Philippines: Cell sites in Metro Manila hosting rain gauges for flood prevention

Cell sites of some telecommunication companies in Metro Manila are now hosting rain gauges to improve the weather forecasting and disaster prevention program of the government, reports Rappler.

According to the article, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Smart Communications formalized an agreement for the installation of Automated Rain Gauges in 6 strategic locations in the mega city. The rain gauges installed in the cell sites have Smart SIM cards that transmit data to the Department of Science and Technology server. Rainfall amount is critical information that gives DOST an idea of how strong a weather system affecting a town or city is. This would translate to giving the appropriate orders for disaster prevention and response on the ground.