with typhoons.
Thunderstorms happen because there is an uneven distribution of heat in the air and on land. The heat
from the surface of Earth flows upward and the cold air from the atmosphere sinks to the ground. This
transfer of heat is a natural process and it can make the air unstable. If the rising warm air becomes rapid
with the presence of moisture, thunderstorms take place. Thus, warm air and moisture are key factors in
the formation of thunderstorms.
Thunderstorms usually happen in summer because of the atmosphere’s high humidity and high
temperature. The lightning comes from the separation of charged particles in the clouds. The collision of
water droplets in the clouds due to rising moisture breaks away the electrons and these are gathered in
the lower portion of the clouds. The upper portion of the clouds, on the other hand, becomes positively
charged. When the clouds are close to the ground and pick up a positively charged object, an electric
current is produced. Sometimes, the voltage is so high because of the large amount of heat produced. The
very rapid expansion of the local air results in reverberations of thunder.
The hazard in thunderstorms is associated with the following:
• heavy rainfall that can lead to flooding;
• lightning that can electrocute humans and livestock and damage electrical facilities;
• air turbulence which can displace or disorient a flying aircraft; and
• fire that can burn buildings and vegetation.
Flood
A flood is the presence of excessive water on a supposedly dry land. It can be caused by
continuous heavy rain or poor drainage. Usually, low-lying areas are prone to flooding because they
receive all the water coming from higher elevations.
In density populated areas, flooding may become a problem because of limited spaces. Crowding
of structures and people may prevent poor draining leading to more serious problems such as the
following:
• Disruption of commercial and industrial operations leading to loss of income
• Stand-still traffic causing paralysis in network transportation and communication
• Displacement of affected homes and families
• Damaged properties resulting from corrosion and water intrusion
• Waterborne diseases such as leptospirosis and typhoid fever
Flash Flood
A flash flood is a rapid flow of water on saturated soil or dry soil or any foundation that has poor
absorption capacity. This usually takes place in slopes such as mountains, volcanoes, and waterways
where the peak of maximum force takes place downstream. Flash floods are usually caused by extensive
rainfall but can also be induced by man-made structures such as water overflows from a dam. Low-lying
areas or those along the slopes are most prone to flash floods. The intensity, speed, and volume of water
gushing down the slopes can drown people and damage the structures along its path.
Storm Surge
A storm surge is an abnormal rise in coastal waters due to a massive force from the sea or from
the air above the sea. Storm surges can be caused by a strong typhoon. The force from the strong winds
of a typhoon pushes the seawater toward the shore. Storm surges can instantly flood coastal areas. The
accumulation of water can reach into the hinterland and may cause more flooding in low-lying inland. If
the coast is shallow, storm surges can be disastrous. Storm surges can also be aggravated by the
occurrence of high tide. In this case, surge height is higher and can wipe out more structures on the shore.
Tornado
A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with the air and land. Its rotational
movement is so violent that it can pick up objects from the ground and sling them away at far places.
According to PAGASA (2011), an average of 12-24 tornadoes hit the country every year, mostly
occurring in flat terrains such as Mindanao and Central Luzon, especially Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.
Tornadoes from when there are strong winds and low thunderstorm clouds. The turbulent clouds are
pushed to the ground due to low pressure and strong winds. As the warm air on the ground comes in
contact with the thunderstorm clouds, a cyclonic, counterclockwise motion happens. Tornadoes belong
to the major (or greater) category of whirlwinds that have bigger and stronger cyclonic winds. Because of
the funnel-like swirl of winds, tornadoes can destroy structures and uproot trees. However, in most cases,
tornadoes that occur in the country dissipate or are too weak to do any major damage.
El Niño
The El Niño phenomenon refers to the large-scale warming of the ocean and atmosphere across
the central and east-central Equatorial Pacific. This event begins with the heating up of the Pacific Ocean
near the equator. Trade winds in the ITCZ would move the heated waters westward toward Southeast
Asia, including the Philippines, while some global winds blow the warmer waters and air toward the
western portion of the Americas. In effect, the winter seasons of Canada and the western portions of the
United States become warmer than the average temperatures. In like manner, warming takes place in the
Philippines during the cold season of December.
La Niña
La Niña begins in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean, much similar to the location of El Niño.
The sea surface temperatures during this period become lower by 3-5 degrees Celsius. Cyclones formed
during this time shift westward going to the direction of China. In effect, the Philippines is affected by the
excessive rainfall and cold temperatures.
Tools for Monitoring Hydrometeorological Hazards
Weather observation stations use various instruments to monitor and gather data on
hydrometeorological hazards. Some of these instruments are the following:
• Doppler radar – used to measure important weather parameters such as amount of rainfall and
direction, speed, and intensity of winds. These data are used to forecast weather conditions and
upcoming typhoon weeks before the occurrence.
• Automated rain gauge – usually installed in telecommunication cell sites to observe and locate
areas with excessive amount of rainfall. This is used to detect for possible flooding and flash
floods.