Article Type: Research Article Article Citation: Elbert Yruma, and
Myrna Nicol Ogoc, PhD. (2020). IMPACTS OF TYPHOON NONA IN THE COASTAL AREAS OF
BIRI-LAROSA. International Journal of Research -GRANTHAALAYAH, 8(10), 187-192. https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v8.i10.2020.1706 Received Date: 23 September
2020 Accepted Date: 30 October 2020 Keywords: Impacts Typhoon Coastal Areas Biri-Larosa A descriptive type of study on the impacts of typhoon Nona was conducted from August 2016 to January 2017 in the selected coastal barangays of Biri, Lavezares, Rosario, and San Jose, (Biri-LaRoSa) which form part of the Biri-LaRoSa seascape and landscape of the province of Northern Samar. It focused on the impacts of the typhoon to the coastal environment and its socio-economic effect. Actual field sampling was done for the quantitative assessment of the coastal ecosystems. Participatory Resource Appraisal (PRA) tools were used for the qualitative assessment. Biri area has a total of 23.5% partially damaged trees and 9.4% totally damaged trees in the mangrove ecosystem; 51.7% damage to the seagrass beds; and 79.1% damage to the corals. Lavezares area has a total of 32.5% partially damaged trees and 9.5% totally damaged trees in the mangrove ecosystem; 47.9% damage to the seagrass beds; and 76.5% damage to the corals. Rosario area has a total of 33% partially damaged trees and 5.8% totally damaged trees in the mangrove ecosystem; 47.6% damage to the seagrass beds; and 36.1% damage to the corals. San Jose area has a total of 39.6% partially damaged trees and 7.6% totally damaged trees in the mangrove ecosystem; 48% damage to the seagrass beds; and 56.8% damage to the corals. Typhoon Nona greatly affected the ecosystems in the sampling sites and in turn affected the socio-economic conditions of ‘the locals, especially those who are dependent on the coastal resources both for food and income. Both results of the PRA and actual field assessment support this claim.
1. INTRODUCTIONThe Biri-Larosa Protected
Landscape/Seascape (BLPLS) was proclaimed as a protected area under the
category of Protected Landscape/Seascape by virtue of Presidential Proclamation
No. 291 on April 23, 2000 and
RA 11038 (E-NIPAS) on account of its famous geological
wonders known as “Rock Formations”, tropical mangroves and excellent display of
benthic life forms. Situated northernmost of the Province of Northern Samar,
BLPLS, spanning 33,492 hectares, is the coastal areas of Lavezares, Rosario,
San Jose and embracing the Biri Group of Islands and its surrounding reefs. It harbors interesting animals such as
insects, bats and birds that describes the site as one of the Key Biodiversity
Sites (KBA 129). There is a complete
ecosystem, wherein two of the coral species are considered to be the trigger
species of the Protected Area as listed by Conservation International (www.conservation.org):
Acropora puertogalerae and Goneopora cellulosa, hence this study. Tropical storms (hurricanes, cyclones, and
typhoons) are extremely destructive phenomena. They cause considerable damage
to life and property around the globe due to the effects of strong winds, heavy
rains, and tidal surges (Glantz, 2003). The Philippines is highly vulnerable to the
impacts of natural disasters. Located within the Pacific Ring of Fire and the
typhoon belt on the North Pacific Basin, it is prone to earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions, tsunamis and typhoons. A typhoon is a mature tropical cyclone that
develops in the western part of the North Pacific Ocean between 180° and 100°E.
This region is referred to as the Northwestern Pacific Basin, and is the most
active tropical cyclone basin on Earth, accounting for almost one third of the
world's annual tropical cyclones. Typhoon Melor, known in the Philippines as
Typhoon Nona, was a strong tropical cyclone that struck the Philippines in
December 2015. Melor killed 42 people and caused P6.45 billion (US$136.4
million) in damage. The typhoon started on December 7 as a
low-pressure area 120 km (75 mi) of Chuuk. Soon, it turned into a tropical
depression on December 9, and into a tropical storm south of Yap, and named
Melor. An estimated cost of damage to infrastructure and agriculture amounting to P935,192,943.51 were reported in Regions IV-B. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of damages caused by typhoon Nona to the coastal areas of Biri-LAROSA, Northern Samar, being proclaimed as a protected landscape and seascape under Batas Pambansa 291 of 2000. 2. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY2.1. SPECIFICALLY, THIS STUDY1)
determined the environmental
impacts of typhoon Nona in coastal areas of Biri-LAROSA. Northern Samar in
terms of the level of visible damages caused by the typhoon particularly in the
mangrove ecosystem, sea grass beds and coral reef communities; 2)
determined the socio-economic
impacts of typhoon Nona in the coastal areas of Biri-LAROSA Northern Samar;
and, 3)
determined the interventions
made after the typhoon. 3. METHODS AND PROCEDURES3.1. PARTICIPATORY RESOURCE ASSESSMENT (PRA)
3.2. ACTUAL FIELD ASSESSMENT
Mangrove Habitat Assessment Line transects plot sampling and basal
diameter measurement of mangrove trees. Three sampling stations were
established in the area. For each station, transect lines range 100 meters was
laid perpendicular to the shoreline. Within, the transect line 10x10 m plots
for the sampling of mangrove trees (mangrove with a basal stem diameter of 4 cm
and higher with more than 1 m height) were set up with an interval of twenty meters
in every plot. In every station, five 10x10 m plots were laid. The mangrove
inside the plot was identified and counted, the diameter at breast height (dbh)
in cm, basal area in meter and density was measured Sea
Grass Beds Assessment The Transect-Quadrat Method is used to estimate seagrass cover and relative abundance of the different seagrass species in a given area. 1) A 50m transects along the seagrass area parallel to the shoreline were laid. Transects was set at 50 meters apart to represent the nearshore and middle portion of the seagrass meadow. Coordinates of the beginning and end of each transect were recorded. 2) Quadrats at 5m interval, starting at point 5 was laid. Each transect have a total of 10 readings or recordings. In setting down the quadrat, always place the quadrats on the right side of the transect line and walk on the left side to avoid trampling on the seagrass. 3) Inside each quadrat, seagrass species found and the percent cover of each species was recorded. 4)
For the seagrass species
identification and percent cover estimation, guide for identification and
estimation was used Coral
Reefs Assessment The Point Intercept Technique (PIT) was used in the asessment of the coral reef area by providing estimates of the relative abundance of living and non- living things; The indicators for PIT are percent live hard coral cover per genus and lifeforms, percent dead coral cover, soft coral, macro-algae, sand, and rocks. PIT is best done by
scuba diving; however, snorkel survey was adopted in this assessment shallow
areas (Uychiaoco et al 2001). Methods for assessing and monitoring coral reef
biodiversity 4. SUMMARY DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
This
study determined the socio-economic and environmental impacts of typhoon Nona
in the selected coastal areas of Biri-LAROSA. The
descriptive research was used in this study. Participatory Coastal Resource
Appraisal was used to determine qualitatively the socio-economic and the
environmental impacts of the typhoon. Actual field assessment was also
conducted in order to validate the veracity of the data gathered from the PRA. Brgy.
San Pedro, Biri, N. Samar Participatory Resource Assessment (PRA) The
participants estimated about 60% damage to the mangrove; 50% sea grass; 20% to
the corals. These damages affected the fishermen’ income due to the decrease in
fish catch caused by turbid water and destroyed habitat. Actual
Field Assessment Mangrove
Habitat Assessment In the 3
transects, a total number of 200 trees (67.1%) were counted as not affected. A
total number of 28 trees (9.4%) were counted as totally damaged. A total number
of 70 trees (23.5%) were counted as partially damaged. Sea
Grass Beds Assessment A. total
of 51.7% damage was computed. Most of the damages were caused by being washed
out due to strong wind and currents. Corals have also been removed from their
substrate then carried to the sea grass beds and the shore. Sand has also
covered the sea grass beds, and caused death to it. Coral
Reefs Assessment There
were 79.1% computed damage to the corals, and 20.9% were not affected. Most of
the damages were cut branches in coral branching, and removed boulders of coral
massive. Brgy.
Marvilla, Lavezares, N. Samar PRA The
condition of the mangrove, sea grass, and corals was good before the typhoon.
The participants estimated about 60% damage to the mangrove; 90% sea grass; 90%
to the corals. These damages affected the fishermen’ income due to the decrease
in fish catch caused by turbid water and destroyed habitat. Actual
Field Assessment Mangrove
Habitat Assessment In the 3
transects, a total number of 219 trees (58%) were counted as not affected. A
total number of 36 trees (9.5%) were counted as totally damaged. A total number
of 123 trees (32.5%) were counted as partially damaged. Sea
Grass Beds Assessment A total
of 47.9% damage was computed. Most of the damages were caused by being washed
out due to strong wind and currents. Corals have also been removed from their
substrate then carried to the seagrass beds. Sand has also covered the seagrass
beds, and caused death to it. Coral
Reefs Assessment There
were 23.5% computed damage to the corals, and 76.5% were not affected. Most of
the damages were cut branches in coral branching, and removed boulders of coral
massive. Brgy.
Buenavista, Rosario, N. Samar Participatory
Resource
Assessment
(PRA) The
participants estimated about 50% damage to the mangrove; 99% to seagrass; 50%
to the corals. These damages affected the fishermen’ income due to the decrease
in fish catch caused by turbid water and destroyed habitat. Actual
Field Assessment Mangrove
Habitat Assessment In the 3
transects, a total number of 211 trees (61.2%) were counted as not affected. A
total number of 20 trees (5.8%) were counted as totally damaged. A total number
of 114 trees (33%) were counted as partially damaged. Sea
Grass Beds Assessment A total
of 47.6% damage was computed. Most of the damages were caused by being washed
out due to strong wind and currents. Corals have also been removed from their
substrate then carried to the sea grass beds. Sand have also covered the sea
grass beds, and caused death to it. Coral
Reefs Assessment There
were 36.1% computed damage to the corals, and 63.9% were not affected. Most of
the damages were cut branches in coral branching, and removed boulders of coral
massive. Brgy.
Dao, San Jose, N. Samar Participatory
Resource Assessment (PRA) The
condition of the mangrove, sea grass, and corals was good before the typhoon. The
participants estimated about 50% damage to the mangrove; 30% sea grass; 60% to
the corals. These damages affected the fishermen' income due to the decrease in
fish catch caused by turbid water and destroyed habitat. Actual
Field Assessment Mangrove
Habitat Assessment In the 3
transects, a total number of 160 trees (52.8%) were counted as not affected. A
total number of 23 trees (7.6%) were counted as totally damaged. A total number
of 120 trees (39.6%) were counted as partially damaged. Sea
Grass Beds Assessment A total
of 48% damage was computed. Most of the damages were caused by being washed out
due to strong wind and currents. Corals have also been removed from their
substrate then carried to the sea grass beds. Sand has also covered the sea
grass beds, and caused death to it. Coral
Reefs Assessment There
were 56.8% computed damage to the corals, and 43.2% were not affected. Most of
the damages were cut branches in coral branching, and removed boulders of coral
massive. Socio-economic
Impacts The
results of the FGD about the socio-economic impacts of the typhoon in the 4
barangays were similar. The participants especially those who are dependent on
the coastal resources say that the typhoon caused negative impact on their
daily income. They say that the water stayed turbid for how many weeks
resulting to decrease in fish catch to the point that there's no fish to catch
at all. This
considerable decrease in their income and food source resulted to starvation
since the locals got no other side-lines in order to obtain money. The locals
got nothing to do but to wait for the reliefs. Their children's academic
performance was also affected because instead of going to school the child
would just help their parents to gain income. The
typhoon also caused trauma to the locals not only because of its capability to
destroy houses but also because of the decrease in income that can lead to
crisis. 5. CONCLUSION
Typhoon.
Nona greatly' affected the ecosystems in the sampling sites and in turn
affected the economic activities of the locals especially those who are
dependent on the coastal resources both for food and income. Both from the PRA
and Actual field assessment support this claim. The interventions after the
typhoon were the restoration of the ecosystems in the sampling site. 6. RECOMMENDATIONS
1)
Strictly
prohibit the cutting of mangroves and the destruction of corals to protect the
locals from typhoon induced damage since the two ecosystems serve as natural
buffers of wind and waves. 2)
Replant
the mangroves on a suitable habitat for good growth. 3) Strict implementation of National Integrated Protected Area System Act, NIPAS Law for the conservation and protection of Protected areas; 4) Massive Information and Education campaign at the local-barangay levels on the importance of mangrove, corals and other ecosystem as man’s life support system. SOURCES OF FUNDINGThis research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. CONFLICT OF INTERESTThe author have declared that no competing interests exist. ACKNOWLEDGMENTNone. REFERENCESBook/Booklet [1] Glantz, Michael H. 2003 Climate
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