DOST unveils locally-developed realtime hazard warning devices

In a press conference at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) office on Wednesday, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said it is deploying new locally-developed hazard warning devices, including a breakthrough early warning system for landslides. The announcement was part of the launching of "DOST-kusyon", a monthly press conference that will serve as a venue for the agency to discuss current and people-oriented issues and updates on the department’s development initiatives and, of course, climate-related topics. According to the DOST, the prototype of the landslide warning device, called an "electronic sensor column", is capable of measuring movement and water build-up in affected slopes. Wireless communication technology will also be used for real-time monitoring. Initial laboratory experiments show that the sensor columns are able to detect small changes in the earth before these become noticeable on the surface. This offers potentially greater lead time for evacuation, between initial detection of slope movement and the eventual collapse of the slope. The DOST is collaborating with UP’s Electrical and Electronics Institute to roll-out the early warning systems technology within the year. The hazard warning devices, all locally developed, comprise automatic rain gauges, water level gauges, weather monitoring stations, and the aforementioned landslide monitoring sensors. These devices are expected to deliver real-time information and will enable DOST to generate hourly data on disaster areas. DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said that having correct disaster-related information in real time will make people prepare themselves better and faster. Disaster can happen anytime but accurate warning information can prevent major disaster damaged lives and properties. “We are accelerating the deployment of these sensors in ten sites all over the country that are constantly affected by disasters, especially landslides," said Montejo. The announcement of the deployment of devices is timely and significant in response to PAGASA’s report that the country will experience a “rainy summer". Graciano Yumul, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development and Officer in Charge of PAGASA, said that rain-filled months will induce series of landslides. “After three weeks of rain, there is no question that landslides will follow. We may experience another Ondoy,’’ added Yumul. PAGASA experts also discussed weather implications for the coming months based on weather patterns and forecasts around the world. The weather bureau said that for the whole month of January till June this year, the country will experience rainfall above than normal. PAGASA also gave a report on the status of major dams in Luzon and its impact to impound water for household uses. With the exception of Pantabangan dam, expected water level of these dams will be above normal level. PAGASA added that the country is supposed to enjoy more sun than rain at this time of the year but the prevailing La Nina phenomenon is altering the weather pattern and that rain and flood will become the new normal for the country for the rest of the year. DOST-kusyon Launching DOST Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) Director Raymund Liboro, said that DOST-kusyon is to bring the government and its response closest to the people, with the media as reliable partners. “We can do this primarily through candid discussion and delivery of information to the people that’s contiguous, if not faithful, to what’s happening on the ground," said Liboro. Liboro said that DOST-kusyon’s is critical in disaster management information. DOST-kusyon importance is to collect and distill - in a substantive sense - the likely scenario/s and bring them to disaster management authorities down to the grassroots so that people can take informed decisions to their safety. “DOST-kusyon will be our regular huddle point, our barbershop where life-shaping issues will be cut down to bite-sized information," Liboro added. According to Secretary Montejo, Today DOST-kusyon is not just a regular press conference about nature-induced forces but more importantly, a discussion to find answers and understand these forces that will shape or is shaping the way we live. In an appeal to the media, Montejo said: “I believe we have a shared responsibility to clear the clouds of confusion and fears. Let’s work together to inform our people on why and how to adapt to a climate and environment that appears misbehaving." — TJD, GMANews.TV