AT LEAST 30 flood early warning systems (Fews) will be installed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Davao Region for flood forecasting and disaster mitigation in vulnerable communities or flood-prone areas in the region.
Mirasol Domingo of the DOST-Davao Region Technical Services Support Division said this is to alert the local communities residing in high-risk areas for impending floods in the region to inform the community of the water status so they can act properly.
The agency have chosen Sitio Samuel in Toril District near Lipadas River as their pilot area.
The Dost-Davao Region will step up a flood drill on May 17 and 18 in the area to test its capability and engage the residents for flood management there.
Domingo said they intend to involve the community who will be directly affected by flood and will be benefiting the risk mitigation system so that they would know the protocols and meaning of warnings.
She added that Fews has siren features that could reach 100 meters and if there are no obstructions, could be heard as far as 500 meters.
Dost-Davao Region will allocate five Fews in Davao City and another five in different provinces depending on the evaluation of the Philippine Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.