Earth and Life Science

Grade 11/12 • Unit 11: Hydrometeorological Phenomena and Hazards

LESSON 11.2
Coping with and Mitigating the Impacts of
Hydrometeorological Hazards
Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Learning Competency 2

Learning Objectives 2

Warm-Up 3

Learn about It 4
Coping with Typhoons and Monsoons 4
Before a Typhoon 4
During a Typhoon 5
After a Typhoon 6
Coping with Floods 7
During a Flood 7
After a Flood 7
Coping with Tornadoes 8
Before the Occurrence of a Tornado 8
During the Cccurrence of a Tornado 8
Mitigating Typhoons and Monsoons Risks 10
Mitigating Flood Risks 11
Four Phases of Disaster Reduction 13

Key Points 14

Check Your Understanding 14

Photo Credits 16

Bibliography 16
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Grade 11/12 • Unit 11: Hydrometeorological Phenomena and Hazards

Lesson 11.2
Coping with and Mitigating the Impacts
of Hydrometeorological Hazards

Relief goods are usually distributed to areas affected by natural disasters.

Introduction
As a country situated near the Pacific ocean, many consider the location of the Philippines a
blessing and a burden. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?

Some say it is a blessing as the vast ocean is teeming with marine life and natural resources
that drive aquaculture and certain industries. However, many consider it a burden as the
warm waters of the Pacific are fuel for the formation of powerful typhoons. It is no wonder

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Grade 11/12 • Unit 11: Hydrometeorological Phenomena and Hazards

that the country ranks second in the world’s highest number of cyclones experienced per
year.

Despite being used to typhoons, the Philippines still experiences casualties and damages.
How can we mitigate the damage caused by typhoons and other hydrometeorological
hazards? What are some practical ways to cope with hydrometeorological hazards
like floods and typhoons?

Learning Competency
At the end of this lesson, the given enrichment competency should be met by
the students.
Cite ways to cope with and mitigate the impacts of hydrometeorological
hazards.

Learning Objectives
In this lesson, you should be able to do the following:
● Determine practical ways of coping with hydrometeorological hazards
caused by tropical cyclones, monsoons, floods, or ipo-ipo.
● Discuss ways on how to prevent or mitigate the impact of
hydrometeorological hazards.

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Warm-Up

Stop and Look

Material
● internet-connected device

Procedure
1. Read the article about Typhoon Hagupit in the link given below.

Escalante, Shirley. "Typhoon Hagupit smashes the Philippines;

deaths recorded as interior secretary warns 'lashing will be
severe.'" ABC, December 7, 2014.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-07/typhoon-hagupit-makes-l
andfall-in-the-philippines/5949376.

2. Grab a partner and discuss your answers to the guide questions.

Guide Questions
1. Why did the island of Samar and nearby Leyte provinces cut off their power? Is this
decision more of an advantage or disadvantage? Why or why not?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Is it a sound decision for the airlines to cancel their flights during the landfall of the
typhoon? Why or why not?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Is it a sound decision for the seaports and travelers to cancel their operations during
the landfall of the typhoon? Why or why not?

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__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
4. What kind of aids did organizations provide? Was it helpful for the devastated areas?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Did the government prepare for the risk of the typhoon? What preparations were
done?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Learn about It

Coping with Typhoons and Monsoons

Essential Question
What are some practical ways to cope with hydrometeorological hazards
caused by tropical cyclones, monsoons, floods, or ipo-ipo?

Before a Typhoon
● Always keep yourself updated. Follow the pages of PAGASA, Project NOAH, and other
government agencies on different social media platforms. Save important emergency
hotlines both in your mobile phone and in a small notebook and do not forget to
include them in your emergency kit.
● Inspect and fix your house’s drainage system. Take note of any damage to its walls
and roofs. Make sure to fix it immediately, even before the rainy season.
● Prepare enough amounts of ready-to-eat foods and water considering that it may

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take several days before the grocery store will open after the storm.
● If you have second or third floors or any elevated area in your house, place your
things there to protect it from the flood.
● If the authorities advise you to evacuate, please do so.
● Prepare emergency kits ahead of time containing first-aid supplies, candles,
flashlights, live vests (if any), and battery-operated radio.

Fig. 1. The important contents of an emergency preparedness kit

During a Typhoon
● If you are not advised to evacuate, remain inside your house and postpone any
scheduled travels for the next few days.
● Be fully informed about the track of the storm through your television, radio, or
internet.
● If you observe that the water level is rising, better turn off the main sources of
electricity. Keep your appliances in an elevated area to protect them from water.
● Do not wade along flooded areas without any protection, such as boots and
raincoats, as flood water may cause water-borne diseases.
● If you are told to evacuate, calmly comply and proceed to the nearest evacuation
area.

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After a Typhoon
● If you stayed in an evacuation center during the storm, make sure to wait for the
authorities’ announcement before coming back.
● Properly inspect and repair the damages first before staying inside.
● Be careful of live wires or any electrical outlet that is still wet or submerged in water.
If you are unsure about the condition of your house’s electrical connection, ask the
electrician to inspect and fix it first before using them again.
● Wear protective gear such as boots, especially if there are still areas submerged in
flood. Water-borne diseases such as leptospirosis may be caused by bacteria in the
soil, water, or floodwater. Contacting these bacteria with an open wound may result
in the development of the said disease.
● After the typhoon, boil the water first before drinking to avoid getting disease or
infection from contaminated water.
● Clean your house and the surrounding area. Ensure to dispose of things that may
become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
● Like what was discussed in the previous chapters, floods occur along with typhoons
and monsoons. Since it is also one of the main natural hazards faced by the country
every year, it is therefore very important that you know what to do before it happens.
● If you are in search of land to construct your home, you may want to check Project
NOAH first to know whether the location is flood-prone or not. Avoid building
structures in a floodplain where excess water from rivers or streams flow.
● However, if you are located near or in a flood-prone area, elevate and reinforce your
home. Make sure that the location of your electric panel is in an elevated area.
● It might also help to construct flood barriers to stop the floodwater from entering
your home or building. Use of waterproofing materials is also advised to avoid
seepage, especially on the lowest floor of your house.
● Always be informed about the water level condition in your area even before the
occurrence of heavy rains, monsoons, and tropical cyclones.

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Remember
Mosquitos thrive where stagnant water is abundant. Thus, make sure to
remove or cover any items that can collect water. Common examples
include tires, flowerpots, or discarded furniture.

Coping with Floods

During a Flood
● Listen to the radio or television about the weather condition and any flood warning
issued in your area. Be aware that flash floods may occur, especially if the amount of
rain is higher than normal. If your area is vulnerable to flash floods, move
immediately to higher locations. Do not stay near streams, drainage channels,
canyons, and other areas susceptible to flooding.
● If you need to evacuate, secure your house and transfer essential items such as
electric appliances to the upper floor (if any). Make sure to turn off all the equipment
and the circuit breaker to avoid electrocution.
● If you need to leave your house, do not walk through moving water as it can make
you fall (water level of six inches) or worse, carry you if the current is too strong.
● Avoid driving in flooded areas. If flood water rises around your car, abandon
● the car and go to a more elevated area. Two feet of moving water can sweep most
cars away, such as sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.
● Always bring your emergency kit.

Remember
Electrocution is one of the biggest risks during a flood, so avoid wading
into floodwater if possible.

After a Flood
● Listen to local news if the flood in your area has subsided and whether the water
supply is safe to drink.
● Avoid floodwaters as they may be contaminated with harmful chemicals. It may also

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be electrically charged from broken power lines. Bacteria that may cause
leptospirosis can also be present in it.
● Take note of those areas affected by the flood. Make sure that the authorities have
already announced that all roads are passable and safe to use. There are possibilities
that roads have weakened and may collapse.
● Do not go back to your house if the authorities have not announced that it is safe.
● Carefully check the surrounding of your house and the structure inside because
there is a possibility of hidden damages. If you are in doubt, ask for help from the
proper authorities to inspect your house first before going back.
● Damaged structures and sewage systems should be quickly repaired as they may
cause serious health hazards and even loss of lives.

Coping with Tornadoes

Before the Occurrence of a Tornado
● If you live in an area where tornadoes occur frequently and there is an available area,
you may opt to build an underground shelter. If there is none, you can choose to
create a safe room. This is built in the interiors of houses, closets, or small rooms
bounded by a twelve-inch thick concrete wall, a steel door, and a concrete roof. This
type of shelter has already been proven effective by the residents in other countries.
● If you see or hear a tornado warning, you should immediately evacuate and seek
shelter. Although people still practice hiding in a cellar or safe rooms, more and more
houses are built without these features, so the best way is to move away from harm.

During the Cccurrence of a Tornado

a. If you are in a building, follow the said steps:
● Proceed immediately to a designated shelter in your house (if any) such as the
cellar, basement, or safe room.
● If there are no available shelters nearby, go to a small interior room on the
lowest floor and put as many walls as you can to separate yourself from the
outside environment.
● Make sure to stay away from windows and doors.
● Get under a heavy piece of furniture and put your arms over your head to

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protect it from flying and falling debris.

● Do not stay in a structure with a large-area roof such as auditorium, cafeteria
or gymnasium. There is a high possibility for the high-speed winds to lift and
blow the roof, exposing the interior to severe damage.

b. If you are inside a car, truck, or any vehicle, follow the corresponding precautionary
measures:
● Move out from your vehicle and proceed immediately to a nearby secure
shelter or a sturdy building.
● If you are in a congested or urban area, do not try to outrun a tornado.

c. Lastly, if you are caught outside with no shelter:

● Look for a ditch or a depression and lie down. Make sure that your location is
far from streambeds and powerlines.
● Do not go under an overpass or bridge just in case it collapses.
● Be on the lookout for flying debris.
● After a tornado, several steps can also be followed but before it, make sure
that it has already passed. Check the latest weather information if you have a
cell phone or battery-operated radio.
● Check yourself and your family for injuries and administer first aid as needed.
If there is a seriously injured person and is not in immediate danger of
another injury, it is important to call the emergency hotline instead of moving
him or her.
● Keep out from broken power lines and damaged structures until the officials
declare that it is safe to enter. Make sure to report any gas leak as this may
cause fire.
● However, if your house was not damaged, stay inside your house. If you
suspect any damage in your house, shut off the main electric breaker and gas
tanks to avoid fires, explosions and electrocution.
● While cleaning up, make sure to wear sturdy shoes and gloves to protect
yourself from sharp debris. Clean up any dangerous spills such as medicines,
bleaches, chemicals, and flammable liquids.

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● Finally, assess the psychological impact such as trauma especially to small

children. If there is a need for crisis counseling, contact your local government
agency for additional information.

Remember
Always stay alert in any hydrometeorological hazard or natural disaster.
Make sure to listen to local or national news via television, radio or online.

Hydrometeorological phenomena such as typhoons, floods, and tornadoes are natural

weather phenomena that cannot be avoided. However, these hazards have several unique
characteristics that are significant for accurate forecasts and issuance of early warnings.

Typhoons, monsoons, floods, and tornadoes are highly mobile, resulting in regional or even
global impact. They are the most observed and frequently occurring type of hazards. This is
mainly due to several instruments and monitoring techniques in hydrology and
meteorology. Its frequency and the availability of instruments make it the best target of
early warning enhancement efforts. The key to preventing severe damage to properties and
loss of lives lies in the accurate forecasting and issuing early advisories of upcoming
hazards. This will make people more aware and prepared for the coming natural hazards.

Essential Question
How can we prevent or mitigate the impacts of hydrometeorological
hazards?

Mitigating Typhoons and Monsoons Risks

There are ways to minimize the effects of typhoons and monsoons. Minimizing casualties
and damage starts with accurate forecasts and predictions of the storm’s behavior as it
approaches landfall. This is done to warn the public and prepare them, especially if there is
a need for evacuation.

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Weather satellites are one of the most effective forecasting tools. It leads to early detection
of tropical cyclones even if it is still far from land. However, satellites cannot give accurate
and detailed information about wind speed and other conditions within the storm. That is
why once a large storm has formed in the ocean, there is a need for other tools to give more
accurate information about it. Tools such as Doppler radar systems, weather buoys, and
computer models are used to predict the tropical cyclone's path and intensity.

Fig. 2. The Guiuan weather station in Eastern Samar provides updated weather forecasts.

In the Philippines, daily weather forecasts and hourly updates give viable information to the
public in case of a severe weather disturbance. Satellite images are also available for the
public’s use found on the website of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical
Services Administration (PAGASA).

Mitigating Flood Risks

Human responses to flood hazards are divided into two categories: structural and
nonstructural. Structural responses include construction of dams to trap floodwater,

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building levees along rivers to contain floodwater, engineering projects designed to increase
the ability of a river to carry water, and short-term action such as sandbagging. Flood sizes
may be reduced by building dams to store flood water or diverting water from the river to
an area with a lower elevation.

A levee is a ridge built near a river to prevent the river from overflowing. There is a
continuous debate whether the construction of levees is more of a disadvantage than an
advantage. Supporters of the construction of levees say that it increases the carrying
capacity of rivers and, therefore, allows more years of high-water flow to occur without
flooding. Some individuals argue that since levees are commonly built of soil and sediments,
they are more prone to failure once they are water-saturated. Floodwater escaping from
levees may induce flash floods harming farms and buildings in the area. Although there are
instances where levees are useful, proper construction and planning should be
implemented, especially in terms of length, height, and location.

Sandbagging is simply a temporary solution when there is a big flood on the way. It is a
procedure wherein bags are filled with sand and mud, stacked, and used as temporary
levees to prevent floodwater from entering an area.

Fig. 3. Sandbags were used to hold floodwater in Prague last 2013.

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A standard approach to lessen flood damage is to ban building on floodplains. Although it

does not guarantee that all parts of the structure will be free from being flooded, it reduces
the risk of flood damage, especially in low-lying areas. Nonstructural responses include
accurate flood forecasting through the use of satellites and high-tech equipment, zoning
and land-use policies, insurance programs, evacuation planning, and education.

Four Phases of Disaster Reduction

After the flood events of Ondoy and Pepeng in September and October 2009, the World
Bank granted the country aid for disaster reduction and recovery.

As mentioned in the previous discussion, large tornadoes do not commonly occur in the
Philippines. In other countries such as the United States, there are projects for new home
construction with wind-resistant features and roof anchors, bolt anchors, and enhanced
exterior sheathing. Some home builders also include the construction of safe rooms, retrofit
shelters, or mobile homes.

To reduce the risk for all types of natural hazards, government agencies like the NDRRMC
(National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) follow the four phases of
disaster reduction.
1. Mitigation or Prevention: There are long-term activities undertaken before impact,
which aim to reduce the risk of a disaster's occurrence and/or effects.
2. Preparedness: There are pre-disaster activities intended to increase the
effectiveness of emergency response during a disaster.
3. Response: Prior to and during the actual disaster, activities are done immediately to
protect lives and properties.
4. Recovery: There are also post-disaster activities undertaken to return affected
communities to a more normal condition.

Remember
Mitigation plans are used to reduce the risk of the impending effects of
these hydrometeorological hazards.

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Key Points

● Several safety precautions should always be followed before, during, and after
hydrometeorological disasters.
● Always prepare an emergency kit with a first-aid kit, drinking water, and instant
or ready-to-eat food.
● Studying your location’s topographic and geologic history is a precautionary
measure to proactively avoid disasters and prepare yourself for evacuation.
● Accurate forecasting and timely warning are the key principles to reduce the
damage caused by hydrometeorological hazards.
● Levee and sandbagging are used to mitigate the hazards of floods.
● The four phases of disaster reduction are: mitigation or prevention,
preparedness, response, and recovery.

Check Your Understanding

A. Read and analyze the following statements. Write true if the given statement is
correct and false if incorrect on the blanks provided before the number.

________________ 1. Hydrometeorological phenomena cannot be avoided.

________________ 2. The impending effects of hydrometeorological phenomena

can be reduced through mitigation plans.

________________ 3. The key to preventing severe damage to properties and loss

of lives is accurate forecasting and issuing early advisories
about an upcoming hazard.

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________________ 4. Weather satellites are used to detect tropical cyclones.

________________ 5. Flood sizes may be reduced by building dams to store

floodwater. However, these dams may also increase the risk
of flood even without a hydrometeorological phenomenon.

________________ 6. Sandbags are built as a ridge near rivers to prevent water

overflow.

________________ 7. Floodwater escaping from levees may induce flash floods

harming farms and buildings in the area.

________________ 8. Sandbagging is simply a temporary solution compared to

levees when there is a big flood on the way.

________________ 9. Banning buildings on flood plains is a standard to lessen

flood damage.

________________ 10. Large tornadoes commonly occur in the Philippines. Hence,

the government should allot more budget for its mitigation
plan.

B. Classify the following activities whether they must be done before, during, or after
a typhoon. Write the letter of the item in their respective column in the table
provided.

Before a Typhoon During a Typhoon After a Typhoon

A. Save important emergency hotlines your mobile phone and a small notebook.

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B. Remain inside your house if you were not advised to evacuate and postpone
any scheduled travels for the next few days.
C. Make sure to wait for the authorities’ announcement before coming back to
your house.
D. Clean your house and the surrounding area.
E. Dispose of things that may become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
F. Be careful of live wires or any electrical outlet that is still wet or submerged in
water.
G. Do not wade along flooded areas without any protection, such as boots and
raincoats because floodwater may cause water-borne diseases.
H. If the level of water is rising, turn off the main sources of electricity.
I. Prepare emergency kits ahead of time containing first-aid supplies, candles,
flashlights, live vests (if any), and battery-operated radio.
J. Place your things in an elevated area in case a flood occurs.

Photo Credits
Introduction. JfBambangA9131Bocauefvf 12 by Judgefloro is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via
Wikimedia Commons.

Fig. 2. PAGASA-DOST Guiuan Weather Station by Brian G. Añano is licensed under CC BY-SA
4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Fig. 3. Flood in Prague 2013, Koželužská street with sand bags by Jiří Sedláček is licensed
under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Bibliography

Abbott, Patrick L. 2017. Natural Disasters, 10th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.

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DOST-PAGASA. “14 August 2016 Tornado Episode over Manila City: A Damage Assessment.”
Accessed March 21, 2017.
https://www1.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/index.php/18-publication/2821-14-august-2016-tor
nado-episode-over-manila-city-a-damage-assessment.

Hyndman, Donald and David Hyndman. 2006. Natural Hazards and Disasters. United States
of America: Thomson Brooks/Cole.

Keller, Edward A. and Duane DeVecchio. 2015. Natural Hazards: Earth’s Processes as Hazards,
Disasters, and Catastrophes, 4th edition. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.

Lagmay, A.M.F. 2012. Disseminating near Real-Time Hazards Information and Flood Maps in the
Philippines through Web-GIS. DOST-Project NOAH Open-File Reports, Vol. 1 (2013), pp.
28–36. ISSN 2362 7409.

Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards.” NOAH. University of the Philippines.

Accessed January 23, 2022. https://noah.up.edu.ph/.

NDRRMC. “Final Report re Effects of Typhoon YOLANDA (HAIYAN).” Accessed March 20,
2017.
https://ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/1329/FINAL_REPORT_re_Effects_of_Typho
on_YOLANDA_HAIYAN_06-09NOV2013.pdf.

NDRRMC. “Situational Rep No. 38 re Effects of Typhoon “PABLO” (Bopha).” Accessed March
21, 2017.
http://www.ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/2245/SitRep_No_38_Effects_of_Typho
on_PABLO_as_of_25DEC2012_0600H.pdf.

NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory. “Thunderstorm Types.” Accessed March 21, 2017.
http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/thunderstorms/types/.

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