FEU Public Intellectual Lecture Series | Dr. Mahar Lagmay | Part 2

Summary

This video explains the critical role of early warning systems, advanced technology, and hazard mapping in disaster risk management. It emphasizes the need for accurate, multi-scenario hazard maps to anticipate and mitigate natural disasters, especially in the face of climate change. Through real-life examples like Typhoon Yolanda and flash floods, the speaker demonstrates how timely warnings and appropriate responses can save lives. The integration of scientific data, local knowledge, and proactive planning across various sectors ensures communities are better prepared for future disasters, enabling sustainable development and resilience in the Philippines.

Takeaways

• 😀 Early warning systems are crucial for disaster preparedness, allowing communities to evacuate before hazards strike.
• 🌧️ Lead time provided by rain sensors and flood monitors allows for proactive evacuation to avoid disaster impacts.
• 🌍 Probabilistic hazard maps, which account for multiple scenarios, are essential for accurate disaster risk planning and preparedness.
• 📊 Probabilistic maps integrate advanced technology and local knowledge to depict hazards and their potential future impacts, particularly in the face of climate change.
• 🏝️ The traditional reliance on historical disaster data must be supplemented with advanced scientific modeling to plan for larger, more frequent events due to climate change.
• ⏱️ Communities must plan not just for the most likely hazards but for extreme events, including bigger storm surges, landslides, and floods.
• 🌱 Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation must be combined to effectively prepare for future hazards and mitigate their impact on communities.
• 🗺️ Accurate, up-to-date hazard maps are crucial for making informed decisions about where to site evacuation centers and settlements.
• 🏘️ Climate change impacts like more frequent and intense rainfall should be factored into development planning to ensure resilience against future disasters.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Successful disaster risk management requires collaboration between local knowledge and advanced scientific data to identify and mitigate potential hazards.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of disaster risk assessment in the Philippines?

The primary purpose of disaster risk assessment in the Philippines is to prepare for incoming hazards like typhoons by assessing real-time data, such as rainfall and water levels, and issuing hazard-specific, area-focused, and time-bound warnings to help mitigate the impact of disasters.

How does the use of sensors help in disaster preparedness?

Sensors that monitor rainfall and water levels provide early warnings that help predict floods. By detecting changes in water levels, authorities can issue warnings with lead times of up to 12 hours, allowing people to evacuate before the flood reaches its peak.

What role do probabilistic hazard maps play in disaster preparedness?

Probabilistic hazard maps depict multiple disaster scenarios (e.g., different levels of storm surges, floods, and landslides) based on scientific modeling, rather than relying on historical data alone. These maps help communities plan for a range of potential events, including those that are more severe than past disasters.

What is the difference between deterministic and probabilistic hazard maps?

Deterministic hazard maps are based on a single disaster scenario, often relying on community recollection of past events. In contrast, probabilistic hazard maps account for multiple possible scenarios, offering a more comprehensive approach by modeling various levels of risk and potential hazards.

Why is it important to integrate science and technology with local knowledge in disaster risk management?

While local knowledge is valuable, it may not be sufficient to address the larger, more intense disasters of the future. Integrating science and technology, such as advanced modeling and hazard maps, ensures that disaster planning is based on accurate, data-driven projections and can account for changing risk factors, such as climate change.

How did the early warning system help during the 2012 flash floods in Cagayan de Oro?

The early warning system helped the local government in Cagayan de Oro respond to the flash floods by providing real-time rainfall data. Despite the rapid increase in water levels, the community was able to evacuate in time, thanks to the technology that allowed for a timely warning.

What lessons were learned from the 2013 Typhoon Yolanda disaster regarding evacuation centers?

The main lesson from Typhoon Yolanda was that the hazard maps used to determine evacuation centers were insufficient. The maps were based on local knowledge and did not account for larger events, such as the massive storm surge. As a result, many evacuation centers were located in unsafe areas and were inundated during the storm.

What improvements have been made in hazard mapping after Typhoon Yolanda?

After Typhoon Yolanda, the Philippines invested in advanced technologies, such as LIDAR, to create more accurate probabilistic hazard maps. These maps depict multiple scenarios, including smaller and larger storm surges, and provide more precise information for planning evacuation centers and development projects.

How does climate change impact disaster preparedness and response?

Climate change leads to more frequent and intense weather events, such as heavier rainfall and stronger storms. Disaster preparedness must adapt to these changes by considering future climate scenarios, not just historical data, ensuring that communities are prepared for increased hazards and can mitigate their impacts effectively.

What is the significance of anticipatory planning in community development?

Anticipatory planning allows communities to prepare for future disasters, including those caused by climate change. By integrating hazard mapping, climate change projections, and development planning across all sectors (e.g., agriculture, infrastructure, tourism), communities can develop in a way that minimizes risks from natural hazards and promotes long-term resilience.