In the face of increasingly severe storms and devastating floods, a leading disaster expert is calling on all Filipinos to actively use a powerful, free tool for survival. Dr. Mahar Lagmay, the Executive Director of Project NOAH, is urging the public and local government units to immediately consult the project's online hazard maps to identify areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides.
A Critical Tool for Disaster Planning
The hazard maps provided by Project NOAH are easily accessible to everyone through its official website. By simply visiting the site, any citizen can determine if their home, school, or workplace is located within a designated flood or landslide hazard zone. Dr. Lagmay emphasized that using these maps is essential for enhancing community planning and significantly reducing risks when a disaster strikes. This tool is vital for families and local officials to formulate effective prevention and emergency response measures.
Recent Disasters Highlight Urgent Need
The critical importance of this preparedness was tragically demonstrated by recent weather events. Typhoon Tino unleashed unprecedented rainfall on Cebu, causing flash floods that submerged the second floors of houses and wiped out entire riverside communities. The disaster resulted in the deaths of at least 92 people in Cebu alone, displacing thousands and causing severe damage to infrastructure.
In a shocking turn, even upland barangays previously considered safe experienced flooding for the first time, as streets transformed into raging rivers. This event exposed the severe vulnerabilities created by rapid urbanization and inadequate drainage systems. The crisis was compounded days later by Super Typhoon Uwan, which triggered landslides and forced precautionary evacuations across the province. Nationwide, these back-to-back disasters displaced more than 1.4 million people, showing how quickly conditions can become deadly for unprepared communities.
Act Early with Impact-Based Forecasting
Beyond the static hazard maps, Project NOAH also maintains a sophisticated impact-based forecasting system on its website. This advanced tool can predict which specific areas will be affected by flooding up to a full day before a storm makes landfall. Such early warnings provide precious time for communities to evacuate and prepare, which is crucial for minimizing severe damage and preventing loss of life.
Utilizing these resources is not just a task for authorities; it is a responsibility for every citizen. In an era of intensifying climate threats, accurate information is the key to personal and community safety. By embracing this technology, Filipino communities can build greater resilience. The opportunity for preparedness must not be allowed to slip away.
Ultimately, safety depends on our ability to act early and wisely. Visit the Project NOAH website today to check the risks in your local area. Let us work together to adopt innovative solutions that protect our families and communities from the growing perils of flooding and other environmental hazards.
