Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in the Philippines: A Comprehensive Guide, Study notes of Accounting

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• Chapter 4: Disaster Risk Reduction and Management |

Chapter 4: Disaster Risk Reduction and Management | 0

ARE YOU READY? In the previous chapter, you have learned much about the different issues and problems that concern us, citizens and our country as a whole. To address the different concerns experienced, not only by our country but by several nations as well, the United Nations (UN) came up with the idea of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). You will find out more about it further in the chapter. You will also be re-introduced to the current Philippine disaster situation, how our government, local sectors and private institutions work together for a cohesive Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan. Moreover, you will be trained in basic life support, first aid and immobilization procedure, which is a necessary preparation in a disaster prone country like the Philippines. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Analyze the current disaster situation in the Philippines; In this chapter, you will be able to: Integrate the knowledge and skills learned from this module in the community fieldwork Gain knowledge and skills in assessing capacities and vulnerabilities of a disaster prone community. Identify the recent disaster risk reduction and management program in the Philippines and how it adapts to the changing disaster situation of the country. Discuss the importance of first aid, its definition, aims and the need for properly prepared first aiders Explain how to recognize a medical emergency and demonstrate the sequence of first aid response upon its recognition Demonstrate skills in recognizing and managing victim’s vitals, internal and external bleeding, fractures and other injuries incurred during emergency Use the appropriate methods in transporting a victim in an emergency setting.

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During the conference, the following concerns were prominent: the emphasis on the need to tackle disaster

risk reduction and climate change adaption when setting the Sustainable Development Goals, the demand to consider the practicality of the goals, how to ensure ownership of action by all stake holders and strengthen their accountability, and the most the significant shift to a strong emphasis on disaster risk management as opposed to disaster management. At the end of the conference, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 was adopted. Since the desired outcome for both the SDG and the Sendai Framework are a result of intricate and interconnected social and economic processes with overlap across the two agendas, important synergies are found thereby allowing the simultaneous and coherent monitoring and reporting on the two frameworks, namely goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (targets of SDGs 1, 11 and 13).^2 (^2) Sendai Framework. (2018, February 27). The Sendai framework and related SDG targets. Retrieved from https://wateractiondecade.org/2018/01/06/the-sendai-framework-and-related-sdgs-targets/

Page | 3 PHILIPPINES: DISASTER, HAZARDS AND RISK Before we get our gears ready, let us first define some important terms and concepts: Lesson One Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Hazard Systems. Click image to enlarge

HAZARD

any phenomenon, substance or situation, which has the potential to cause disruption or damage to infrastructure and services, people, their property and their environment. Hazards can be:  Natural (eg. earthquake, typhoon, etc);  Environmental (eg. loss of biodiversity, ozone depletion, deforestation)  Anthropogenic hazards are induced entirely or predominantly by human activities and choices (eg. deforestation, riot, arson, cyber-crime)

CAPACITIES (STRENGTHS)

The resources and skills people possess, can develop, mobilize and access which allow them to have more control over shaping their own future and coping with disaster risks. The existing strengths in individuals and social groups – related to people’s materials and physical resources, skills, social resources, beliefs and attitudes (e.g. ownership of land and safe location of homes, adequate income, adequate food resources, savings etc.)

RISK

The probability that negative consequences may arise when hazards interact with vulnerable areas, people, property and environment The probability of harmful consequence or expected losses resulting from the interactions between hazards and vulnerable conditions To understand better, check out the diagram below:

Page | 5 In your Module 3: PCVA and DRRM, take note and study the DOMINANT DISASTER MANAGEMENT POLICIES IN THE COUNTRY. Reflect on them and verify with your own experience how true and relevant these are. Analyze the effectiveness in managing impending disaster. Do you find them useful and effective?

 All attention of disaster response is focused on the hazard and the disaster event itself

 Reactive, response-oriented

 Disaster preparedness is inadequately integrated into the overall development planning process

 Non-participatory

 It follows a top-down, control of policies

It is also interesting to note how an ordinary Filipino views disaster. These prevailing views and attitudes are relevant principles in assessment of our vulnerability and our capacity to cope and respond.

 Disasters are unforeseen events

 People affected are helpless victims and passive recipients Donors decide what victims

need

 Responses are on individual families and on restoring infrastructure

 Key players are government, aid agencies, scientists, experts and disaster managers

 Top-down approach

Let us see how much you know about the current situation of our country specifically Metro Manila. It’s good if you are familiar with the facts that will be detailed below. For those who will encounter these for the first time, this is a moment for you to reflect on the things that might happen should a disaster happen in the country. The important question that we need to answer is… Why is the Philippines VULNERABLE to disaster??

I. Geographical and physical features

According to the Office of Civil Defense, the Philippines because of its geographical location, is considered one of the most disaster- prone countries in the world. It lies along the western segment of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the most active part of the Earth characterized by an ocean encircling belt of active volcanoes and earthquake generators. The Philippines has approximately 400 volcanoes 3 and 23 of them are known to be currently active. (^3) https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/

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A. Philippines: Facts and Figures

The Philippines is situated at the junction of two large converging tectonic plates - the Pacific plate and the Eurasian plate. It has experienced the most destructive earthquake in July 1990 with a death toll of approximately 1,666 and 12.2 billion pesos in damages. Another geological disaster, the volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo, happened in June 1991. Our country also lies in the path of turbulent typhoons, with an average of 20 typhoons crossing the Philippine area of responsibility. The archipelagic nature of the Philippine coastal areas increases susceptibility to storm surges, tsunamis and sea level changes. The country experiences floods and landslides which are common due to rains brought by typhoons and monsoon. Located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean, the country is also vulnerable to the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The El Niño of 1997-98 induced drought and delayed the onset of monsoon, which resulted to a scarcity in drinking water in urban areas and shortfalls in hydro-electricity generation because of reduced water levels in major dams.

B. Metro Manila: At a glance

 It is composed of 16 cities and 1 municipality by its administrative

boundaries.

 It is the political, economic, and cultural center of the Philippines.

 It is one of the most densely populated areas in Southeast Asia

with an estimated population of 1 00 .9million. (http://www.nscb .gov.ph/)

 Due to rapid urbanization, there are unsatisfactory infrastructure construction, poor housing

condition, highly dense areas, and areas characterized by mixed land use and other inappropriate conditions.

 Metro Manila is also located in and around numerous earthquake generators, such as the Valley Fault

System (VFS), Philippine Fault, Lubang Fault, Manila Trench, and Casiguran Fault. Among these, the Valley Fault System is considered to potentially cause the largest impact to the Metropolitan Manila area should it generate a large earthquake.

Page | 8 MMEIRS results As a result of the study, there are 105 recommended action plans the Metropolitan Manila Disaster Coordinating Council (MMDCC) members should implement within 3 to 6 years. Also, based on the damage estimation by MMEIRS Study: This human loss, together with properties and economic losses of Metropolitan Manila will be a national crisis. Research and studies are really important to help anticipate, prepare for, respond to and recover from the impacts of disaster. The result of the studies could be used to come up with the best possible guidelines and plans in case “The Big One” would occur in the Metropolitan area. You may access: https://faultfinder.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/ The PHIVOLCS FaultFinder application may be used to find out the location of active fault in certain areas, it could also measure distance between an active fault and a user’s current location or a specified location identified by the user. You can use this to check if your home would be one of the potential casualties in the event of “The Big One” earthquake. Now let us move on to the natural disasters that commonly hit the Philippines. As the cliché goes, information is knowledge, so let us be guided by the following disaster guidelines and be familiar with it. It would be helpful if you don’t keep this information to yourself, share it with your friends, families and neighbors. It is better to be prepared than suffer the negative/ untoward and adverse consequences of disasters!

There is a potential rupture of the West Valley Fault, approximately 40% of the total number of residential buildings within Metropolitan Manila will collapse or be affected.

1,144,000 injuries

caused by building collapse

+ 18,000 deaths

Anticipated by the fire spreading after the earthquake event

34,000 deaths

Page | 9 A. Earthquake An EARTHQUAKE is feeble shaking to violent trembling of the ground produced by the sudden displacement of rocks or rock materials below the earth’s surface. Sudden displacements along fault fissures in the solid and rigid layer of the earth generate TECTONIC EARTHQUAKES. Those induced by rising lava or magma beneath active volcanoes generate VOLCANIC EARTHQUAKES.^4 The destructive effects of earthquakes are due mainly to intense ground shaking or vibration. Because of severe ground shaking, low and tall buildings may tilt, split, topple or collapse, foundation of roads, railroad tracks and even bridges may break, electric posts may tilt or topple, water pipes and other utility installations may get dislocated, dams and similar structures may break and cause flooding, landslides and other forms of mass movement may occur in hilly and mountainous areas and tsunamis may be generated. These destructive effects of earthquake may cause many casualties and short to long term socio-economic disruptions. The following figures show the historical distribution of earthquakes recorded in some parts of the country for the past decades.^5

1. DUCK or DROP down to the floor.
2. Take COVER under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. If that is not possible, seek cover against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid danger spots near windows, hanging objects, mirrors or tall furniture.
3. If you take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, HOLD on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move. (^4) http://www.om pongplaza.org.ph/MMEIRS/08_BOOKLET/05_MITIGATION_HANDBOOK.PDF (^5) http://www.ompongplaza.org.ph/MMEIRS/02_VOL2_MAIN1/MAIN1_02.PDF Distribution of Historical earthquakes from 1608 to 1895 Distribution of instrumentally recorded Earthquakes from 1907 to 2002 What to do during earthquakes?

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Some Natural Signs of an approaching Local Tsunami:

A felt earthquake

Unusual sea level change: sudden sea

water retreat or rise

Rumbling sound of approaching waves

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_1. Know your local community's suggested evacuation routes to safe areas.

2. If you are at the beach or near the ocean and feel the earth shake, run immediately to higher ground.
3. Be aware of the tidal conditions around your area. The most notable and very distinguishing factor for_ a tsunami is the occurrence of highly unusual tidal levels before the large waves arrive. The sudden draw down of sea level resulting in a receding shoreline, sometimes by a kilometer or more, is a sign _of a preceding or in-between crest of tsunami waves.
4. Do not approach the beach to investigate.
5. Homes and buildings located in low lying coastal areas are not safe. The upper floors of a high multi-_ storey, reinforced concrete building can provide refuge if there is no time to move inland or to higher _grounds.
6. A tsunami is not a single wave but a series of waves that can vary in size. Whenever a tsunami strikes,_ stay out of the danger area until absolutely sure that the last wave had passed. (^7) Earthquake and Tsunami. (1990). Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Quezon City: DOST-PHILVOLCS. | PAGASA | Singapore Civil Defence Force. (2005). Emergency Handbook. Singapore: Singapore Government. What to do during tsunami?

Page | 12 C. Storm Surge Storm surges are abnormal rise of water generated by storms, over and above the predicted astronomical tide. It’s the change in the water level that is due to the presence of a storm. Storm surge is produced by water being pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds moving cyclonically around the storm. The impact on surge of the low pressure associated with intense storms is minimal in comparison to the water being forced toward the shore by the wind. The maximum potential storm surge for a particular location depends on a number of different factors. Storm surge is a very complex phenomenon because it is sensitive to the slightest changes in storm intensity, forward speed, size (radius of maximum winds-RMW), angle of approach to the coast, central pressure (minimal contribution in comparison to the wind), and the shape and characteristics of coastal features such as bays and estuaries.

1. Monitor the storm’s progress and listen for further warnings or instructions from local officials.
2. Flood waters can be dangerous to drive and walk through. It is best to listen carefully to rescue officials, who will be coordinating evacuation plans, before going anywhere.
3. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice. When a storm surge, flood, or flash flood warning is issued for your area, follow your evacuation plan, head for higher ground and stay there.
4. Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around, and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off your feet. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
5. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, DO NOT attempt to cross flowing water. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to a higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
6. Make sure to take your emergency supplies kit with you.
7. If you are evacuating your home, leave a note there stating your whereabouts. Register at any local registration and inquiry center so you can be contacted when it is safe to return home. Retrieved from: http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2012/12/08/geography-in- the- news-storm-surge-threats/ What to do during Storm Surge?

Page | 14 E. Landslide Landslides are rock, earth, or debris that flow on slopes due to gravity. They can occur on any terrain given the right conditions of soil, moisture, and the angle of slope. Integral to the natural process of the earth's surface geology, landslides serve to redistribute soil and sediments in a process that can be in abrupt collapses or in slow gradual slides. Such is the nature of the earth's surface dynamics. 9

1. If there has been a period of heavy rainfall and you are in a landslide prone area, you may be at risk of a landslide.
2. If you remain or are caught suddenly at home, move upstairs if possible. Staying out of the path of a landslide or debris flow saves lives.
3. Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of flowing or falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. Moving debris can flow quickly and sometimes without warning.
4. If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and for a change from clear to muddy water. Such changes may indicate landslide activity upstream, so be prepared to move quickly. Don't delay! Save yourself, not your belongings.
5. Be especially alert if you are driving. Embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides. Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flows.
6. Whenever you are in the path of a landslide or debris flow, move away as quickly as possible. If escape is not possible, curl into a tight ball and protect your head with your hands or a helmet.
7. Landslides are extremely dangerous, so it is far better to evacuate immediately if you suspect imminent danger than to ponder the potential. (^9) Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2010). Landslide. Retrieved from http://www.fema.gov/hazard/landslide/ls_before.shtm; | Singapore Civil Defence Force. (2005). Emergency Handbook. Singapore: Singapore Government; | United States Search and Rescue Task Force. (n.d.) What are Landslides? Retrieved from: http://www.ussartf.org/landslides.htm What to do during Landslide?

Page | 15 What to do during volcanic eruptions? F. Volcanic Eruption A volcano can be simply defined as a rupture or an opening on the crust of a planet like Earth. This opening allows hot ash, molten rock and gases to blow off from the underground spaces. Volcanoes generally acquire shape of a mountain. Volcanoes are usually found at places where tectonic plates get converged or diverged. The common features of volcanic eruptions are lava and release of poisonous gases from the crater situated at the summit of the volcanoes. If a volcano erupts where you live follow the evacuation order issued by the authorities and evacuate immediately from the volcano area to avoid flying debris, hot gases, lateral blast, and lava flow. 10

1. Avoid the declared permanent danger zones in your locality. Also, rivers where hazardous volcanic substances can flow should be avoided.
2. Leave the area immediately. If you are warned to evacuate because an eruption is imminent, evacuate.
3. Be aware of mudflows. The danger from a mudflow increases near stream channels and with prolonged heavy rains. Mudflows can move faster than you can walk or run. Look upstream before crossing a bridge, and do not cross the bridge if a mudflow is approaching.
4. Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas.

5. If you are along the path of potential lahar flows, move to higher ground or to a designated

evacuation site.

6. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance – infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.
7. If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash. (^10) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Key Facts About Protecting Yourself During a Volcanic Eruption. Retrieved from: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/volcanoes/during.asp; | Ezine Articles. (n.d.). Volcano Eruption - 15 Important Factors to Prepare. Retrieved from: http://EzineArticles.com/1662110; | Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. (2008). Active Volcanoes. Retrieved from: http://www.phivolcs. dost.gov.ph/index.php? option=com_content&view=article&id=57: active- volcanoes&catid=55&Itemid=114________. (n.d.). Safety During Volcanic Eruptions. Retrieved from: http://www.healthypinoy.com/health/articles/disaster-preparedness-volcanic-eruption.html Retrieved from https://cdn.britannica.com/16/77416- 120 - 6D5A3D41/volcano-Mount-St-Helens-south-eruption-May- 18 - 1980.jpg

Page | 17 The classification of tropical cyclones according to the strength of the associated winds as adopted by PAGASA as of May 01, 2015 are as follows^11 :

1. Tropical Depression (TD) - a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of up to 61 kilometers per hour (kph) or less than 33 nautical miles per hour (knots)
2. Tropical Storm (TS) - a tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed of 62 to 88 kph or 34 - 47 knots.
3. Severe Tropical Storm (STS) - a tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed of 89 to 117 kph or 48 - 63 knots.
4. Typhoon (TY) - a tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed of 118 to 220 kph or 64 - 120 knots.
5. Super Typhoon (STY) - a tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed exceeding 220 kph or more than 120 knots. (^11) Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration. Retrieved from: http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/index.php/learning-tools/94-weather/479-tropical-cyclones#classification-of-tropical-cyclones

Page | 18 What to do during typhoons? 12

1. Listen to the radio or local news for updates on the direction and strength of the typhoon.
2. Secure or move outdoor items inside like toys, grills, bicycles, furniture, plants and anything moveable on the balcony. Move potted plants and other heavy objects away from windows as well.
3. If you live in a two-storey home, stay on the first floor in an interior room. If you live in a multiple- story building and are away from storm surges, take refuge on the first or second floor hallways.
4. Turn the refrigerator and freezer up to the highest setting. In the event that electricity is cut off your refrigerator and freezer will stay colder longer.
5. Fill your bathtubs, sinks, and other containers with potable water for using if water service is disrupted and contaminated by flooding.
6. Keep flashlights, candles and battery-powered radios within easy reach.
7. Prepare foods that need not be cooked.
8. Should you need to evacuate, evacuate calmly. Close the windows and turn off the main power switch; put important appliances and belongings in a high ground; and avoid the way leading to the river. Bring clothes, first aid kit, candles/flashlight, battery-powered radio and food.
9. After the typhoon, if your house was destroyed, make sure that it is already safe and stable when you enter.
10. Watch out for live wires or outlet immersed in water; report damaged electrical cables and fallen electric posts to the authorities.
11. Do not let water accumulate in tires, cans or pots to avoid creating a favorable condition for mosquito breeding. H. Climate Change One of the pressing issues that countries have been dealing with in recent time is Climate Change. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Climate change “refers to any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time. In other words, climate change includes major changes in temperature, precipitation, or wind patterns, among other effects, that occur over several decades or longer”. Most climate scientists agree that the main cause of the current global warming trend is human expansion of the "greenhouse effect", i.e. warming that result when the atmosphere traps heat radiating (^12) Singapore Civil Defence Force. (2005). Emergency Handbook. Singapore: Singapore Government. Typhoon Preparedness. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.pdfio.com/k-430968.html#