DOST launches modern flood warning system for CDO River
ILIGAN CITY——The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched on Friday a flood forecasting and warning system for communities within the Cagayan de Oro River basin that, over a decade ago, were devastated by the heavy rain spawned by Tropical Storm “Sendong.”
The state-of-the-art facility is located within the compound of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental.
According to Pagasa, the system features an enhanced flood forecasting and warning system, including additional telemetered and sturdier rainfall and water level monitoring stations strategically positioned from the upstream to the downstream sections of Cagayan de Oro River, along with X-Band radars.
The state weather agency said the new system, will enable hydrologists “to provide accurate, timely, and relevant flood bulletins and warnings to communities vulnerable to flooding.”
The 90-kilometer river snakes down from Bukidnon province into Macajalar Bay in Misamis Oriental province. It has a drainage area of over 1,300 square kilometers covering communities in parts of Baungon, Libona and Talakag in Bukidnon; Iligan City; and most of Cagayan de Oro City.
Lessons from Sendong
On Dec. 16, 2011, the river overflowed due to the unusual volume of rains dumped by ‘Sendong,’ engulfing 41 of Cagayan de Oro City’s 80 villages, killing 969 people, displacing some 230,000 others and damaging some P2 billion in properties.
Although weak, Sendong dumped a one-day rainfall of 180.9 millimeters, higher than the average December rainfall of 117 mm from 1977 to 2005, swelling the water level in the river from the normal height of 2 meters to 9.86 meters.
“The catastrophic typhoon also served as a reminder of the urgent need to establish a more systematic and comprehensive network of flood monitoring and warning systems,” said Pagasa administrator Nathaniel Servando.
Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the new facility marks a major step in enhancing flood preparedness and disaster resilience in the region.
“This project … marks a significant step forward in disaster risk reduction and response, making sure that we protect people’s lives, we protect people’s livelihood, and we protect the economic development of your region.” said Solidum.
The project was carried out with the support of the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), which also funded the construction of flood control dikes along the river in Cagayan de Oro City.
Japan’s commitment
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya underscored Japan’s commitment to helping the country improve its disaster resilience, which align with its vision of becoming a global leader in disaster prevention through its goal of sharing disaster preparedness and technology worldwide.
“Disaster risk reduction remains a key area of cooperation between our countries, and I hope this initiative will raise public awareness and encourage further investment in disaster mitigation in the Philippines,” Endo said.
“Our shared commitment to building a sustainable, disaster-resilient future will continue to guide our partnership in the years to come,” he added.
