The Philippines is a disaster-prone country

The Philippines’ geographical location, while noted for its important economic value and natural splendor, also holds a reputation for being among the most disaster-prone areas in the world. Just last month, we saw the country ravaged by super typhoon Karding and Paeng which severely affected the agricultural sector and families in the country.

The country experiences frequent seismic activity as it is situated on the fringes of the Pacific Ring of Fire and is also exposed to several typhoons a year and severe rainfall, the outcomes of which include heavy flooding and landslides.

Climate change has only increased the severity of which these natural disasters occur. These factors and more have led to the Philippines being ranked first in the 2022 World Risk Index, being measured in terms of natural vulnerability and susceptibility and status of disaster response and preparation.

While it may be the government and local response units’ responsibility to ensure timely information dissemination, safety, and proper distribution of relief supplies, it is also equally important for the average Filipino to be aware of the natural hazards in their locality. To do this, one would need a highly adaptive system that updates accurate data regularly on a platform that can be reached by thousands.

Enter UP NOAH.

What is UP NOAH?

UP NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), previously known as Project NOAH, was the brainchild of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Formed in 2012, it was created as a response to the call of the administration of the late Pres. Benigno Aquino III for the need to formulate an accurate and highly responsive disaster prevention and mitigation system that provides up-to-date information on high-risk areas throughout the country.

It is the culmination of the collaborative efforts, resources, and manpower provided by DOST and its institutes and the University of the Philippines’ National Institute of Geological Sciences and College of Engineering. Today, it is administered by UP.

How is UP NOAH helpful during natural disasters and calamities?

The main objective of UP NOAH is to increase local awareness of natural disasters as this is important in instilling a culture of preparedness which is vital in reducing damage from such calamities.

As the information it provides is available to all, UP NOAH ideally allows local community leaders to not only be aware of the general dangers a calamity brings, but also zero in on hazards specific to their area as to allow them to form concrete plans of action for their constituents.

“We have offered open access to our findings and services, empowering the people—local governments and communities—to make decisions for themselves,” explained UP NOAH’s director Dr. Mahar Lagmay in a 2017 interview with the UP Media and Public Relations Office.

The main program combines up-to-date disaster science research and assessment, and historical and satellite data with technology that can model and simulate, creating accurate models of an area.

It can show the likelihood of flooding, landslides, and storm surges affecting it, and nearby critical and disaster response facilities.

A greater amount of information can be received by using NOAH Studio, which includes volcano proximity, rainfall activity, and a weather satellite image.

What UP NOAH means for the future of disaster response and management

UP NOAH is testament to the capabilities and desire of Filipino scientists to serve their nation. Efficient disaster risk preparedness is something that the Philippines is still developing on the ground level.

It is through efforts like UP NOAH which will allow those at grassroots level to access pertinent information and be better prepared for natural hazards.