DOST to install water-level sensors in nation’s rivers

DAVAO CITY, June 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology has deployed a total of 124 water level measurement sensors (WLMS) and automatic rain gauges on all river basins nationwide, according to Anthony Sales, Director of the DOST-XI.

He told reporters during the public consultation on the implementing rules and regulations of the Republic Act No. 10532 which institutionalizes the Philippine National Research System Act of 2013, at the Men Seng Hotel, that the sensors will serve as early warning devices that warn local officials to conduct pre-emptive evacuation in case of flash flood following a heavy downpour.

Sales said that in Davao Region, 20 WLMS were already installed in all its provinces with active river basins.

He said 28 units more of water level measurement sensors and automatic rain gauges will be set up in other river basins in the region.

Sales said all instruments will be installed on the last day of July, 2013.

“We are focusing the installation of instruments on 18 critical river basins in the country. Unfortunately, the Davao River that traverses the city proper is one of the critical river basins, and the Libuganon River in Tagum City so we are setting up more sensors along these rivers,” he said.

Sales thanked the local government units for providing support like funds for the fencing of the area where the sensors are located.

Earlier, Eric Colmenares, science research specialist of the Department of Science and Technology XI said the instruments along the Davao River comprise four automated rain gauges and three automated weather stations will be used to warn residents of imminent danger as offshoot of heavy downpour like flash floods. 

He said automated weather stations will be installed in Baganga, Davao Oriental, Davao City and Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur.

Colmenares said automated rain gauges will also be set up in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, Panabo, Davao del Norte, Maragusan, Compostela Valley and Mati City, Davao Oriental.

“These sites were selected by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, in order to measure the amount of rainfall and the wind generated once a strong weather system like a typhoon occurs,” he said. (Joey Dalumpines/PIA-XI)