Google launches crisis page for ‘Hagupit’

MANILA, Philippines - Technology company Google has launched a crisis landing page in anticipation of Typhoon Hagupit or Ruby.

The crisis page (http://google.org/crisisresponse/2014-hagupit) includes a Person Finder feature where users can put information on residents affected by the typhoon.

Other information, including emergency numbers and evacuation centers, are accessible on the page. It also has links to government websites and latest news articles about the typhoon.

Following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Yolanda last year, Google likewise activated a similar page.

The Person Finder, which was created in response to the January 2010 Haiti earthquake, was also activated in the country during Typhoon Sendong in 2011 and Typhoon Pablo in December 2012.

Meanwhile, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said they are implementing the necessary measures to minimize the impact of Typhoon Ruby on their facilities.

In separate advisories, the two companies said preparations include making available communications equipment as well as standby quick response teams.

NGCP said its preparations include availability of hardware materials, standby generators and vehicles, and the positioning of line crews and helicopters in strategic areas to facilitate immediate restoration work.

The grid operator deferred all scheduled maintenance activities on facilities within the expected path of the typhoon.

The grid operator also continues to coordinate with power plants, substations, and customers to balance system load and voltage, and with concerned authorities to access right-of-way areas. With Iris Gonzales