DOST develops sensor tool as warning device of impending landslides
By Fayette C. Riñen
CEBU CITY, Sept. 20 (PIA) -- A type of sensor equipment that indicates an impending landslide ahead is currently being developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to serve as an early warning device to communities in upland or landslide-prone areas.
PAGASA-Mactan Chief Meteorological Officer Engr. Oscar Tabada said the sensor equipment will be made available by the first quarter of next year.
“We have already the list of landslide-prone areas including in Cebu furnished by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The next step is to find out which specific area within the landslide-prone barangay the sensor device will be strategically placed,” according to Tabada.
Tabada said the device will be buried two feet into the ground and in case of tremors due to frequent heavy rains placing the area at risk for landslide, a data will be transmitted to their main satellite. “This signals as a warning system that landslides within the area will likely occur,” Tabada bared.
In Cebu City alone, there are 19 barangays that are classified as critical areas under the moderately to highly susceptible landslide-prone areas, the DENR-Environment Management Bureau 7 said.
Tabada said Cebu averages an annual rainfall of 1,570 millimeters but since August this year alone, “we have exceeded 163 percent with the usual 145 millimeters which recorded 240 millimeters.”
Central Visayas in general recorded an above average of rainfall in the months of July and August, this is learned.
The senior meteorological officer said that even in the absence of typhoons, incidents of landslides, flashfloods and flooding will always be a risk factor in critical areas due to effects of climate change.