Flood prevention should be a top priority given that the rainy season is fast approaching.  The Philippine Atmospheric, Geo-physical and Astronomical Services Administration (PASAGA) has responded to this priority, by procuring and installing additional rain gauges in selected areas prone to flooding.  The initiative is part of a program of the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) to help upgrade the country’s flood forecasting systems. The devices which cost around P500 000 were acquired through a project funded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).    These particular rain gauges are unique in that they are located within cell sites (SMART, GLOBE, and SUN).  These cell sites respond to rainfall by automatically sending data to PAGASA via SMS. The PDRF, headed by chairman Manuel Pangilinan says, “In installing our rain gauge in cell sites, we are guaranteed that our equipment is secured because of uninterrupted power supply and efficient data is transmitted”.  Approximately 15-20 new automatic devices will be installed in the Metro Manila area, with 60 additional devices to be installed in flood-prone areas nationwide.

Information sources from articles written by Helen Flores, in The Philippine Star on 27 May 2010 and Ellalyn B. De Vera, in The Manila Bulletin on 28 April 2010.