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Management

UNIT 5: FLOOD FORECASTING AND EARLY

WARNING SYSTEM
5.0 Intended Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. Explain the different definition of terms using the
vernacular and the English language
2. Formulate a simple device that could be used as a flood
warning device
3. Research on the different flood warning services and
devices used by your locality
4. Classify the different causes of floods and its types

5.1 Introduction

FLOOD FORECASTING is the use of forecasted precipitation and

stream flow data in rainfall runoff and stream flow routing models to
forecast flow rates and water levels for periods ranging from a few hours
to days ahead, depending on the size of the watershed or river basin . And
EARLY WARNING SYSTEM is the warning part of the system serves to give
advance warning to inhabitants in an endangered area of the approaching
danger in several stages, based on the information collected from a
monitoring system. Computer simulations can facilitate the process of
localization of such potentially endangered areas.

5.2 Topics/Discussion
5.2.1. Definition Of Terms
Basin – a basin is a depression, or dip in the earth’s surface.

River Basin - a river basin is made up of many different watersheds.

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Flood – a flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is usually

dry.

Flooding - the situation that results when land that is usually dry is
covered with water as a result of a river overflowing or heavy rain

5.2.2 Types and Causes of Floods

Inland Floods – inland flooding is the technical name for ordinary

flooding that occurs in inland areas, hundreds of miles from the coast.

Flash Floods – flash floods are caused by heavy rain or the sudden
release of water over a short period of time.
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River Floods – river flooding occurs when water levels in rivers, lakes
and over flow onto the surrounding banks and neighboring land.

Coastal Floods – coastal flooding is the inundation of land areas along

the coast by seawater.

Urban Floods – urban flooding occurs when there is a lack of drainage in

an urban (city) area.
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5.2.3 Flood Forecasting and Warning Services

A "Flood Warning" is issued when a flooding situation is a definite

reality at least 24 hours before actual flooding occurs. This
category is maintained in succeeding bulletins as long as the affected
areas are inundated and the attendant dangers are present. Aside from
the forecast, a warning states the necessary precautionary measures and
actions residents as well as the affected community must take.

Flood bulletins are specifically directed to the public. They are intended
to apprise the people in the threatened area of the present situation and
of the expected development. It suggests the appropriate actions the
community may have to take to prevent or mitigate the disastrous effects
of a flood.

WARNING SYSTEM

The FFWSDO’s integrated and warning system includes the following:

a. Fixed point warning stations categorized as Type-A and Type-B

b. Mobile warning stations (vehicles) equipped with loud-speakers and

portable radio telephones.

A Type-A warning station is equipped with a speaker and radio telephone.

Generally, it is installed in the most densely populated area of each
municipality with the area covered by each each FFWSDO. The Type-B
warning station is equipped with speaker only and is installed in
barangays located between the coverage of Type-A stations.

In area not reach by both fixed point warning stations, a warning

vehicle equipped with a speaker and radio telephone is provided.

Discharge/Flood warning notices are transmitted from the Dam

Offices to the municipal halls which serves as the center for the
dissemination of warnings. All flood warning operation are undertaken in
close coordination with the FFWS Dam Offices, PAGASA and other
government agencies.
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FLOOD FORECASTING AND WARNING OPERATION

Flood forecasting and warning operation includes a number of
interrelated activities, each of which forms the following integral part of
the operation:
a. Collection of hydrometeorological data on real-time basis.
b. Assessment of weather conditions affecting or expected to affect
the reservoir catchment areas;
c. Streamflow simulation and flood forecasting;
d. Preparation and issuance of DICHARGE WARNINGS or FLOOD
BULLETINS and FLOOD INFORMATION as the case may be; and
e. Dissemination of discharge warnings of flood warnings /information
to the local, municipal, and provincial government offices, disaster
coordinating councils and the general public through the FFWS
Center, FFWS Dam Offices, OCD, DPWH, NWRB and other
government agencies as well as the print and broadcast media.

The Warning/Information on flood are divided into two n(2) groups,

namely; Flood Bulletin and Flood Information.

Flood Bulletin is categorized into four (4) kinds of warning namely:

Flood Outlook, Flood Advisory, Flood Warning and Critical Flood Warning.
The PAGASA prepares and issues the corresponding Flood Bulletins at the
exact time.

In the issuance of Flood Bulletins PAGASA uses three (3) assessment

levels as guides, namely:
1. ALERT W.L. - corresponds to such river discharge which will not
cause flooding in the flood warning zone.

2. ALARM W.L. - corresponds to such river discharge which will not

cause substantial flooding in the cultivated land and residential
areas.

3. CRITICAL W.L. - corresponds to such river discharge that causes

extensive flooding in cultivated land and residential areas.

Flood Information consists of two (2) types, namely: the Flood

Warning Information and Flood Disaster Information.
The Flood Warning Information which is issued by PAGASA is the
supplemental and periodical information on Flood Warning to the
inhabitants in the flood warning zone.
The Flood Disaster Information is prepared and issued by the Office of
Civil Defense (OCD) when a serious disaster due to flood is taking place in
the flood warning zone.
The Flood Bulletins, Flood Warning Information and Flood Disaster
Information will be disseminated to the government agencies concerned.
Dissemination of all bulletins and information related to flooding in the
flood warning zones shall be the joint responsibility of PAGASA and
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concerned Dam Offices who are equipped with supervisory control of

different warning facilities.

5.2.4 General Flood Advisory

A "Flood Advisory" is a warning that states the imminence of a
flood situation. Thus, it also contains suggested necessary actions that
may have to be taken by the residents and the community in the
threatened basin. An advisory is issued when the hydrological situation
deteriorates further. It is also issued when condition is
definitely improving but caution is still necessary.

BEFORE THE FLOOD

 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.
 Keep informed of daily weather condition.
 Designate an evacuation area for the family and livestock.
 Assign family members instructions and responsibilities according to
an evacuation plan.
 Keep a stock of food which requires little cooking and refrigeration;
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 your 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 and also lock your house.

DURING THE FLOOD

 Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.

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 Do not attempt to cross rivers of flowing streams where water is

above the knee.
 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 THE FLOOD

 Re-enter the dwellings with caution using flashlights, not lanterns or

torchers. Flammables may be inside.
 Be alert for 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 in disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue
and other emergency operations.

Flood are aggravated by factors resulting from the carelessness and

indifference of people usually before floods occur.

THINGS ONE CAN DO TO MITIGATE FLOODS

 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 neighborhood.
 Support community activities intended to lessen the occurrence of
floods.
 Avoid throwing anything like plastic wrappers anywhere which may
clog or block the drainage system.

5.2.5 Community-Based Flood Early-Warning System

The information and communications technology (ICT) enabled
system uses a flood sensor attached to the transmitter to detect rising
water levels. When the water reaches a critical level, a signal is wirelessly
transmitted to the receiver.
______________________________________________________________

TASK 5
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Direction: Read each question carefully. Choose your best answer and
write it on a sheet of paper.

1. It is the use of forecasted precipitation and streamflow data in

rainfall runoff and streamflow routing models to forecast flow rates
and water levels for periods ranging from a few hours to days
ahead, depending on the size of the watershed or river basin.
a.) Flood b.) Basin c.) Flood forecasting d.) early
warning system
2. It is a depression, or dip in the earth’s surface.
a.) Flooding b.) inland flood c.) Basin d.) coastal
floods
3. It occurs when there is a lack of drainage in an urban (city) area.
a.) river basin b.) flood c.) Urban floods d.)
inland floods
4. The system serves to give advance warning to inhabitants in an
endangered area of the approaching danger in several stages,
based on the information collected from a monitoring system.
Computer simulations can facilitate the process of localization of
such potentially endangered areas.
a.) Flood forecasting b.) river basin c.) early warning system
d.) flash floods
5. it is the technical name for ordinary flooding that occurs in inland
areas, hundreds of miles from the coast.
a.) Flood b.) river floods c.) inland floods d.)
coastal floods
6. Is the inundation of land areas along the coast by seawater?
a.) urban floods b.) river floods c.) coastal floods d.) flash flood
7. A ____ is made up of many different watersheds.
a.) River floods b.) flash floods c.) river basin d.) urban
floods
8. The situation that results when land that is usually dry is covered
with water as a result of a river overflowing or heavy rain.
a.) flash floods b.) river floods c.) flooding d.)
coastal floods
9. Floods that are caused by heavy rain or the sudden release of water
over a short period of time.
a.) river floods b.) flooding c.) flash floods
d.) river basin
10. It occurs when water levels in rivers, lakes and over flow onto
the surrounding banks and neighboring land.
a.) river basin b.) inland floods c.) river floods
d.) flood
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11. The information and communications technology (ICT)

enabled system uses a flood sensor attached to the ________ to
detect rising water levels.
a.) early-warning system b.) flood forecasting c.) transmitter
d.) receivers
12. When the water reaches a critical level, a signal is wirelessly
transmitted to the ______.
a.) transmitter b.) early-warning system c.) receiver
d.) flood forecasting
13. The warning system consists of ______ that wirelessly transmit
information about river water levels to a receiver.
a.) transmitter b.) receiver c.) Sensor
14. It is the technical name for ordinary flooding that occurs in inland
areas, hundreds of miles from the coast.
a.) Flood b.) River floods c.) Inland floods d.) Coastal floods

15. It occurs when water levels in rivers, lakes and over flow onto
the surrounding banks and neighbouring land.
a.) river basin b.) Inland floods c.) River floods d.) Flood

Write TRUE if the statement is true. Write FALSE if the statement is

false and change the underlined word to make the statement true.

16. FLOOD FORECASTING is the warning part of the system serves to give
advance warning to inhabitants in an endangered area of the approaching
danger in several stages, based on the information collected from a
monitoring system.

17. Urban flooding occurs when there is abundant of drainage in an urban

(city) area.

18. The information and communications technology (ICT) enabled system

uses a flood sensor attached to the transmitter to detect rising water
levels. When the water reaches a critical level, a signal is wirelessly
transmitted to the receiver.

19. A river flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is

usually dry.

20. Coastal flooding is the inundation of land areas along the coast by
seawater.

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