The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) is will launch HazardHunterPH on 16 July 2019, in commemoration of the 1990 7.8 magnitude Luzon earthquake.
According to a recent press release, HazardHunterPH will help people prepare not just for an earthquake, but also for volcanic and hydro-meteorological hazards.
What is HazardHunterPh?
HazardHunterPH is the first one-stop shop online application that generates initial hazard assessment report for seismic, volcanic, and hydro-meteorological hazards.
It also comes with an explanation and recommendation from mandated government agencies with just a few clicks.
Moreover, it aims to increase the awareness of the people to natural hazards and advocates the implementation of plans to prepare for and mitigate the effects of hazards.
Reportedly, it is a tool that can be used to generate indicative hazard assessment reports on the user’s specified location.
It is designed to empower the people with the right information so that it will help them prepare for possible impacts by providing accurate hazard assessment that is quick and easy.
It is helpful as a reference of property owners, buyers, land developers, planners, and other stakeholders needing immediate hazard information and assessment.
Who are involved?
As reported, the DOST-PHIVOLCS Director shared that the project has a total funding of PHP 40 million (US$ 783,420), of which PHP 24 million (US$ 470,196) was for the acquisition of software, computers and hiring of new personnel.
The Department worked with several other Agencies to be able to provide up-to-date hazards information. These Agencies include:
- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA)
- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB)
- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (DENR-NAMRIA)
What is GeoRiskPH?
Moreover, HazardHunterPH is a product of the GeoRiskPH project. As reported, GeoRiskPH stands for Geospatial Information Management and Analysis Project for Hazards and Risk Assessment in the Philippines.
Through GeoRiskPH, DOST-PHIVOLCS will develop prototype platforms, tools and methods to initiate efficient generation of information and products for hazard and risk evaluations.
The Project aims to benefit various government agencies and the public as information on hazards and risks will be provided at the most efficient and convenient ways.
Through this approach, information critical to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and climate change initiatives may now be easily accessed by the government and the public.
Long-term effect of the project would be the mainstreaming of DRR and climate change information into various related plans.
Furthermore, this is a multi-agency initiative led by the DOST-PHIVOLCS, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and is monitored by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).
The DOST intends to have more government agencies that will be a part of GeoRiskPH in the coming years.
