Q4-W2-HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL_HAZARDS

Hydrometeorological Hazards

Definition

• Processes or phenomena of atmospheric, hydrological, or oceanographic nature.

• Potential consequences:

  • Loss of life, injury, and health impacts.

  • Property damage and loss of livelihoods.

  • Social and economic disruptions.

  • Environmental damages.

Prone Regions

• The Philippines is particularly susceptible to hydrometeorological hazards.

Potential Hazards

1. Cyclones

• Intense low pressure systems with strong spiral winds.

• Associated hazards:

  • Strong winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, storm surges, landslides, mudflows.

2. Typhoons

• A powerful tropical cyclone with low pressure rotating counterclockwise.

• Form over warm waters; more intense than tropical depressions and storms.

3. Thunderstorms

• Produce lightning, thunder, and heavy rainfall.

• May include tornadoes.

Thunderstorm Levels

• Advisory: Threat in the area within 2 hours.

• Watch: Likely occurrence within 12 hours.

• Information: Unlikely occurrence within 12 hours.

4. Tornados

• Violently rotating columns of air extending from thunderstorms.

• Visible condensation funnel with debris.

5. Flash Floods

• Rapid flooding in low-lying areas due to heavy rain or storms.

6. Floods

• Inundation of areas typically not covered by water.

7. Storm Surges

• Rise of seawater above normal due to weather elements.

Storm Surge Warning System

• Red: Catastrophic (3 meters above sea level).

• Orange: Expected (1.1 to 3 meters).

• Yellow: Possible (0.5 to 1 meter).

• Green: No alert, no action required.

8. El Niño & La Niña

• Complex weather patterns from ocean temperature variations.

• Related to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.

• Affect global weather and climate with episodes lasting 9-12 months.

Common Diseases from Hazards

• Sanitation Issues: Diarrhea and dehydration, leptospirosis, dengue, malaria, West Nile fever.

Group Activity

• Identify development, symptoms, transmission, treatment for:

  1. Leptospirosis

  2. Dengue

  3. Dengue Hemorrhagic fever

  4. Malaria

  5. West Nile Fever

Disease Specifics

Leptospirosis

• Caused by Leptospira bacteria from contaminated water/soil.

Dengue

• Transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus).

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

• Severe form of dengue causing blood vessel leakage.

Malaria

• Caused by the Plasmodium parasite; affects liver and red blood cells.

West Nile Fever

• Caused by West Nile Virus; transmitted by mosquitoes that bite infected birds.

Relocation Campaign Poster Objectives

1. Prevention of communicable diseases in evacuation sites.

2. Signs and symptoms of common diseases during emergencies.

3. Local health office contact numbers for reference.