Hindcasting the typhoon haiyan storm surge in coastal eastern leyte

Abstract

This study introduces the ‘Zero-Point Boundary’ method to map the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan storm surge in coastal eastern Leyte. Utilising the ‘Rivera Dispersive Wave Model’ or RDM, we interpolated simulated storm surge and wave height data, subtracting them from a 5-m resolution digital terrain model raster provided by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) to determine inundation limits and depths relative to the average Filipino male height (i.e., 165 cm). Validation against the 2013 joint survey conducted by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE) and the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) showed an 81 % accuracy rate when identifying water limit locations in Tacloban City, suggesting potential for future forecasting. However, the absence of compound flooding consideration in the simulations may have influenced this rate. Overall, this study underscores the importance of accurate modelling and communication in hazard mapping for enhancing preparedness and mitigation efforts, emphasising a balanced approach to risk perception.