Mapping Philippine Vulnerability To Environmental Disasters 3d6p58

Mapping Philippine Vulnerability to Environmental Disasters Climate- and Weather-Related Risk Maps The Philippines is prone to various climate/ weather-related hazards because of its location in the tropics, along the path of typhoons, monsoons and El Niño-La Niña.

RISK TO PROJECTED TEMPERATURE INCREASE The areas most at risk to temperature increase during the projected 2080 climatology are Mindanao and Central Visayas.

The top 20 provinces at risk to projected temperature increase are: 1. Sulu 2. Basilan 3. Lanao Del Sur 4. Maguindanao 5. Lanao Del Norte 6. Davao Del Sur 7. Zamboanga Del Sur 8. Tawi-tawi 9. Misamis Occidental 10.Camiguin 11.Siquijor 12.Misamis Oriental 13.Cebu 14.Agusan Del Norte 15.Zamboanga Del Norte 16.Albay 17.Sarangani 18.Negros Oriental 19.Negros Occidental 20.Ifugao

RISK TO PROJECTED RAINFALL CHANGE The map of risk to projected rainfall change shown below incorporates both rainfall decrease during the dry season and rainfall increase during the wet season. The areas most at risk to projected rainfall changes are Central, South and Southeast Luzon and Eastern Visayas The top 20 provinces at risk to projected rainfall change are: 1. Albay 2. Pampanga 3. Ifugao 4. Rizal 5. Cavite 6. Sorsogon 7. Laguna 8. Biliran 9. Batangas 10. Pangasinan 11. Masbate 12. Metro Manila 13. Tarlac 14. Nueva Ecija 15. Northern Samar 16. Aklan 17. Capiz 18. La Union 19. Western Samar 20. Romblon

RISK TO TYPHOONS Northern Luzon, Southeastern Luzon and Eastern Visayas are the areas highly at risk to the occurrence of tropical depressions, tropical storms, typhoons and super typhoons. The top 20 provinces at risk to typhoons are: Cagayan 1. Albay 2. Ifugao 3. Sorsogon 4. Kalinga 5. Ilocos Sur 6. Ilocos Norte 7. Camarines Norte 8. Mountain Province 9. Camarines Sur 10. Northern Samar 11. Catanduanes 12. Apayao 13. Pampanga 14. La Union 15. Nueva Ecija 16. Pangasinan 17. Masbate 18. Tarlac 19. Western Samar

RISK TO EL NIÑO Areas highly at risk to El Niño-induced drought are Central and West Mindanao. The top 20 provinces at risk to drought are: 1. Sulu 2. Basilan 3. Maguindanao 4. Lanao Del Sur 5. Lanao Del Norte 6. Davao Del Sur 7. Misamis Occidental 8. Sarangani 9. Zamboanga Del Sur 10. South Cotabato 11. Zamboanga Del Norte 12. North Cotabato 13. Sultan Kudarat 14. Siquijor 15. Tawi-tawi 16. Negros Oriental 17. Camiguin 18. Davao del Norte 19. Misamis Oriental 20. Bukidnon

COMBINED CLIMATE- AND WEATHERRELATED RISKS Summing the four individual risk scores reveals that the areas most at risk to climate- and weather-related risks in general are Southeastern Luzon and Eastern Visayas. This indicates that the risk to typhoons and risk to projected rainfall change dominate the sum. The lower composite risk scores of Mindanao likewise indicate that although Mindanao has higher risk to temperature increase and El Niñoinduced drought compared to other areas, the difference in the scores is not large.

The top 20 provinces at risk are: 1. Albay 2. Pampanga 3. Ifugao 4. Sorsogon 5. Biliran 6. Rizal 7. Northern Samar 8. Cavite 9. Masbate 10. Laguna 11. Batangas 12. Sulu 13. Western Samar 14. Nueva Ecija 15. Tarlac 16. Pangasinan 17. Basilan 18. Metro Manila 19. Camarines Sur 20. La Union

Reference Center for Environmental Geomatics Manila Observatory (yright 2005)

The map shown here is a composite risk map that considers projected rainfall change, risk to projected temperature increase, risk to typhoons, and risk to El Niño-induced drought. The combination of all these meteorological hazards has recently caused disasters to the islands of Luzon and Visayas, where most of the risks are concentrated. The pattern of typhoon tracks has been frequenting the eastern portion of the country, such that more disaster preparedness efforts are now centered on Eastern Visayas. These weather disturbances increase the risks in areas whose topographical features are prone to landslide and flooding. Sadly, most of the rural areas in the Visayas have been exploited of their natural resources, the effects of which are characterized by degradation and instability of land. With this profile, the susceptibility of these areas to hydrometeorological hazards is high. PAGASA has installed various weather stations all over the country to accurately detect, observe, measure, and forecast any of possible meteorological hazards. It is then important to be aware and be prepared at the onset of the season for specific hazards so that disasters may be minimized if not totally prevented.

Practical Ways of Coping Hydrometeorological Hazard-prone Areas in the Philippines As soon as PAGASA issues a warning for any hydrometeorological hazard: 1. Check your emergency kit. 2. Make plans for evacuation to higher ground especially if you live in a coastal area. 3. Participate in cleanup activities to clear pathways of rainwaters to avoid flooding. 4. Cut dead or rotting trees and trim tree branches that could otherwise fall off from the force of winds and cause injury or damage. 5. Reinforce s or foundations in your house to withstand strong winds or water. 6. Transfer valuables and other furniture to higher ground especially if your place is flood-prone. 7. Secure objects found outside that could be blown away or cause damage to property or bring harm to people. 8. Unplug any electronic equipment.

During any hydro- meteorological hazard: 1. Stay indoors. Do not go to isolated or open areas. 2. Stay updated with PAGASA's official announcements by listening to the news. 3. If the electricity is out, use batteryoperated radios. 4. Stay away from corded devices such as telephones, air conditioners, computers, and lightning fixtures. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage. 5. Do not go near windows, doors, and porches.