University of the East

RAMON MAGSAYSAY MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER, INC.

College of Nursing

Aurora Blvd., Quezon City

TYPHOON and FLOODSubmitted by:

BSN IV-C11 BSN IV-C12

DE LEON, Paulo Jerome CORRALES, Renz Rudolph

DELA PAZ, Romelyn HILARIO, Rose Melynn

DIAZ, Maricia HOMO, Mylannie

DILLA, Kyle Gerard IGNACIO, Mike Jerome

EBON, Erika Mari JABSON, Dino Rafael

ENRIQUEZ, Bea Elisa LEAñO, Gregorio III

FABIAN,Gina MADDARA, Marivic

GRANADA, Cristel Camille MEDEL, Richard Terrence

OBANI, Ken Carlos MEJORADA, Diana Therese

SAJO, Jerryme Karl MENDOZA, Marinette

Submitted to:

Prof. Custodio

Date Submitted:

September 21, 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Typhoon

A. Definition of Terms…………………………………………………………………….2

B. Development of Typhoon………………………………………………………………3

C. Naming of Typhoons………………………………………………………………...…5

D. The Philippine Public Storm Warning Signal……………………………………….....7

E. Revised Guidelines on the Suspension of Classes and Work in the Government…….10

F. Responsible Philippine Agencies and Non-Organizations During Typhoon……..…..11

G. Actions of the Philippine Government Before, During and After a Typhoon……..…14

H. Safety Precautions Before, During and After a Typhoon………………………….…15

I. Historical Typhoons in the Philippines……………………………………………..…17

II. Flood

A. Definition of Terms………………………………………………………………...…18

B. Causes of Floods…………………………………………………………………...…19

C. Levels of Flooding……………………………………………………………………19

D. Phases of Flood Watch……………………………………………………….……….20

E. Safety Precautions Before, During and After a Flood………………………….……..20

III. Impact of Typhoon and Flood……………………………………………………….……….24

IV. Nursing Responsibilities……………………………….…………………………………….26

V. Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………………..27

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I. TYPHOON

A. DEFINITION OF TERMS

A typhoon is a violent tropical hurricane/cyclone that occurs in the west Pacific and the

Indian Ocean.

A tropical cyclone is warm-core non-frontal synoptic-scale cyclone that originates over

tropical or subtropical waters. This has three classifications: tropical depression, tropical

storms, and the last which name depends where it originates.

A tropical depression is a tropical cyclone that has a maximum sustained surface wind speed

(using the U.S. 1-minute average) is 33 kt (38 mph or 62 km/hr) or less,

A tropical storm is a tropical cyclone that has a maximum sustained surface wind speed

(using the U.S. 1-minute average) ranges from 34 kt (39 mph or 63 km/hr) to 63 kt (73 mph or

118 km/hr),

A tropical storm warning is an announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds

of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.

A tropical storm watch is an announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of

39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.

A tropical wave is a cyclonic curvature maximum in the trade-wind easterlies that may reach

maximum amplitude in the lower middle troposphere.

B. DEVELOPMENT OF TYPHOON

Tropical Storm Genesis is the technical term for the process of storm formation that

leads ultimately to what are called hurricanes, typhoons, or tropical storms in various parts of the

world. This occurs when, in the Northern Hemisphere, the Intertropical Convergence Zone, or

ITCZ, shifts northward out of the doldrums and atmospheric conditions become favorable for

tropical storm formation after about the middle of May.

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A series of low-pressure ripples develops within the ITCZ. These are known as tropical

waves and progress from east to west. In the late season, they typically shift their movement

toward the west-northwest, or even northwest, after crossing 45° or 50° W longitude.

These tropical waves, ideally imbedded in the deep layer easterly flow, contain a

northeast wind shift. This is typically referred to as a “convergence”, where lines of equal

atmospheric pressure are pressed together between the deep-layer high to the north and the

developing low-pressure system. The divergence that results ahead of the convergence zone

gives us a north-easterly wind as the axis of the tropical wave approaches. Gusts up to 25 mph

may occur. Sometimes there can be gusts to tropical storm force in stronger waves. There can be

next to no weather associated with these waves, and they may pass virtually unnoticed. More

typically, there are bands of disturbed weather riding the axis of the wave.

When the wave passes over warmer waters (SSTs), convection and resulting rainfall are

enhanced. This greater rainfall is concomitant with falling surface pressures. By the time these

pressures fall to 1008mb, it is likely that the northeast wind has closed off to a southwest wind

on the backside of the wave. The forward motion of the wave completes the closure on the

northern side of a broad low-level center, and a tropical depression has formed.

We often hear that a tropical depression has formed, but conditions are unfavorable for

further development. There are two conditions that must be present for the tropical depression to

continue its development: warm SSTs (above 79° Fahrenheit/26° Celsius) and low vertical

shear. A tropical storm derives its power from the warm waters below. In addition, a strong anti-

storm directly above the low-level inflow is favorable. As a tropical storm is pulling in warm,

moist air at the surface, it must also evacuate this inbound flow aloft. This occurs in the upper

levels of the atmosphere, where high pressure facilitates the development of the storm by

evacuating the flow from the lower levels of the storm. Every powerful hurricane has an equally

powerful high pressure system over it. The key is inbound air counter-clockwise at the bottom,

outbound air clockwise aloft. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is reversed: clockwise inbound,

counter-clockwise outbound.

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If the upper-level high pressure system does not develop over a storm, it means there is

shear instead. This is a strong jet of air that is blowing directly over the storm, and ripping the

tops off the deep convection. This has the effect of breaking down the whole mechanism. This is

known as vertical shear. Vertical shear usually comes from a westerly direction, and can occur

if the storm is located in an unfavorable position near a cold front or upper-level low pressure

system. Another factor that can interfere with the development of a tropical storm is subsidence.

Subsidence is the sinking of air. Usually this happens on the edge of an upper-level high-

pressure system. Subsiding air has the effect of suppressing thunderstorm formation. This also is

why a tropical storm that tries to form near an established hurricane has a very difficult time—

the storm is on the edge of the hurricane’s upper-level outflow, and may have to contend with

both subsidence and shear. The effect of shear on a storm can range from impaired strengthening

to catastrophic failure of the tropical storm’s support structure.

Tropical storms have the low-level circulation and the upper-level circulation (outflow),

whose formation was discussed above. There is also a mid-level circulation. The mid-level

circulation is similar in structure to the low-level circulation, and is critical to the survival of a

tropical storm that is passing over land. The lower-level circulation can be severely disrupted, or

even dissipated, by interaction with land, especially mountainous terrain. If the mid-level

circulation remains intact, the storm can regenerate rapidly when it re-emerges over water,

providing other factors are favorable.

Assuming all the ingredients are in place—warm SSTs, upper-level high pressure, and

falling surface pressures—the storm will develop and reach a point of rapid intensification. It is

one of nature’s perfect machines. As warm waters feed the convection swirling around the

center, heavy rainfall lowers surface pressures, high pressure aloft evacuates the inflow, which

intensifies the inflow of warm, moist air, which in turn increases the rainfall and brings about a

more rapid fall in central pressure.

C. NAMING OF TYPHOONS

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The Philippine Weather Bureau adopted the system in 1963 by setting four groups of

Filipino women’s nickname ending in “ng” from A to Y to name all tropical cyclones occurring

within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). These four sets of names were then repeated

every four years. In addition, each group was accompanied by an auxiliary list from A to G in the

event that the number of typhoons occurring in a particular year exceeds the number of Filipino

alphabet letters. The first tropical cyclone for the year always starts with the letter A, followed by

B, and so on.

Revised List of Names for Tropical Cyclones within the Philippine Area of Responsibility

The first tropical cyclone of the year starts with the name beginning in letter A as in

AURING under column 1 for 2005 and so on down the list as one disturbance succeeds another. 

The 5th year (2006) will bring us back to column 1 of AURING.  In the event that the number of

tropical cyclones within the year exceeds 25, an auxiliary list is used, the first ten of which are

listed under each column.

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D. THE PHILIPPINE PUBLIC STORM WARNING SIGNAL

PSWS # 1

METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS:

A tropical cyclone will affect the locality.

Winds of 30-60 kph may be expected in at least 36 hours or intermittent rains may be

expected within 36 hours. (When the tropical cyclone develops very close to the locality a

shorter lead time of the occurrence of the winds will be specified in the warning bulletin.)

IMPACT OF THE WINDS:

Twigs and branches of small trees may be broken.

Some banana plants may be tilted or downed.

Some houses of very light materials (nipa and cogon) may be partially unroofed.

Unless this warning signal is upgraded during the entire existence of the tropical cyclone,

only very light or no damage at all may be sustained by the exposed communities.

Rice crop, however, may suffer significant damage when it is in its flowering stage.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:

When the tropical cyclone is strong or is intensifying and is moving closer, this signal

may be upgraded to the next higher level.

The waves on coastal waters may gradually develop and become bigger and higher.

The people are advised to listen to the latest severe weather bulletin issued by PAGASA

every six hours. In the meantime, business may be carried out as usual except when flood

occur.

Disaster preparedness is activated to alert status.

PSWS # 2

METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS:

A tropical cyclone will affect the locality.

Winds of greater than 60 kph and up to 100 kph may be expected in at least 24 hours.

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IMPACT OF THE WINDS:

Some coconut trees may be tilted with few others broken.

Few big trees may be uprooted.

Many banana plants may be downed.

Rice and corn may be adversely affected.

Large number of nipa and cogon houses may be partially or totally unroofed.

Some old galvanized iron roofing may be peeled off.

In general, the winds may bring light to moderate damage to the exposed communities.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:

The sea and coastal waters are dangerous to small sea crafts.

Special attention should be given to the latest position, the direction and speed of movement

and the intensity of the storm as it may intensify and move towards the locality.

The general public especially people travelling by sea and air are cautioned to avoid

unnecessary risks.

Outdoor activities of children should be postponed.

Secure properties before the signal are upgraded.

Disaster preparedness agencies / organizations are in action to alert their communities.

PSWS # 3

METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS:

A tropical cyclone will affect the locality.

Winds of greater than 100 kph up to 185 kph may be expected in at least 18 hours.

IMPACT OF THE WINDS:

Many coconut trees may be broken or destroyed.

Almost all banana plants may be downed and a large number of trees may be uprooted.

Rice and corn crops may suffer heavy losses.

Majority of all nipa and cogon houses may be unroofed or destroyed and there may be

considerable damage to structures of light to medium construction.

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There may be widespread disruption of electrical power and communication services.

In general, moderate to heavy damage may be experienced, particularly in the agricultural

and industrial sectors.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:

The disturbance is dangerous to the communities threatened/affected.

The sea and coastal waters will be very dangerous to all sea crafts.

Travel is very risky especially by sea and air.

People are advised to seek shelter in strong buildings, evacuate low-lying areas and to stay

away from the coasts and river banks.

Watch out for the passage of the "eye" of the typhoon indicated by a sudden occurrence of

fair weather immediately after very bad weather with very strong winds coming generally

from the north.

When the "eye" of the typhoon hit the community do not venture away from the safe shelter

because after one to two hours the worst weather will resume with the very strong winds

coming from the south.

Classes in all levels should be suspended and children should stay in the safety of strong

buildings.

Disaster preparedness and response agencies/organizations are in action with appropriate

response to actual emergency.

PSWS # 4

METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS:

A very intense typhoon will affect the locality.

Very strong winds of more than 185 kph may be expected in at least 12 hours.

IMPACT OF THE WINDS:

Coconut plantation may suffer extensive damage.

Many large trees may be uprooted.

Rice and corn plantation may suffer severe losses.

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Most residential and institutional buildings of mixed construction may be severely

damaged.

Electrical power distribution and communication services may be severely disrupted.

In the overall, damage to affected communities can be very heavy.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:

The situation is potentially very destructive to the community.

All travels and outdoor activities should be cancelled.

Evacuation to safer shelters should have been completed since it may be too late under this

situation.

With PSWS #4, the locality is very likely to be hit directly by the eye of the typhoon. As

the eye of the typhoon approaches, the weather will continuously worsen with the winds

increasing to its strongest coming generally from the north. Then a sudden improvement of

the weather with light winds (a lull) will be experienced. This means that the eye of the

typhoon is over the locality. This improved weather may last for one to two hours

depending on the diameter of the eye and the speed of movement. As the eye moves out of

the locality, the worst weather experienced before the lull will suddenly commence. This

time the very strong winds will come generally from the south.

The disaster coordinating council’s concerned and other disaster response organizations are

now fully responding to emergencies and in full readiness to immediately respond to

possible calamity.

E. REVISED GUIDELINES ON THE SUSPENSION OF CLASSES AND WORK IN THE

GOVERNMENT DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER (Based on DepEd Order No.50, July

19, 2007)

The Department of Education set the rules on the suspension of classes to keep parents aware

and students danger-free in cases of typhoons and other calamities.

Storm number 1

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Classes in pre-school level in all public and private schools will be automatically suspended.

Storm signal number 2

Classes in pre-school, elementary and high school in all public and private schools will be

automatically suspended.

Storm signal number 3

Classes in all levels are automatically suspended.

Storm signal number 4

All travel and outdoor activities are cancelled.

F. RESPONSIBLE PHILIPPINE AGENCIES AND NON-GOVERNMENT

ORGANIZATIONS DURING TYPHOON

Disaster-assistance and Preparedness Agencies

DOST. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the premiere science and

technology body in the country charged with the twin mandate of providing central

direction, leadership and coordination of all scientific and technological activities, and of

formulating policies, programs and projects to support national development.

Hotline: (02) 837-2071

Website: www.dost.gov.ph

PAGASA. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services

Administration (or PAGASA), is a Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

national service institution. It provides public weather forecasts and advisories, warnings

for floods, giant waves and typhoons, meteorological, astronomical, climatological, and

other scientific information and services to protect life and property and support the

economy, productivity and development of the country.

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PAGASA monitors tropical storm activity and broadcasts warnings and safety measures

every six or twelve hours within its area of responsibility which is 25°N 120°E, 25°N 135°E,

5°N 135°E, 5°N 115°E, 15°N 115°E, 21°N 120°E and back to 25°N.

Other Information:

Address: Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City

Website: www.pagasa.dost.com.ph

NDCC. National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) is under the Department of

National Defense, and it is responsible for the protection and welfare of people in cases of

disasters or emergencies.

Formerly the National Emergency Council, it became the NDCC with the PD 1566 that

provided the NDCC the obligation to organize disaster coordinating councils from the

national to the municipal level, prepare a National Calamities and Disaster Preparedness

Plan, conduct drills and exercises, and gives government units the power to allocate funds for

disaster preparedness activities.

Emergency Hotlines: 9125668, 9111406, 9122665, 911506

Help Hotlines: 7342118, 7342120

CDP. Center for Disaster Preparedness Foundation, Inc. (CDP) is now serving for ten

years, the CDP started as the Disaster Resource Training Center, registered as an

independent institution in the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission.

So far, they have made significant contributions, especially with capability building as their

core competency. They have given communities and service providers from the non-

governmental organizations and government units the avenue to participate in trainings,

interactive forums, consultancies, research and publication, networking and advocacy.

Other Agencies and their Hotlines: (Disaster Emergency)

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Rescue Operations:

Philippine National Police CALL 117, (632) 722-9585, 412-3227 OR TEXT 2920

Philippine Coast Guard (+632-5276136)

Air Force (+63908-1126976, +632-8535023)

Metro Manila Development Authority (136)

Marikina City Rescue (+632-6462436, +632-6462423, +632920-9072902)

Pasig Rescue Emergency Number (+632-6310099)

Quezon City Rescue (161)

San Juan City Hall Command Post (+632-4681697)

Bureau of Fire Protection Region III (Central Luzon) Hotline: (+63245-9634376)

Civil Society/ Media:

Philippine National Red Cross (143, +632-5270000)

Philippine National Red Cross Rizal Chapter operations center hotline: (+632-6350922,

+632-6347824)

ABS-CBN Typhoon Ondoy Hotline: (+632-4163641)

Jam 88.3: (+632- 6318803) or SMS at JAM (space) 883 (space) your message to 2968

Rubber Boat, 4×4 Trucks, Chopper Requests

NCRPO (+632-8383203, +632-8383354

Private citizens who would like to lend their motor boats for rescue please call emergency

nos: +632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9122665, +632-9115061)

You can also text (+632917-4226800 or +632927-6751981) for rescue dump trucks.

For those who are able to lend 4×4 trucks for rescue: Please send truck to Greenhills

Shoppng Center Unimart Grocery to await deployment, Tel No. (+632920-9072902)

Petron & San Miguel Corporation are lending choppers for rescue operations, call/text:

(+632917-8140655) ask for Lydia Ragasa

For IN-KIND DONATIONS, there are many drop-off centers, among them are the

following:

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ABS-CBN SAGIP KAPAMILYA WAREHOUSE at 13 Examiner St., West Triangle

QC or at ABS-CBN Center along Mother Ignacia QC/Scout Bayoran corner Tomas

Morato, beside Alex III, Quezon City. Tel 413-2667 / 416-0387.

GMA KAPUSO FOUNDATION, INC. – 2nd Floor GMA Kapuso Center, GMA

Network Drive cor. Samar Streets, Diliman, Quezon City. Tel 982.7777 loc. 9901 & 9905.

ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY – drop-off at MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan

Building) Lobby. Also at Cervini Hall Lobby at 12nn. For details, please contact 0917 631

2423 or 0917 703 5357.

DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY – proceed to South Gate, Taft Avenue, Manila (gate

nearest to McDonalds).

LA SALLE GREEN HILLS- go to Gate 2 along Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong.

CARITAS MANILA OFFICE at Jesus St., Pandacan Manila near Nagtahan Bridge

(tel.no.5639298/5639308) or Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Corner EDSA (tel

no. 9257931-40)

G. ACTIONS OF THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER

A TYPHOON

Before

Addressing the root causes of vulnerabilities to disasters, strengthening the country’s

institutional capacity for disaster risk reduction and management and building the resilience

of local communities to disasters including climate change impacts

Community-based planning and preparedness

Improvement of meteorological monitoring

Requesting aid grants in preparation of need

Procuring rubber boats and motorized bancas and other equipment that will be needed

during rescue missions in cases of flood

Broadcast through television and radio warnings and reminders for people to be prepared

during the typhoon

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Prevention of floods thru prevention of excessive logging – Presidential Decree 705,

revising Presidential Decree No. 389, otherwise known as the Forestry Reform Code of the

Philippines

Establish evacuation centers anticipating a large population to be accommodated

During

Transfer residents living near bodies of water to safer zones

Acquire sufficient goods that can be delivered to the respective residents that are stranded

in their homes due to flood and heavy rains

Send motor boats or if possible, helicopters to rescue those who are stuck in danger zones

and whose lives are in peril if not rescued immediately

After

Programs to fix destroyed infrastructures

Initiating search and rescue missions

Disseminating food and basic necessities for the refugees of typhoons or floods

Assessment of damage and estimation of the cost of repair

H. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER A TYPHOON

Before

1. Close and fasten up all windows.

2. Buttress (support) the house to prevent it from falling down.

3. Store enough food, clean water, fuel and medicine.

4. Prepare a good flashlight with new batteries.

5. Listen to the radio for further news.

6. Evacuate to a safer place if you think your house is not strong enough. Bring

your pets and useful animals.

7. Stay away from mountain sides or cliffs. Typhoons usually cause landslides.

8. Stay away from rivers. Typhoons usually cause rivers to swell or water to rise. Strong

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water currents can carry you and your animals away.

During

1. Keep your radio on and listen to the latest weather bulletin and announcements.

2. Don’t pay attention to rumors.

3. Stay away from low-lying beaches or other locations which may be swept away by high

tides or storm waves. If your only passage to high ground is over a road likely to be under

water during a severe storm, then leave early.

4. If your house can’t be affected by a high tide and is well-built or anchored, then it is

probably the best place to be during a storm.

5. Board up and securely fasten windows. Makeshift boarding may do more harm than

good. Whenever applicable, anchor the house with strong wires.

6. Get extra food, particularly those that don’t need to be cooked and are easy to prepare.

Remember that electric power may be cut off.

7. If emergency cooking facilities are necessary, be sure they work.

8. Store water as water service may be cut off.

9. Always keep a flashlight handy.

10. Check everything that may be blown away or turn loose. Flying objects are dangerous

during typhoons.

11. If the eye of the typhoon has passed your house, there may be a lull lasting for a few

minutes to half an hour. Stay in a safe place. Make emergency repairs during the lull if

necessary. But remember that the wind will return suddenly from the opposite direction

with even greater violence.

12. Be calm. Your ability to handle an emergency will inspire others and help them.

After

1. You walk out cautiously, asses the damages and then look for basic necessities or aid in

the vicinity.

2. Avoid going out for a picnic or excursion immediately after a typhoon. It is usually calm

after a typhoon. Wait until the typhoon has totally left the place.

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3. Listen to radio announcements to know about the typhoon and the weather.

4. Check the roofs or construction of your house. If your roof was damaged, check and fix

it.

5. If there is any neighbors injured during the typhoon, bring them to the nearest disaster

coordinating council hospital or medical centers.

I. HISTORICAL TYPHOONS IN THE PHILIPPINES

NAME PERIOD OF OCCURRENCE

DEATHS DAMAGE IN BILLION PESOS

HIGHEST WIND SPEED IN KPH (Place Recorded)

AREAS MOST AFFECTED

PEPENG (Parma) 6 September 30-October 11, 2009

492 27.195 120 (PAGASA estimate at Cagayan)

Northern Luzon, Cordillera

ONDOY (Ketsana) 7 September 24-27, 2009

464 11.121 85 (PAGASA estimate at Aurora)

NCR, CALABARZON, Central Luzon

FRANK (Fengshen) 3 June 18-23, 2008 938** 13.321 172 (Roxas)

Eastern-Western Visayas, Romblon, Marinduque, CALABARZON, NCR, Central Luzon

REMING (Durian) 4 November 26-December 1, 2006

754**** 5.086 320 (Virac) Bicol, CALABARZON, Marinduque, Mindoro

MILENYO (Xangsane) September 25-30, 2006

279 5.9 180 Southern NCR

 ILIANG (Zeb) October 7-18, 1998

75 5.375 260 (Over water)

Northern Luzon

LOLENG (Babs) October 15-24, 1998

303 6.787 250 (Virac) Bicol, Central-Northern Luzon

ROSING (Angela) 2 October 30-936 10.829 260 (Virac Bicol Region,

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November 4, 1995

Radar) CALABARZON, NCR

Legend:

1 - Only a Tropical Storm.

2 - The typhoon unusually maintained winds of at least 240 kph for 60 hours, most of it while

over land.

3 - Had a very erratic movement causing numerous forecasting errors catching millions off-

guard at its path. Induced monsoon rains spawned floods in Western and Central Mindanao.

4 - The most powerful typhoon ever recorded by PAGASA, registering a 320-kph wind gust at

Virac Weather Station before the anemometer was damaged. It erased the old record of 275

kph, recorded during the passage of Super Typhoon SENING (Joan) in Oct 13, 1972 at the

same station.

5 - A very large super typhoon with a radius covering the whole Philippines.

6 - Criss-crossed Northern Luzon making initial landfall at Cagayan, then looping back to

landfall in Ilocos Norte, looped back again and entered Cagayan the second time.

7 - Brought record flooding in Antipolo, Cainta, Marikina, Quezon City, Manila, Pasig, and

much of Metro Manila drowning hundreds, stranding millions.

II. FLOOD

A. DEFINITION OF TERM

Flood is an abnormal progressive rise in the water level of streams or rivers which may result

in overflowing.

Flash flood is a sudden and extreme volume of water which flows rapidly and causes

inundation and which, because of its nature, is difficult to forecast.

Flood watch is the designation of the period during which flood monitoring forecasting and

flood warnings are carried out. The principal activities are: flood monitoring, data collection

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an d processing, assessment of probability of flooding and dissemination of information to

public.

B. CAUSES OF FLOODS

Heavy Rainfall 

Dam or levee failures

Torrential rains from cyclones

Tsunamis

Storm Surges

Burst water mains

C. LEVELS OF FLOODING

MINOR FLOODING

Due to the accumulation of excessive surface runoff.

Flood waters consigned to the flood plain immediately along a river/channel or in random

low lying and topographically depressed areas.

Flooding is relatively shallow and there is no perceptive flow of water as when

inundation is rapidly spreading to adjacent areas.

MAJOR FLOODING

Due to overflowing of rivers and lakes, unexpected and serious breaks in dikes, levees

and other protective structures or uncontrolled releases of dam water .

Coverage of a wide continuous area and rapid spreading to adjacent areas of relatively

lower elevation.

Flooding is relatively deep in most parts of the flood-stricken areas. Currents of flowing

flood water will be swift as the flood spreads to other areas.

D. PHASES OF FLOOD WATCH

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Alert: Period of intense data collection, monitoring and assessment, when the possibility of

flooding is present, but its probability is relatively low.

Warning: Issued when indications show that water levels will exceed the alert level within 24

hours. The Flood Watch converts to flood warning and the appropriate Advisories are issued.

* Emergency Action: Official announcements are issued before during and after the occurrence

of floods.  These are intended to appraise the public in the affected area of the present and

projected flood situation.

Content of Announcements:

Present and expected situation of the meteorological cause of flooding.

Present and forecasted hydrological situation.

Areas likely to be affected.

Time and severity of flooding

Precautionary  measures recommended.

Routine announcement of next bulletin.

Safety precautions to be taken before the flood, when Advisories are issued and during

and after the flood.

E. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER A FLOOD

Before

Learn to recognize environmental clues such as heavy rains, topography and flood history

of the region.

Know your elevation above flood stage and the history regarding flooding of your location.

Learn first aid and CPR at your local Red Cross chapter or community organization.

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Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to

leave in a hurry.

Develop and practice a 'family escape' plan and identify a meeting place if family members

become separated.

Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal

property. Keep the list in a safe place.

Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking

water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.

Plan what to do with your pets.

Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment

available.

Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able

to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.

Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When

predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.

Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency

water-proofing.

Know the flood warning system in your community and ensure that your family knows the

warnings.

Learn all you can about the flooding

Monitor weather conditions

Keep a portable transistor radio with spare batteries and emergency equipment.

Store all chemicals away from flood waters.

Store livestock feed and supplies above expected water levels.

Be aware of weather conditions that could prompt flooding.

Listen to radio or TV broadcasts for emergency information and evacuate immediately if

told to do so.

Secure shelves and water heaters to nearby walls.

Raise electrical system components.

Consider installing check valves in your plumbing to prevent floodwater backup.

Park, lock and leave vehicles at a higher elevation.

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Turn off gas and electricity. Unplug electrical appliances.

Put dangerous, flammable or explosive liquids in a safe place and close containers securely.

Seal important personal, legal and business documents in watertight containers and place

above flood height. Take furniture to upper floors or raise on a sturdy table.

During

If local officials advise evacuation, do so promptly.

If directed to a specific location, go there.

Know where the shelters are located.

Bring outside possessions inside the house or tie them down securely. This includes lawn

furniture, garbage cans, and other movable objects.

If there is time, move essential items and furniture to upper floors in the house.

Disconnect electrical appliances that cannot be moved. DO NOT touch them if you are

wet or standing in water.

If you are told to shut off water, gas, or electrical services before leaving, do so.

Secure your home: lock all doors and windows.

Avoid areas subject to flash flooding

Don't attempt to cross rivers or flowing streams where water is above the knees.

Beware of water-covered roads and bridges

Never walk or drive through rushing floodwaters. Even six inches of moving water is

dangerous.

Avoid rising waters, storm drains and sewers. Move to higher ground.

Watch out for snakes and small animals that might seek shelter in your home.

Never enter buildings surrounded by floodwaters.

Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires.

Listen to a portable radio.

Release animals and poultry.

Keep children indoors and upstairs.

If your car stalls, or becomes stuck, abandon it and climb to higher ground or onto the

vehicle's roof.

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After

Be alert for fire hazards such as broken electrical wires.

If the building has been under water, do not switch on the main, wait for professional

assistance. Never touch electrical switches while wet or standing in water 

Don't use appliances or equipment until they have been cleaned, dried and thoroughly

checked for damage.

Report utility lines (electricity, water, gas and telephone) to the appropriate authorities.

Boil all water and don't eat left-over food until it is checked for contamination

Keep away from disaster areas as your presence may hamper rescue efforts.

Listen to the radio or TV for instructions from local officials.

Wait until an area has been declared safe before entering it. Be careful driving, since roads

may be damaged and power lines may be down.

Before entering a building, check for structural damage. Turn off any outside gas lines at

the meter or tank. Let the building air out to remove foul odors or escaping gas.

Upon entering the building, use a battery-powered flashlight. DO NOT use an open flame

as a source of light. Gas may be trapped inside.

When inspecting the building, wear rubber boots and gloves.

Throw out any medicine or food that has had contact with flood waters.

Test drinking water for portability. Wells should be pumped out and water tested for

drinking.

If the public water system is declared 'unsafe' by health officials, water for drinking and

cooking should be boiled vigorously for 10 minutes.

Flooded basements should be drained and cleaned as soon as possible. Structural damage

can occur if drained too quickly. When surrounding waters have subsided, begin draining

the basement in stages, about 1/3 of the water volume each day.

Check on your neighbours.

Take photographs of your property, if damaged, for insurance purposes.

How to inspect for gas, electricity, water and sewerage problems in your home:

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Gas: If you smell gas or hear blowing and hissing noises, open a window and door and turn off

the gas at the tank. Do not turn off lights or appliances. Get out of the building fast and stay out.

After about an hour of allowing the gas to dissipate through open doors and windows, if you still

smell gas, call the Fire Service at 991. Do not re-enter the building until it has been checked by a

professional.

Electrical Systems: If you smell burning, see sparks or broken and frayed wires switch off the

electricity at the mains panel. Make sure you are wearing dry rubber soled shoes and you are not

standing in water. Proceed with extreme care.

Sewerage and Water Line Damage: If the water lines are damaged, do not drink water from the

tap, use your emergency water supply. Damaged water lines can lead to contaminated water. To

check for damaged sewer lines try flushing your toilet. If it backs up the line is not good.

III. IMPACT OF TYPHOON AND FLOOD

Physical Impact

Injuries and deaths due to drowning

Blunt trauma injuries are not uncommon in floods due to the amount of debris that may be

caught in the moving floodwaters along with the unsuspecting victims. Injuries in this case

resemble projectile injuries and commonly include extremity and torso fractures,

lacerations, and severe bruising.

Risk of accidental hypothermia

Respiratory illnesses start to show a substantial increase in the days to weeks after a

disaster. This apparent shift in illness is attributed more to the transmission of communicable

diseases such as influenza or even tuberculosis in crowded temporary shelters.

It has also been shown that due to the common occurrence of dehydration, malnutrition,

break down of public health safe guards, and stress and anxiety in the aftermath of natural

disaster, an individual is more prone to serious infection from a familiar vector (for

example, waterborne infections, acute or chronic effects of exposure to chemical pollutants

released into floodwaters, vector borne diseases, food shortage, and others). Floods also can

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increase the risk of cholera, diarrhea, schistosomiasis, dengue, yellow fever, malaria,

Hantavirus, and other diseases.

Economic and Social Impact

Floods and storm waters bring nutrients, which are beneficial to the floodplain ecosystems

(wetlands, agricultural lands, and crops, fishery, etc.) and coastal ecosystems (mangroves,

mudflats, reefs, fishery, etc.). They eventually contribute to human well-being by

delivering a range of ecosystem services.

Flood or flood risk management options can increase the discharge of pollutants and

sediments to the coastal zones.

Plant life can easily be swept away by floods and severe winds. Even trees cannot

withstand the sheer force of a typhoon's strength indefinitely. Excessive rain can cause

plants to drown, and it also causes soil erosion. Mudslides often take plants down with

them, ripping up their roots and killing the plant.

When a flood strikes an area, the livestock and crops of the area is greatly affected and

therefore causes a food supply shortage resulting to hunger.

For marine agriculture when typhoon hits some fishermen loses their boat or sometimes

gets destroyed. While for owners of fish pens, when the water elevates beyond their nets

their fishes can swim out to the sea. This will increase the prices of fishes.

This can be a decline in tourism, cost of rebuilding infrastructures, a higher demand

for basic commodities but small supply this will cause an increase in price.

Floodwater can seriously disrupt public and personal transport by cutting off roads and

railway lines, as well as communication links when telephone lines are damaged.

Buildings and houses residing at unstable ground or living in high areas may experience

damage by mudslide or landslide, causing the house inhabitable and disrupt transportation

by blocking the roads.

Psychological Impact

Commonly mass evacuation of communities leads to total disruption of an individual’s

personal coping mechanisms. Families and neighborhoods find themselves tossed from

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their homes, possibly billeting in massive temporary shelters. As shelters are usually places

of last resort, individuals remain vulnerable to the lack of information and control that are

awarded them. The weight of the situation is compounded by the lack of privacy and even

by the isolation of natural support groups within a specific community.

In the weeks and months following a disaster event, many patients will suffer from such

psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or general

anxiety disorder (GAD).

In many instances victims and survivors complain of some of the following symptoms:

night terrors, sudden phobias, grief, depression, guilt, insomnia, loss of appetite or

flashbacks and hallucinations.

IV. NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

D-isseminate information on the prevention and control of environment hazards.

I-nterpret health laws and regulations.

S-erve yourself of self-survival.

A-ccept directions and take orders from an organized authority.

S-erve the best of the most.

T-each the meaning of warning signs.

E-xercise leadership.

R-efer to appropriate agencies.

Atleast one registered nurse must be present at any kind of emergency and disaster.

Determine magnitude of event.

Establish nursing care priorities and plan for health care supervision.

Evaluate health care needs.

Provide medical treatment like cleaning wounds, providing medications, and monitor the sick

persons.

Assess and arrange storage of supplies, equipments, and medications for the victims and

check routinely for any need of restocking.

Identify potential problems and trends in the shelter.

Establish lines of communication with the health service officer and health care team.

Provide health teaching:

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-Wear boots to prevent soaking of feet to the flood water.

- Wash feet immediately with soap and water if feet got soak in flood water.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Alojado, D. and Padua D. (2010, July 31). Destructive Typhoons of the National Capital Region. Retrieved September 17, 2010, from Typhoon2000.com: http://www.typhoon2000.ph/stormstats/DestructiveTyphoonsNCR.htm

Clark Subic Marketing. (2010, April 14). DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM. Retrieved September 17, 2010, from Clark Subic Marketing: http://www.clarksubicmarketing.com/special_events/disaster_preparedness_seminar_philippines.html

KALIKASAN-PNE. (2009, 11 24). Critique of Philippine Climate Change Act of 2009. Retrieved September 17, 2010, from KALIKASAN, People's Network for the Environment: http://www.kalikasan.org/cms/?q=node/311

KALIKASAN-PNE. (2009, November 13). Unity Statement of Philippine Climate Watch Alliance. Retrieved September 17, 2010, from KALIKASAN, People's Network for the Environment: http://www.kalikasan.org/cms/?q=node/307

NOAA/ National Weather Service. (2010, April 6). Glossary of NHC terms. Retrieved September 18, 2010, from National Weather Service National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutgloss.shtml

PAGASA. (n.d.). Flood Safety Rules. Retrieved September 18, 2010, from PAGASA: http://kidlat.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/genmet/floods/safety_rules.html

Republic of the Philippines. (2010, February 22). Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010. Retrieved September 18, 2010, from National Disaster Coordination Commission: http://www.ndcc.gov.ph/home/images/DRRM_Act_2010/drrm%20act%20of%202010.pdf

Smith, R. (2009). Welcome Address by Ambassador Rod Smith. 13th Asia-Pacific Policy Forum and Launch of Australian Government Aid Initiatives on Disaster Risk Reduction. Australian Embassy.

Umil, A. M. (2010, July 19). Prioritize Disaster Preparedness, Aquino Urged. Retrieved September 17, 2010, from Barangay RP: http://barangayrp.wordpress.com/2010/07/19/prioritize-disaster-preparedness-aquino-urged/

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