THE CITY Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) is in the process of installing additional cameras in coastal and river areas to strengthen flood monitoring and early warning systems in the event of disasters.
In an interview, CDRRMO head Alfredo Baloran said the initiative aims to give on-time information to the public, particularly those who reside in low-lying areas.
“As of today, ongoing na ang construction and installation of coastal cameras, river cameras, and aside from that, naa pud ta’y mga early warning system coupled with public address,” Baloran said.
Baloran said a river camera will be installed to monitor the Lipadas River’s tributaries in Barangay Bato (third district). This will be the second camera monitoring the Lipadas River; the first was placed next to the Lizada Bridge.
Early warnings with public addresses are also installed in Matina Crossing near the Arroyo compound, sirens with public addresses are also situated in Barangay Waan, Buhangin, and others are also installed in Brgy. 76-A Bucana, as he said the area is densely populated.
Coastal cameras will monitor coastlines, especially in times of earthquakes, he said.
“We already have all the equipment but we will not stop upgrading our resources. Hopefully, this coming year, we will add more rain gauges, and add equipment to enhance our weather system and wind speed, as there are areas here that experience strong winds which destroy their houses and other establishments,” he added.
Initially, the city set up cameras at the Agdao, Bunawan, Matina Aplaya, and Binugao stations for coastal monitoring.
File Photo by Bing Gonzales
