Hydromets set in Abra towns to prevent deaths during disasters

Early warning devises 

By Ginalyn Brioso

BANGUED, Abra – Hydromet  devices developed by the Department of Science and Technology’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute have been installed in the province to monitor real-time weather pattern changes and prevent casualties during disasters.

These devices such as automatic rain gauge (ARG), water level monitoring station (WLMS) and tandem device (ARG+WLMS) send out information to DOST main servers and interpreted by PAG-ASA.

There are already 30 hydromet devices installed in all 27 municipalities in Abra.

The DOST regional office in coordination with the Provincial Science and Technology Center recently conducted an inter-agency IEC-forum on early warning systems here to inform disaster responders on the use of hydro-meteorological (hydromet) devices  installed in the province.

During the IEC-forum at PDRRM operational center here in Barangay Calaba,  Science Research Analyst Hansi G. Dumla urged participants particularly disaster responders and MDRRM Officers to make their own threshold interpretation of data received by the sensors basing on previous calamity situation.

“You should base your interpretation from the previous flooding situations in your own locality because your places differ in landscape and locations. Some areas maybe more susceptible to flooding because they are located in lower grounds or near the river,”  said Dumla  as she stressed to them to send out early warning signals to the community before the sensors rise in alert level.

The lowlands have been experiencing a lot of flooding during the previous typhoons from the mountains and upstream rivers of Kalinga, Apayao, Mountain Province and Cervantes, Ilocos Sur.

Dumla also reminded them to clean the hydromet sensors always especially the orifice and solar panels, remove dirt, leaves, twigs and other debris in order ensure data accuracy.

Other government line agencies participated in the forum: BFP, PNP, PIA, AFP, DOH, DILG, DepEd, DSWD, LGUs and Abra Electric Cooperative.