POST-DISASTER ASSESSMENT OF MANGROVE FOREST RECOVERY IN LAWAAN-BALANGIGA, EASTERN SAMAR USING NDVI TIME SERIES ANALYSIS

Abstract. In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) struck the Eastern Philippines. Mangrove forests in the area were destroyed and were estimated to have at least 86% of damage. Some studies done on the typhoon-stricken mangroves had collected data such as measurements of mangrove trunk, height, roots, and seedlings to investigate the extent of damage and recovery. While these studies were proven to effectively identify mangrove gains and losses, these methods are only applicable in sites that are relatively accessible. This paper highlights the relevance of effective remote monitoring of mangrove forests that are vulnerable to typhoons including post-typhoon recovery. In this study, a Time Series Analysis using Google Earth Engine (GEE) was applied in assessing the damages and recovery of mangroves struck by Super Typhoon Haiyan in Lawaan and Balangiga, Samar (Eastern Philippines). The changes in mangrove extent followed the changes in NDVI; however, there were significant site-specific differences. Based on NDVI values, it was estimated that 83% of the mangrove area was damaged. After three years, regeneration from 2014–2017 was about 144%. Mangroves steadily developed but with a minimal change of 2.83% from 2017–2019. Most villages followed the general recovery trends in Lawaan and Balangiga. However, based on the time series analysis, some villages have minimal recovery than others. It suggests that the recovery of mangroves may be a function of the pre-typhoon mangrove extent and possibly vegetation condition. Even if there were new spaces for mangroves to colonize, some of the sites may not be conducive for plant regrowth.