Extent of Typhoon Ulysses Flooding and Flood Risk Management Interventions of Heavily Affected Households in Isabela Province, Philippines

Abstract

The study assessed the extent of typhoon Ulysses flooding and the flood risk management interventions of heavily affected households in Isabela Province. A total of 3,000 respondents were selected through quota sampling technique in four municipalities, namely Cabagan, San Pablo, Sto. Tomas, and Santa Maria. Microsoft Excel and open source GIS software were used in the processing and analysis of data. Results show that in Cabagan, about 3,380 hectares of land were submerged to flood, including about 1,925.56 hectares of cornfields and 407.96 hectares of rice fields. In Santa Maria, about 16.04 percent (245.39has.) of its total land area has been flooded with the cornfields (991.10has), which contributed to the largest area flooded, followed by rice fields and grasslands with 546.76 and 193.72 hectares, respectively. In Sto. Tomas, about 2,724.7 hectares have been flooded, including 1,363.53 hectares of cornfields and 836.65 hectares of rice fields. In San Pablo, the total area flooded was 321.4 hectares. Cornfields represent the largest area flooded (244.8has.) followed by the built-up areas (33.1has.). Based on the survey respondents, the top three interventions made before the onset of widespread flooding were: stay alert on MDRRMC’s notice and media news, buy emergency kits, and store food. In relation to the provision of immediate help from the government and non-government organizations, all participants received relief goods, cash aid, clothing, and beddings. In contrast, few received hygiene kits, agricultural inputs (seeds for sowing, seedlings, and fertilizers), and home reconstruction materials. However, there is a need to improve the government’s response to the calamity.