Phivolcs develops online app on natural hazards

MANILA, Philippines — An online application that can provide information on all natural hazards present in different areas in the Philippines will be available to the public soon.

Dubbed HazardHunterPH, the project developed by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is a one-stop assessment tool for natural hazards.

“With just one click in any point in the Philippines all the hazards will be available,” Science Undersecretary and Phivolcs director Renato Solidum Jr. said yesterday during the Disaster Risk Reduction Technology media conference at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City.

“For earthquakes you’ll see active faults, the intensity of the shaking you could feel, is your place safe from liquefaction. If you’re near a volcano, all hazards will also come out, same with hydrometeorological hazards (such as floods and landslides),” Solidum added.

The new app – the first of its kind – aims to make “information and hazard awareness at your fingertips,” according to the Phivolcs chief.

“Essentially, if you really want to prepare as a family, you’ll get the awareness of the hazards immediately. If you’re a tourist it’s the same; same for those buying lots, government planners, decision makers,” he said.

The application will be officially launched on July 16.

Solidum said the project has a total funding of P40 million, of which P24 million was allotted for the acquisition of software, computers and hiring of new personnel.

He said Phivolcs has also partnered with other government agencies such as the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).