MMDA and DOST partners to lessen disaster

The Department of Science and Technology partners with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to mitigate disaster in the metropolis and avoid the recurrence of "Ondoy."

Yesterday, DOST and MMDA inked an agreement for the installation of 38 water level monitoring sensors in watersheds and bridges and 13 automated rain gauges in the different areas in Metro Manila.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the system will enhance local flood forecasting and encourage faster response through the collection of real-time rainfall and water level data which will be collected and analyzed every 10 minutes. It will also include a six-hour flood warning system to prevent loss of lives and property.

Meanwhile, DOST Advanced Science and Technology Institute director Dennis Villorente said,"The Efficient Flood Control Operation System is intended to gauge rising floodwaters in critical flood-prone areas throughout the country, starting with Metro Manila."

He added,"The system calls for the installation of locally developed water level sensors, the collection and analysis of real-time data. An on-line visualization included in the system would then give local government units an idea of how deep flood waters are in a certain area for them to make the necessary adjustments and decisions."

Under the agreement, DOST-PAGASA will supply the equipment and conduct training for MMDA personnel and representatives from the 17 local government units while MMDA will be responsible for securing installation sites and manpower for the installation.

MMDA will also be responsible for the collection and processing of data which they will share with DOST and PAGASA through its Efficient Flood Control Operation System using the 88 closed-circuit television cameras deployed across the metropolis.

The MMDA is currently maintaining four WLMSs at the Rosario-Manggahan Bridge (Pasig City), Tumana Bridge (Marikina City), Napindan Channel (Pasig City) and at the Sto. Nino Bridge (Marikina City).

The additional WLMSs will be installed at the Del Monte Bridge, Quezon Avenue Bridge, Talayan Creek, E. Rodriguez Bridge, Aurora Boulevard Bridge, N. Domingo Bridge, Sevilla Bridge, Ilugin Creek, Tripa de Galina Creek, Makati Diversion Channel Outlet, Buendia, Libertad, Quiapo, Estero de Cagobcob, Quirino Highway, Wawang Pulo, Polo Bridge, McArthur Highway, Ugong Bridge, Tenajeros, Commonwealth Avenue, Dongalo Bridge; Sto. Nino Bridge, Kaingin Bridge, C5 Extension Bridge, Villanueva Bridge, Talayan Bridge (Quezon City), Calitao Bridge (P.Tuazon-Cubao), Duyan-Duyan Bridge (Xavierville Avenue), Modesta Bridge (Boundary of San Mateo and Marikina), V. Morcilla Bridge (Pateros-Makati Boundary), and the Sta. Ana Bridge (Sta. Ana, Taguig). -PIA — ARA