DRRR-Final-Handout

Topic I: Geological Hazards

Landslides

  • Definition: Result from the downward and outward movements of large volumes of soil and/or rock down slopes influenced by gravity.

  • Effect: Causes permanent deformation to the landscape.

Types of Landslides:

  1. Retrogressive Landslide: Occurs when the top layer of soil begins to slide down.

  2. Piecemeal Landslide: A sequence of multiple landslide events occurring in the same area.

  3. Reactivated Landslide: Happens when a previously disturbed area suffers a new landslide due to disturbances.

Signs of Impending Landslide:

  • Tension cracks

  • Fractured rocks and sediments

  • Active sliding

  • Progressing tension cracks and terracettes

  • Seepage of water

  • Thick soil overburden

Mitigation Strategies:

  1. Activate local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council to monitor and warn residents in high-risk areas.

  2. Regular monitoring of landslide-prone zones and moderately sloped grounds with water bodies.

Sinkholes

  • Definition: Form where subsurface rock is dissolved by groundwater, leading to the creation of spaces and caverns.

  • Common in areas with carbonate rock, salt beds, sandstone, or quartzite terrains.

Human-Induced Sinkholes:

  • Occur due to:

    • Groundwater pumping: Lowers water levels leading to structural failures.

    • Construction activities: Disturbs ground structure and can cause collapse.

    • Abandoned septic tanks: Old tanks can cause sinkhole formations even after transitioning to sewer systems.

Mitigation Strategies for Sinkholes:

  1. Implement measures prior to building or road permits in subsiding areas.

  2. Establish early warning systems for public safety and emergency services.

Topic II: Hydrometeorological Hazards

Definition

  • Hazards involving atmospheric, hydrological, or oceanographic phenomena causing health impacts, property damage, and socio-economic disruptions.

Types of Hydrometeorological Hazards:

  • Global Hazards: Tropical cyclones, thunderstorms, hailstorms, tornadoes, blizzards, avalanches, coastal storm surges, droughts, heat waves, cold spells.

  • Country-Specific Hazards: Typhoons, thunderstorms, flash floods, floods, storm surges, El Niño, La Niña.

Typhoon

  • Description: A destructive large storm primarily found in the Philippines or China Sea.

  • Signs of an impending typhoon:

    • Strong winds

    • Heavy rain

    • Storm surge

Thunderstorm

  • Description: Characterized by heavy rain, thunder, lightning, and potential tornado activity.

  • Signs:

    • Cloud formation

    • Darkening sky

    • Lightning and high winds

Flash Flood

  • Definition: Localized flooding resulting from heavy rainfall.

  • Signs:

    • Continuous rain or storms

    • Distant thunder

    • Rapidly rising or muddy water

    • Debris carried by water

Storm Surge

  • Definition: An increase in seawater level due to storm activity.

  • Signs:

    • Coastal flooding

    • Darkening sky

    • Low pressure and strong winds

    • Rising seawater levels

El Niño and La Niña

  • El Niño: A flow of warm water affecting global weather patterns.

  • La Niña: A climate pattern characterized by cooler ocean waters, the opposite of El Niño.

Topic III: Fire Hazards

Definition

  • Fire hazards are potential sources of ignition like flames, sparks, hot objects, and chemicals.

  • March is recognized as Fire Prevention Month.

Deadliest Fire Incidents in the Philippines:

  1. Manila Orphanage Fire – Dec 4, 1998 (28 deaths)

  2. Marikina Wig Factory – Jan 22, 1975 (42 deaths)

  3. Manor Hotel – Aug 18, 2001 (75 deaths)

  4. Kentext Manufacturing Fire – May 13, 2015 (74 deaths)

  5. Ozone Disco – Mar 18, 1996 (160 deaths)

Fire Triangle

  • Components: Oxygen, heat, fuel, and the chemical reaction.

  • Note: Removing any of these components will extinguish the fire.

Fire Safety Guidelines:

  • Install alarms in vital areas of your home.

  • Discuss and practice a family fire escape plan twice a year.

  • In case of fire, GET OUT, STAY OUT, and CALL FOR HELP.

  • Educate family members on STOP, DROP, and ROLL techniques.

Common Fire Hazards:

  1. Cooking accidents

  2. Christmas trees

  3. Children playing with fire

  4. Lightning strikes

  5. Electric appliances (dryers/washers)

  6. Faulty electrical wiring

  7. Smoking materials

  8. Candles

Precautionary Measures:

  1. Note local emergency hotline numbers and post them in visible areas.

  2. Familiarize yourself with the building’s fire evacuation plan and exits.

  3. Conduct regular fire safety inspections.

  4. Establish a safe meeting place outside after fleeing a fire.

  5. Do temporary repairs on damaged structures post-fire as soon as possible.