Using Hazard Maps to Identify Areas Prone to Hazards Brought by Hydrometeorological Phenomenon

Summary of Hydrometeorology and Hazards
Hydrometeorology explores the interactions between atmospheric conditions and Earth's surface that influence weather and climate. Various meteorological phenomena create hazards that can significantly impact human life and the environment.

Key Points

Weather Systems and Processes

• Weather Formation:

  • Influenced by Earth's position relative to the Sun and atmospheric conditions.

  • Solar energy absorption and distribution by air masses drive weather patterns.

  • Precipitation occurs when warm air rises, cools, and condenses water vapor into clouds.

Meteorological Hazards

1. Typhoons:

   • Form over warm tropical oceans (27°C or higher).

   • Features: "Eye" with calm skies, surrounding winds up to 320 km/h, and vast clouds spanning 800 km.

   • Effects: Heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges (up to 5 meters), especially in low-lying coastal areas.

2. Droughts:

   • Prolonged periods of minimal or no rainfall, leading to crop failures and water shortages.

   • El Niño: Reduces rainfall and causes droughts.

   • La Niña: Opposite of El Niño, increasing rainfall even without cyclones.

3. Tornadoes:

   • Funnel-shaped spirals of air with winds reaching 480 km/h.

   • Form quickly during strong thunderstorms, causing immense damage.

4. Floods:

   • Occur when water overflows onto normally dry land (e.g., floodplains).

   • Commonly caused by hurricanes or tropical cyclones.

   • Example: Typhoon Ondoy (2009) caused devastating floods in Pasig City and nearby areas.

Meteorological Hazard Maps

• Purpose:

  • Color-coded maps illustrate affected areas by specific hazards.

  • Depict regional topography and hazard-prone areas.

• Comparison to Geological Maps:

  • Similarities: Use of color coding for clarity and regional representation.

  • Differences:

    • Geological maps detail infrastructure; meteorological maps focus on weather impacts.

    • Meteorological maps are updated more frequently due to climate variability.

Case Study: Pasig City Flooding

• Flood Cycles:

  • 2–10 years: Highlighted in red.

  • 50–100 years: Depicted in orange.

• Ondoy’s Impact (2009):

  • Severe flooding in Pasig City, unlike less affected areas like Makati and Mandaluyong.

  • Map visuals show disparity in flooding intensity across Metro Manila,

1. How are hydrometeorological hazards mitigated?

Hydrometeorological hazards are mitigated through:

• Early Warning Systems: Reliable forecasting and communication systems to inform communities about impending hazards.

• Infrastructure Development:

  • Building flood control systems such as levees, dams, and drainage systems.

  • Strengthening structures to withstand high winds and heavy rainfall.

• Disaster Preparedness:

  • Conducting community training and drills.

  • Developing evacuation plans and designated safe zones.

• Environmental Management:

  • Preserving mangroves and forests to reduce storm surges and landslides.

  • Implementing proper land use and zoning to avoid building in high-risk areas.

• Legislation and Policies: Enforcing laws and regulations related to climate adaptation and risk reduction.

2. What is the difference between a storm and a typhoon?

• Storm:

  • A general term for any disturbed weather system with significant wind and precipitation.

  • Includes thunderstorms, tropical storms, and extratropical storms.

  • Can occur in various climates and intensities.

• Typhoon:

  • A specific type of storm that forms in the Northwest Pacific Ocean.

  • It is equivalent to a hurricane (in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific) or a cyclone (in the Indian Ocean).

  • Typhoons are characterized by a well-defined eye, winds exceeding 118 km/h, and a scale based on intensity (e.g., weak, strong, super typhoon).

3. Does climate change affect the hydrometeorological hazards we experience in Pasig City and nearby provinces?

Yes, climate change significantly affects hydrometeorological hazards:

• Increased Typhoon Intensity: Warmer ocean temperatures fuel stronger and more frequent typhoons, leading to heavier rainfall, stronger winds, and higher storm surges.

• Rising Sea Levels: Coastal areas, including low-lying regions in Pasig City, are more prone to flooding and storm surges due to higher sea levels.

• Unpredictable Weather Patterns: Climate change alters precipitation cycles, causing more intense droughts (e.g., El Niño) or heavy rainfall (e.g., La Niña).

• Increased Urban Vulnerability: Urbanization in flood-prone areas without proper planning exacerbates the effects of these hazards.

• Impact on Infrastructure: Older infrastructure may not withstand the increased severity of weather events caused by climate change.

Action in Pasig City: Strengthened urban planning, improved flood control, and climate adaptation strategies are critical to minimizing the impacts of these hazards.