Phivolcs launches app on natural hazards, risk assessment

DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña led the ceremony on Tuesday in the Phivolcs Office in Quezon City, saying the app, dubbed HazardHunterPH, aims to integrate all of the sorts of information in times of natural catastrophes. (File Photo: Fortunato de la Peña/Facebook)

MANILA — Banking on a vision to become the central source of information for accurate and efficient hazards assessment in the country, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) launched a web-based app that identifies hazard areas as well as their population density.

DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña led the ceremony on Tuesday in the Phivolcs Office in Quezon City, saying the app, dubbed HazardHunterPH, aims to integrate all of the sorts of information in times of natural catastrophes.

“Many agencies are involved in producing hazard maps and in gathering geospatial data critical to disaster risk assessment, land use, and development planning. However, data are managed independently and not integrated, hampering quick access of critical data for planning and decision making from the national to local levels,” he said.

HazardHunterPH is the first one-stop-shop online application that generates an initial hazard assessment report for seismic, volcanic, and hydro-meteorological hazards with explanation and recommendation from mandated government agencies in just a few clicks.

It is designed to empower the public with the right information to help them prepare for possible impacts by providing accurate hazard assessment that is quick and easy.

The DOST-PHIVOLCS worked together with Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB), and the National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA) to provide up-to-date hazards information.

HazardHunterPH is a product of the GeoRiskPH project, a multi-agency initiative led by the DOST-Phivolcs funded by the DOST, and monitored by DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).