Knowing the Signals

Way back 2013, Typhoon Yolanda, made the Philippine Public Storm Warning System Levels 1-4 inadequate with its 315 kph wind speed.  Signal number 4 at that time only categorizes to typhoons of 170-220 kph wind speed, that being the highest. But Typhoon Yolanda was remarkably strong and exceeded the storm level 4.  Because of this, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) adopted the Super Typhoon Category (STY) or signal number 5 which classifies typhoons with more than 220kph wind speed and Yolanda was the first to ever use this “Super Typhoon” title. It was the most destructive and fatal storm to land in the Philippines and could possibly be, in the whole history. This storm was equivalent to a category 5 Hurricane in the United States.

Thousands of lives were lost, properties were severely damaged, the Philippines was in a state of calamity, our country badly needed support and assistance from other countries. It probably wouldn’t have been that awful if the people were adequately informed of what they were about to encounter.

After the catastrophic incident, everybody learned how crucial knowledge and preparedness were in order to survive and be able to save lives.

We are now facing the wet season again and expecting more tropical cyclones than the usual to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this year. It is of much importance that we know what these signals from PAG ASA means and what to expect from it.

SIGNAL NO. 1
Once a tropical cyclone of signal no.1 affects an area, recurrent rains and winds of 30-60 kilometers per Hour (kph) is expected to hit in the next 36 hours. The impact of winds in the affected areas can break twigs and branches of small trees. Crops might suffer significantly if still in the harvest stage, houses may be unroofed if they are made of very light materials, but little damage is expected to be the outcome in the affected area. It is advisable to be kept updated by listening to the latest weather updates issued by PAG ASA every 6 hours as signal levels upgrade when the tropical cyclone intensifies. Disaster preparedness units are activated and put on standby for anything that may go wrong.

SIGNAL NO. 2
At signal number 2, affected areas will experience light to moderate rains and winds of up to 60-100 kph for the next 24 hours. As the tropical cyclone hits the area, more trees will be uprooted and few may fall. Houses made of light materials will be unroofed and even still roofing can be blown away and crops will surely be affected. Boats are ill advised to venture out into the open sea as it is not going to be safe for small to medium sized sea crafts. People should attentively listen for updates regarding the tropical cyclone and secure their properties and belongings when the signal is raised to this level. Staying indoors is wise, travellers are all cautioned not to go out and Disaster preparedness agencies will start to prepare for Pre-emptive evacuations for the community.

SIGNAL NO. 3
As the tropical cyclone enters the area at this category, heavy rains and winds of greater than 100-185 kph are expected to hit for the next 18 hours. Large sized trees may be uprooted and crops will suffer severe damage. Houses or buildings may receive significant damage, power supply and communication services may be interrupted and there may be a moderate to heavy damage to the industrial and agricultural sectors. Sea crafts of any size are not advised to sail as the sea and coastal waters at this signal level get too dangerous as waves increase in size. People in the area should evacuate especially if they are near the coastal waters and stay in strong and firm buildings. A sudden occurrence of a fair weather after the storm is a signal of the passing of the eye of the storm, but there are going to be strong winds coming from the North. When the eye of the typhoon hits the area, people should not go out from their shelters as the worst part is yet to resume after an hour or two with strong winds coming from the South. It will be very dangerous out at this certain time. All classes will be suspended and disaster preparedness units will be taking action as forced evacuations will be implemented by the local governments.

SIGNAL NO. 4
At signal number 4, strong winds packing a 185 to 220 kph punch is expected within the next 12 hours. All crops will suffer extreme damages or be lost as well as houses and buildings. Power supply, communication services, transportation systems and other basic functions of society will be disrupted. There will be heavy damage to the entire community as signal number 4 is at a very destructive level. Outdoor activities and travels plans should be cancelled and people should evacuate to higher grounds by this time. Weather conditions will be at the worse as the eye of the typhoon hits the area. All tactical emergency units will be deployed by the national government.

SIGNAL NO. 5/ SUPER TYPHOON
A super typhoon brings tremendously strong winds of more than 220 kph which is expected within the next 12 hours. Almost all of the effects of signal No. 4 will be felt here only that it will be much worse as the typhoons (or super typhoons by this time) at this scale packs more punch. People should be alert and ready at all times because anything may happen at this category. Disaster preparedness agencies and the military are expected to be deployed at this category. If signal number 5 was available during the time of Yolanda, then this would have been its category.

The Philippines had experienced really strong typhoons over the past decade but Super Typhoon Yolanda was the most unforgettable of all of these, and since safety is the number one priority in times of such calamities, people should always know how to prepare themselves and get ready not just when the situation is already there but days ahead of the it. Take note, preparedness is always better than shivering and starving in the rain.