With an average of 19 to 20 tropical cyclones, floods are just some of common incidents that we have to deal with each year. In the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as of August 24, 2015, 17 persons have died due to several incidents related to the wrath of typhoon Ineng and the enhanced habagat – including floods and landslides.

Ineng entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on August 18, 2015. Storm signals were raised in several areas of Northern Luzon, but its indirect effect was also felt in most parts of the country due to the enhanced habagat. Forty-six flooding incidents were recorded in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Oriental Mindoro and National Capital Region (NCR).

This rainy season, various weather systems are expected to affect the country, generating large amounts of precipitation, which put low-lying and mountainous areas at a higher risk.
PAGASA explains flood as an abnormal progressive rise in the water level of a stream that may result in the overflowing, or the coverage by water in areas that are not usually submerged. Flood occurrence usually takes time, but in hilly and mountainous terrains where there is a steep slope of the river, floods can develop much faster.

Since floods are primarily a natural phenomenon, they are usually the result of meteorological events, such as intense and prolonged rainfall, overflowing of rivers and lakes, and unusual high coastal waters due to storm surges or high tides. Indirectly, seismic activities could also cause floods due to tsunamis. Ground-shaking may also reduce the elevation of land, making these areas flood-prone.

To guide the public for their preparedness and safety, PAGASA sets the following FLOOD SAFETY RULES:

BEFORE
• Find out how often your location is likely to be flooded.
• Know the flood warning system in your community and be sure your family knows it.
• Be informed of daily weather conditions.
• Designate an evacuation area for the family and livestock.
• Assign responsibilities to family members according to an evacuation plan.
• Stock food, which requires little cooking and refrigeration. Remember that electric power may be interrupted.
• Keep a transistorized radio and flashlight with spare batteries, emergency cooking equipment, candies, matches and first aid kit handy in case of emergency.
• Store supplies and other household effects above expected flood water level.
• Securely anchor weak dwellings and items.

WHEN WARNED OF FLOOD
• Watch for rapidly rising flood waters.
• Listen to the radio for emergency instructions.
• If you find it necessary to evacuate, move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood waters.
• Store drinking water in containers; water service may be interrupted.
• Move household belongings to upper levels.
• Get livestock to higher ground.
• Turn off electricity at the main switch in the building before evacuating. Remember to lock your house.

DURING
• Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.
• Do not attempt to cross rivers of flowing streams where water is above the knees.
• Beware of water-covered roads and bridges.
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to the elements.
• Do not go swimming or boating in swollen rivers.
• Eat only well-cooked food. Protect leftovers against contamination.
• Drink clean or preferably boiled water ONLY.

AFTER
• Re-enter the dwellings with caution using flashlights, not lanterns or torches that are fire hazards.
• Be aware of fire hazards like broken wires.
• Do not eat food and drink water until they have been checked for flood water contamination.
• Report broken utility lines (electricity, water, gas and telephone) to appropriate agencies authorities.
• Do not turn on the main switch, or use appliances and other equipment until they have been checked by a competent electrician.
• Consult health authorities for immunization requirements.
• Do not go into disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations.

MITIGATION TIPS
• Regulate cutting of trees.
• Report illegal loggers and “kaingeros.”
• Report illegal construction of fishponds and other establishments in waterways.
• Do not throw garbage in “esteros” and rivers.
• Help clean the environment.
• Support community activities intended to lessen the occurrence of floods.
• Avoid throwing trash, especially plastic wrappers, which may clog or block the drainage system.

Sources:
PAGASA-DOST
NDRRMC
WMO