Gov't to implement storm surge, flood advisory systems

MANILA, Philippines - Learning the lessons from the onslaught of Super Typhoon "Yolanda," the government is now working on a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan which includes advisory systems for storm surges and floods.

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) said the advisory systems aim to better warn residents about the dangers from a tropical cyclone.

"Priority areas of focus include highly vulnerable high-population areas such as Metro Manila; and how to restart the economy after a major disaster," an article from the PCOO website said.

The advisory systems were proposed in a Cabinet meeting attended by Science and Technology Sec. Mario Montejo and Project NOAH Executive Director Mahar Lagmay, who presented findings of various simulation studies on storm surges, floods and landslides.

According to the proposal, the Storm Surge Advisories (SSAs) will be given 48 hours in advance.

A storm surge is the offshore rise of water that is pushed inland by a weather disturbance such as a tropical cyclone.

SSA No. 1 indicates a storm surge that is up to two meters in height; SSA No. 2 up to five meters; and SSA No. 3: more than five meters.

The storm surge disaster risk reduction efforts seek to reduce exposure in the coastal areas by implementing "no-build" zones, develop natural barriers and construction of man-made barriers to reduce impact of hazard, and home, building and infrastructure resiliency.

Also proposed was a flood advisory (FA) system that includes:

• FA No. 1: up to 129 millimeter rainfall within the next 24 hours
• FA No. 2: up to 190 mm rainfall
• FA No. 3: up to 240 mm rainfall

The PCOO said the advisory systems and the comprehensive disaster preparedness plan will be formally adopted for implementation before the onset of the rainy season in June.

Making up the Cabinet task group are the secretaries of the Department of National Defense, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Climate Change Commission, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Meanwhile, the government has also adopted four pilot areas for the rehabilitation efforts in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda, Malacañang said Friday.

Former Sen. Panfilo Lacson, the appointed Presidential Assistant on Reconstruction and Recovery, presented an update on rehabilitation efforts during the Cabinet meeting.

Identified as pilot areas for rehabilitation were:

• Tacloban City: the hardest-hit area, the economic center of Eastern Visayas, and the regional logistical hub
• Tanauan, Leyte: tourism potential and build-back capacity
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar: high level of private sector interest
• Biliran: government-led programs

Yolanda wrought havoc in Eastern Visayas in November of last year, killing over 6,000 people and flattening communities with its tsunami-like storm surges.