Philippines: ALeRTO keeps local government units alert vs floods
By Jonathan L. Mayuga
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[Automated Water-Level and Rain Monitoring Using Near-Real Time Observation (ALeRTO)] is an early-warning system that makes use of Automated Rain Gauges (ARGs) and Automated Water-Level Sensors (AWLS) installed in the different river systems in the region.
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The device in a small box [that] was programmed to monitor the critical water level and rain data from DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute, and the status of the hydrometeorological data, specifically in Caraga, from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
It determines the threshold category in each river, which is represented by the different color warnings. Once the device determines that a particular river has reached a certain threshold, it will automatically send alert messages via short message service (SMS) to registered users, specifically to local government units (LGUs).
The SMS will contain the threshold interpretation, along with the rain and water-level values.
Through ALeRTO, local authorities and the communities can be more prepared for the adverse impact of rains and floods. More importantly, local authorities will be able to decide what course of action to take to reduce the risk of disaster and save lives and properties.
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