hydrometeorologicalhazards-191004133532

Hydrometeorological Hazards Overview

• Definition: Hydrometeorological hazards refer to processes or phenomena linked to the atmosphere, hydrosphere, or ocean that can lead to detrimental impacts like loss of life, property damage, disruptions, and environmental degradation.

• Impacts: These hazards can cause injuries, health issues, economic losses, and environmental damage.

Types of Hydrometeorological Hazards

• Tropical Cyclones (Typhoons/Hurricanes)

• Thunderstorms

• Hailstorms

• Drought

• Tornadoes

• Heat Waves

• Cold Spells

• Storm Surges

• Heavy Snowfall

• Avalanches

• Floods/Flash Floods

• Blizzards

Other Hazards Related to Hydrometeorological Conditions

• Associated Hazards: Landslides, wildfires, locust plagues, epidemics, and volcanic eruptions can be influenced by hydrometeorological conditions.

Common Hydrometeorological Hazards (NOAA)

• Cyclone

• Tornado

• Typhoon

• Flash Flood

• Flood

• Thunderstorm

• Storm Surge

• El Niño and La Niña

Cyclones

• Definition: Cyclones are powerful spinning storms characterized by strong winds and heavy rain.

• Characteristics: They are intense low-pressure systems with spiral winds flowing counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

• Dangers: Potential threats include flooding, flash floods, landslides, and mudflows due to heavy rainfall.

• Classification of Cyclones:

  • Tropical Depression: Winds of 35-63 kph

  • Tropical Storm: Winds of 64-118 kph

  • Typhoon: Winds exceeding 118 kph

Typhoons

• Characteristics: Typhoons are large, violent tropical cyclones that form over warm waters in the Western Pacific Ocean.

• Names in Different Regions: Called hurricanes in the Atlantic, cyclones in the Indian Ocean, and willy-willies in Australia.

• Impact: Typhoons can cause extensive damage through thunderstorms, winds, torrential rains, and storm surges.

Thunderstorms

• Definition: Thunderstorms create lightning, thunder, heavy rainfall, and are often accompanied by strong winds and hail.

• Formation: Occurs when warmth heats moist air, causing it to rise and cool, leading to cumulonimbus clouds.

Tornadoes

• Definition: Violent rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground.

• Characteristics: Can vary in size and typically form a visible funnel that touches the ground. Often encircled by debris.

Flash Floods

• Definition: Rapid flooding in low-lying areas due to intense rainfall and severe thunderstorms.

• Causes: Can be triggered by heavy rain, tropical storms, melting ice, or the collapse of natural or man-made dams.

• Distinguishing Factors: Occurs within six hours of cause.

Floods

• Definition: The inundation of land areas not normally covered by water; often caused by rising water levels from rivers, streams, or prolonged rainfall.

• Causes: Temporary rise of bodies of water, heavy rainfall, blockage from debris jams.

• Elements: Rainfall intensity and duration are critical factors.

Storm Surge

• Definition: An abnormal rise in seawater level caused by atmospheric pressure and wind associated with cyclones.

• Effects: Results in increased water pile-up on coastlines which can lead to severe flooding inland.

El Niño and La Niña

• Definition: Complex weather patterns influenced by ocean temperature variations in the equatorial Pacific, opposite phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.

• Impacts on Weather: Can cause significant global climate implications along with alterations in ocean processes.

• Duration and Frequency: Typically last 9-12 months; occur every 2-7 years.

Preparedness for Natural Disasters

• Pre-Disaster Preparations:

  • Maintain coordination with local councils.

  • Ensure home infrastructure can withstand harsh weather.

  • Educate about hazards and develop disaster response plans.

• Response Strategies:

  • Monitor weather updates from reliable sources.

  • Evacuate immediately if necessary.

  • Stay indoors and establish communication with family.

• Post-Disaster Action:

  • Provide immediate assistance to victims.

  • Assess property for damages.

  • Coordinate with local authorities for aid.

Technology in Monitoring Hazards

• Satellite Technology: Used for real-time monitoring of cyclones and their paths.

• Doppler Radar: Measures precipitation direction and speed, helping to predict storm movements.

Project NOAH

• Objectives: A project by the Department of Science and Technology for enhanced disaster risk reduction and management in the Philippines through scientific forecasting, monitoring, and information services.

• Components:

  • Installation of hydrometeorological devices (automated rain gauges, water level monitoring).

  • Creation of accurate flood inundation and hazard maps.

  • Coastal hazard assessments and information networks for timely warning systems.