Philippines: DOST harnesses technology apps to upgrade hazard, risk assessment ‘in a click of a button’
By Jonathan L. Mayuga
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) will launch on July 16 “HazardHunterPH,” a mobile application that will help the user identify the various geological hazards in the Philippines.
Interviewed during the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Technology Media Conference in Makati City, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Renato Solidum Jr. said the mobile application technology is a first in the world and will help individuals avoid tragic deaths in the event of disaster using their smartphones.
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“Essentially, one click in any point, the app will assess the various hazards. Flood, liquefaction, storm surge, earthquake, how far it is from fault, flood area. If you want to prepare as an individual [or as a] family, you will have an assessment of any area,” he said.
According to Solidum, the app will be very useful for everyone—whether national or local government, law enforcement authorities, first responders, businessmen, real-estate developers, property buyers, or a simple individual wishing to keep himself or herself and his/her family safe from disaster.
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