DAVAO CITY — Government agencies here are now preparing for La Niña by providing technical assistance to local government units.
In a press conference on Friday, July 1, Eric Colmenares, a Science research specialist from the Department of Science and Technology, said they already put up 86 weather sensors all over the region last year. An additional 20 sensors were put up for the additional seven minor river basins this year, Colmenares said.
With the help of the sensors, the communities can predict whether there will be flood in their area or not, he said.
The DOST also came up with a reference book for the local government units to use during emergency and disaster.
“This contains information about all hazards,” Colmenares said.
The DOST also gave out hazard maps to every municipality and provinces in the region.
Colmenares said these hazard maps will be used to know where the location of the house is and the level of flood that will occur in the area.
“This kind of information is provided to our barangays (villages) and municipalities,” he said.
Before giving out hazard maps, he said they conduct group discussions to teach local officials how to use it.
The agency also launched the “Patnubay sa Weather Forecasting” (guide to weather forecasting) for the media to be able to translate weather and hazard terms.
Emmanuel Jaldon, chief of the Emergency Response Unit of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, said they are now monitoring the city for the expected heavy rains and typhoons and are preparing the equipment for possible deployments.
He said that supporting agencies in the local levels are also aware of the possible deployment and activation of operation centers.
Disaster consciousness month
The Office of Civil Defense XI today launched the National Disaster Consciousness Month together with the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration and the Emergency Response Center Central 911.
Liza Mazo, director of the OCD XI said the activities include a massive information campaign, five-k9ilometer Fun Run, coastal clean-up and mangrove planting in Barangay Lasang and the Regional Gawad Kalasag Awards on July 29.
“All these activities will be participated by line government agencies and the local DRRMCs,” Mazo said.
Wilhelm Suyko, assistant regional director of the Department of Local Government (DILG) said trainings on responses and preparations for all kinds of disasters including tsunamis and earthquakes will be launched.
“We hope all local governments chief executives will go hand in hand towards advocacy in preparation for disaster,” he said. (With a report from Jennica Diaz, Intern/davaotoday.com)
