DRRM - Lesson 1.0

Philippine Disaster Risk Profile

The Philippines is highly exposed to natural hazards because of its geographical location, archipelagic nature, weather, and climate.

Why is the Philippines disaster-prone?

It is located along the western Pacific Ocean and within the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Enumerate the common natural hazards in the Philippines.

1. Tropical cyclones

2. Floods

3. Storm surges

4. Landslides

5. Earthquakes

6. Volcanic eruptions

7. Droughts

Importance of weather and climate in DRRM

They help communities anticipate hazards, reduce risks, strengthen preparedness, and build resilience.

Republic Act No. 10121

The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

Role of PAGASA in DRRM

PAGASA provides weather forecasts, climate information, advisories, and early warnings.

Weather

The condition of the atmosphere at a specific place and time.

Climate

The average pattern of weather in an area over a long period, usually at least 30 years.

Difference between weather and climate

Weather describes short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate describes long-term weather patterns.

Enumerate the elements of weather.

1. Temperature

2. rainfall

3. humidity

4. wind speed and direction

5. cloud cover

6. air pressure

Example of weather

A thunderstorm occurring this afternoon in Metro Manila.

Example of climate

The Philippines generally experiences warm temperatures throughout the year with wet and dry seasons.

Philippine climate

The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate.

Enumerate the characteristics of the Philippine climate.

1. High temperatures

2. high humidity

3. abundant rainfall

4. frequent tropical cyclones.

Why does the Philippines have a tropical maritime climate?

It is located near the equator and surrounded by seas.

Enumerate the major weather systems affecting the Philippines.

1. Amihan

2. Habagat

3. tropical cyclones

4. Intertropical Convergence Zone

5. Low Pressure Area.

Amihan

The Northeast Monsoon that generally affects the Philippines from November to February.

Enumerate the effects of Amihan.

1. Cooler weather

2. rough seas along eastern coastlines.

Habagat

The Southwest Monsoon that generally affects the Philippines from May to October.

Enumerate the effects of Habagat.

1. Continuous or heavy rainfall

2. flash floods

3. landslides

Tropical cyclone

A rotating weather system that may bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding.

Average number of tropical cyclones experienced by the Philippines yearly

About 20 tropical cyclones each year.

Average number of tropical cyclones making landfall yearly

About 8 to 9 tropical cyclones.

Enumerate the effects of tropical cyclones.

1. Damage to homes and infrastructure

2. loss of crops and livestock

3. flooding

4. displacement

5. service disruptions

6. injuries

7. deaths

8. class suspensions

9. economic losses.

Intertropical Convergence Zone

An area where the northeast and southeast trade winds meet, causing warm air to rise.

Enumerate the effects of the ITCZ.

1. Thunderstorms

2. heavy rainfall

3. flooding

Low Pressure Area

An area where atmospheric pressure is lower than in the surrounding areas.

Enumerate the effects of an LPA.

1. Cloudy skies

2. rain showers

3. possible development into a tropical cyclone

Modified Coronas Climate Classification

The standard system used to classify Philippine climates according to the annual distribution of rainfall.

Who developed the Modified Coronas Climate Classification?

It was originally developed by Fr. José Coronas, S.J. and later refined by Rev. Fr. Miguel Selga, S.J.

Meaning of S.J.

Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits.

Number of climate types in the Philippines

Four climate types.

Climate Type I

Two pronounced seasons: dry from November to April and wet from May to October.

Climate Type II

No dry season and very wet throughout the year, with maximum rainfall from November to January.

Climate Type III

Seasons are not very pronounced, relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.

Climate Type IV

Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with no distinct dry or wet season.

Difference between Climate Type I and Type III

Type I has clearly defined wet and dry seasons, while Type III has less pronounced seasons.

Difference between Climate Type II and Type IV

Type II has a period of maximum rainfall, while Type IV has more balanced rainfall throughout the year.

Meaning of evenly distributed rainfall

Rainfall amounts are relatively similar throughout the year without extremely wet or dry periods.

Enumerate the uses of the Modified Coronas Climate Classification.

1. Climate monitoring

2. seasonal forecasting

3. weather advisories

4. agricultural planning

5. environmental management

6. disaster risk reduction planning.

How do weather-related hazards become disasters?

They become disasters when they affect vulnerable communities.

Heavy rainfall

A large amount of rain falling over a short or extended period.

Enumerate the possible effects of heavy rainfall.

1. Flooding

2. overflowing rivers and drainage systems

3. infrastructure damage

4. transportation disruption

5. livelihood losses

6. diseases

7. evacuation and displacement.

Why does flooding occur during heavy rainfall?

Rivers, creeks, canals, and drainage systems may exceed their capacity and overflow.

Flooding in low-lying areas

Heavy rainfall causes water to accumulate when rivers, creeks, and drainage systems overflow.

Overflowing of rivers and drainage systems

Rainfall that exceeds their capacity causes excess water to spill into nearby streets and communities.

Effect of heavy rainfall on infrastructure

Floodwater may weaken foundations, erode roads and bridges, damage electrical systems, and destroy essential facilities.

Effect of heavy rainfall on transportation

Flooded roads may become impassable and delay travel, emergency services, and the delivery of goods.

Effect of heavy rainfall on livelihoods

Floodwater may destroy crops, livestock, fishing equipment, and small businesses.

Effect of heavy rainfall on health

Contaminated floodwater may cause diarrhea, leptospirosis, skin infections, and other waterborne diseases.

Effect of heavy rainfall on families

Families in flood-prone areas may be forced to evacuate and stay in evacuation centers.

Who are especially vulnerable to heavy rainfall and flooding?

Families living near rivers, in low-lying or flood-prone areas, and in houses made of light materials.