Pagasa introduces new rainfall monitoring initiative

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced a new innovation in rainfall monitoring which will help the agency gather "efficient and accurate weather reports and forecasts in the local communities."

The Community-Based Rainfall Observation Network (CBRON), the agency’s new project, will involve local government units and local residents in gathering weather data.

"Constant monitoring of rainfall is critical especially in flood- and landslide-prone areas," PAGASA operational services deputy director Prisco Nilo said.

Nilo said heavy rainfall usually causes landslides and floods and it is important for PAGASA to know quickly how much rain falls within a given time period in order to issue early disaster warnings to local governments.

At least 425 locally fabricated rain gauges will be installed in selected flood- and landslide-prone areas in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas, which were identified as priority areas by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).

PAGASA chief meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz said the local government personnel, including teachers, would be trained on data collection and dissemination, basic weather forecasting, and early warning system.

"Teachers are probably the most credible sources of information in the community, as well as among the most dedicated workers in the country. So we encourage the teachers to volunteer in this project," Cruz said.

Other than the training program, PAGASA will also be distributing cell phones to volunteers for fast wireless transmission of information.

"If the cell phone fails, the volunteers can use radio, church bells, or other indigenous but effective methods," Cruz said.

Cruz said Aurora was the first province in the country to respond in the project.

The Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development provided the initial five rain gauges while the provincial government committed 16.

DOST said Aurora Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo pledged to help in upgrading some equipment at PAGASA’s radar and synoptic station which is located at one of Baler’s steep mountains.