Phivolcs launches mobile app on volcano alerts

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) launched yesterday a new mobile app that will provide the public with volcano advisories and alerts.

With the VolcanoPH Info, the public can access straight from their Android devices the latest volcano bulletins and advisories, Science Undersecretary and Phivolcs officer-in-charge Renato Solidum Jr. said.

He said the abridged and visually appealing information on the app will help users understand the current volcano status and identify the necessary preparedness and response actions for their safety.

“We aim to provide the users with accessible and easy-to-read information,” Solidum said. “Through this platform, we will be able to reach our clients better and faster.”

Users can select from the list of volcanoes with alert levels on the homepage.

After clicking on a particular volcano, they will be provided with the summary of the 24-hour observation period containing the alert level, monitoring parameters and recommendations in Filipino.

They can view the volcanic earthquakes for the past two weeks and access volcano advisories and additional information such as alert level scheme, bulletin archive, volcano hazard maps, volcano preparedness guide and glossary of terms.

Solidum said future developments of the app include English language setting and an iOS version.