Philippines: Davao Norte uses technology to better reduce 'Chedeng' impact

By Jeanevive Duron-Abangan

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) of this province has tapped a technology-based early warning system in anticipation of flooding that may be brought by Tropical Depression “Chedeng.”

The system has established a network with PDRRMO’s municipal and barangay counterparts and other partners.

Through its disaster monitoring and early warning system, the PDRRMO has instituted the timely release of information to the public regarding water levels in major rivers of Saug, Liboganon and Pagsabangan.

In a situational report released by Emergency Operation Center Manager Glenda Delideli, PDRRMO said it remained in constant monitoring through “real-time flood monitoring cameras and through the radio communication section.”

The PDRRMO installed the cameras in several strategic areas, namely, Libuganon Dam in the municipality of Kapalong, Saug Dam in the municipality of Asuncion, Jumbo Bridge in the municipality of Kapalong, and Pagsabangan Bridge in the city of Tagum.

In alerting its disaster risk reduction and management network and the public on river water levels, PDRRMO uses social media, mobile phones and computer text-blast system through which local governments’ information officers and private media practitioners obtained weather updates.

Part of the PDDRMO’s social media updates on the impacts of “Chedeng” were video clips of the flood monitoring cameras, providing the public with the latest on water levels of major rivers.

Meanwhile, PDRRMO also required rescuers to stay on “stand-by mode” while preparing the necessary equipment for possible deployment. It also prepared food packs for possible distribution in case the government resorted to pre-emptive evacuation before the onset of “Chedeng” in Davao Region.

The PDRRMO said in its report that it also had closely coordinated with its counterparts in the barangay level for updates on Chedeng’s impact in the upland as well as in coastal communities.

It likewise maintained an open line to the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection and Task Force Samal in the Island Garden City of Samal.