Unmanned Firefighting Machine

<div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoma7CGYoVqliEHqyGY6TjBC2_zRclzJCEU9MNo-DAIZqKR2bYHERbK1CA9v-gYCjLBfzzLsFBItX2kJMUkJ25KlGDDhwO8BwBQoML5UmwtEXd6d10UMRqVrODbohIYqv7nW9dwpzEc1k/s1600/Water+Robot+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoma7CGYoVqliEHqyGY6TjBC2_zRclzJCEU9MNo-DAIZqKR2bYHERbK1CA9v-gYCjLBfzzLsFBItX2kJMUkJ25KlGDDhwO8BwBQoML5UmwtEXd6d10UMRqVrODbohIYqv7nW9dwpzEc1k/s400/Water+Robot+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The UFM being demonstrated in front of Pasig City hall</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City has the distinction of acquiring and operating the first Unmanned Firefighting Machine (UFM) in the country.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The UFM was officially operationalized last April 24, 2017 by no less than Pasig City Mayor Robert Eusebio. The Php19.0 million UFM was acquired by the city to boost its capability in firefighting.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The UFM is suited for dealing with industrial, factory, warehouse and building fires. It is also able to penetrate residential areas where the passages are too narrow for conventional fire engines.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This will address the gap in the capabilities in managing ad fighting fires in Pasig City and also of other Local Government Units that need such assistance. Firefighters are also subject to extremes of temperature when fighting large and enclosed fires. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The UFM is a tracked machine that can be remotely piloted to enter the sites of fires in confined areas. It has a capacity of pumping 2,500 liters of water a minute. It is connected to a tanker truck. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The UFM can also blow air so as to clear smoke and other toxic fumes to enable firefighters and rescuers to enter confined buildings and structures during operations.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Tamang-tama na merong unmanned vehicle katulad ng ganito para kahit papaano sa mga maliliit na eskinita, madali namin maipapasok, maisusupo ang sunog,” Mayor Eusebio stated. (It’s the right time for us to have an unmanned vehicle like this so that it’s easy to enter narrow streets and quench fires.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">According to Pasig City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PCDRRMO) Chief Ritchie Van Angeles, this will allow firefighters and rescuers to operate in an environment where the danger to them is minimized if not thoroughly mitigated. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Isang malaking bagay kung may ganitong equipment para rin makatulong ng mas mabilis, at tas ligtas din sa firefighter habang nagpi-penetrate sa mga sunog,” PCDRRMO Chief Angeles said. (It’s a big thing if you have this kind of equipment to help in a faster and safer way for the firefighter when penetrating through fires.)</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The UFM was acquired last October 2016 from German company LUF. The first operation the UFM was deplayed was during the fire in Trinoma Mall last March 14, 2017.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This is part of Pasig City’s capacity building programs in line with Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 6232360710792359039&target=facebook" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9D-FSm0nKiyuTlyRpu0R4Zhxr1_BNi6bSUbUybb1vB5hfZLL7U3n3zXPJ6gzMa_TRViO3Csb0a_R4lJD_vsp_1LOH4DTT3_NXIvhBfa8Tw5cHwXr3dbq4jXcjU8rdft9EG_HuDNgBK8/s1600/sharefb185.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 6232360710792359039&target=twitter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgRh49Ak1XO90FTppe5zEebPxluKZmn2rMqXCtALYGHEhX3Zu3CXOnMOSKGQxC7lj65fNzRY533oW_XkqWcZDZ29C6byBHUoD5ydkuypDYgADfakKZ-_I3cmZa5MtMWhF0SCIJ8B406Q/s1600/sharetw185.png" /></a></div>

Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Rescue Training Technology Unmanned Firefighting Machine

The UFM being demonstrated in front of Pasig City hall Pasig City has the distinction of acquiring and operating the first Unmanned...

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Lists of Evacuation Centers In Case of 7.2 Magnitude Manila Earthquake

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l_PxR9rZx3eLba1vGKV4hbbEp02Yw2mixo2OPq_Boz4nX36qolglvSWCuvIuoIXtjplJScSFdOJVu7JQuMso4b9btG6s2NVjPBrabkzrM88JYKvXc0FQJDV9Wt-i5MC-k32zrDglYXI/s1600/Ruby+Tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l_PxR9rZx3eLba1vGKV4hbbEp02Yw2mixo2OPq_Boz4nX36qolglvSWCuvIuoIXtjplJScSFdOJVu7JQuMso4b9btG6s2NVjPBrabkzrM88JYKvXc0FQJDV9Wt-i5MC-k32zrDglYXI/s400/Ruby+Tower.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manila Earthquake 1968. Collapsed Ruby Tower</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Last April 4, 2017 at 8:58 PM, a temblor rocked Southern Luzon. It was a 5.4 Magnitude earthquake with its epicenter at Tingloy, Batangas. It was felt all the way to Metro Manila where it registered at Magnitude 4. The bell at the Tingloy church fell from the tower and the basilica at the town of Taal suffered damages to its façade. Cracks were even noted at the Batangas Provincial Building and as of the next day, more than 500 aftershocks were registered by the instruments of PHIVOLCS.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The effect of the quake had repercussions in the National Capital Region. The NCR is traversed by the 100 kilometer long West Valley Fault and has been discovered that its movements that occur every 100 years has been long overdue.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Because of this, the MMEIRS Study that sought to identify the effects of a 7.1 magnitude earthquake on the metropolis was commissioned and funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. It then formed the formulation of scenarios, plans, trainings and information dissemination in case of such an event.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The scenarios generated forecasted that 37,000 deaths would be the result of such a quake and a high percentage of buildings and structures would be destroyed or heavily damaged. More than 500 fires will occur when that time comes.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Together with contingency planning and efforts to organize each local government unit down to the barangay level, evacuation sites have been identified and assigned. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">To be better organized in the response phase, Metro Manila has been divided into four quadrants for decentralized administrative control. These are:</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">North</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Caloocan</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Valenzuela</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Quezon City</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– San Juan</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Mandaluyong</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">East </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Pasig</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Marikina</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">West</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Manila</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Malabon</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Navotas</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">South</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Las Piñas</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Makati</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Muntinlupa</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Parañaque</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Pateros</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Taguig</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Pasay</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Aside from the four quadrants mentioned above, the Metro Manila Development Authority  (MMDA) also designated operation centers and staging areas which will also serve as evacuation camps for affected residents:</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">North</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Veterans Memorial Golf Course</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">East</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– LRT-2 Santolan Depot</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Marikina Boys Town</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Red Cross Marikina</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Ultra Pasig</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">West </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Intramuros Golf Course</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">South</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">– Villamor Air Base Golf Course</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Open spaces such as athletic fields, sports arenas that are undamaged and even cemeteries and memorial [parks will be utilized as evacuation centers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It is projected that power, water and communications facilities will be heavily damaged together with roads and bridges. Contingency plans have already been drawn up by each LGU for fast response.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It is also projected that only 40% of the trained first responders will be available in the first critical hours and alternate communication facilities are already being established.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The rivers and waterways of Metro Manila such as the Pasig River and Marikina River will also be used as alternative routes for rescue and relief operations. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The residents of the metropolis must have their own emergency supplies to last them for five days which is the earliest outside relief efforts can reach them.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 311170068968609594&target=facebook" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9D-FSm0nKiyuTlyRpu0R4Zhxr1_BNi6bSUbUybb1vB5hfZLL7U3n3zXPJ6gzMa_TRViO3Csb0a_R4lJD_vsp_1LOH4DTT3_NXIvhBfa8Tw5cHwXr3dbq4jXcjU8rdft9EG_HuDNgBK8/s1600/sharefb185.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 311170068968609594&target=twitter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgRh49Ak1XO90FTppe5zEebPxluKZmn2rMqXCtALYGHEhX3Zu3CXOnMOSKGQxC7lj65fNzRY533oW_XkqWcZDZ29C6byBHUoD5ydkuypDYgADfakKZ-_I3cmZa5MtMWhF0SCIJ8B406Q/s1600/sharetw185.png" /></a></div>

Civilian Crisis Management Disaster Response Emergency Rescue Training Values and Governance Lists of Evacuation Centers In Case of 7.2 Magnitude Manila Earthquake

Manila Earthquake 1968. Collapsed Ruby Tower Last April 4, 2017 at 8:58 PM, a temblor rocked Southern Luzon. It was a 5.4 Magnitude e...

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The Urgent Need for Infrastructure Audit

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqynnyPTqDdNCCZLkZV5MubOHMKs5UxZ7yA8rviqrHTDchaJC7VZ9mn13-Nr3DNB81i6VRPritKAVumycXulHwBhdYTYx9LIOsyKc6Dr1nmNVuiOEyIzFPiq_oCrs4BcmhnqWoVBjMyl0/s1600/Surigao+Airport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqynnyPTqDdNCCZLkZV5MubOHMKs5UxZ7yA8rviqrHTDchaJC7VZ9mn13-Nr3DNB81i6VRPritKAVumycXulHwBhdYTYx9LIOsyKc6Dr1nmNVuiOEyIzFPiq_oCrs4BcmhnqWoVBjMyl0/s400/Surigao+Airport.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Runway of Surigao Airport</td></tr> </tbody></table> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Surigao Earthquake of 2017 has brought out the need for Infrastructure Audit of structures all over the country. The earthquake occurred on February 10, 2017 at 10:03 PM. PST. It had a maximum intensity of 7.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The devastation caused by the earthquake resulted in 6 deaths and 120 injured. It destroyed 300 houses and caused 7 bridges to collapse. It affected 11 towns in the province and the airport in Surigao City had to be ordered closed since its runway was damaged by the quake.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Footages shown on TV news depicted widespread structural damage not only in public buildings but also privately owned structures such as malls and commercial buildings.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It also resulted in widespread power outages and disruption of water supply to the affected Local Government Units.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">To be taken of note are the collapsed 7 bridges that isolated several localities. This prevented the rapid response on relief for the affected areas.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZY5q2PTfCI7vzo3279bY4eTcXtxnVr3rEHwsJYg_cu2DBzgVPVyPUXQJaZplaZCiVGEYfycFfLUJLkIs8iDVbIn03WqHzHqxdbgKlZtdffkeukzB7tlaxA55CUs9o4aesCwTVhUZnXU/s1600/Surigao+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZY5q2PTfCI7vzo3279bY4eTcXtxnVr3rEHwsJYg_cu2DBzgVPVyPUXQJaZplaZCiVGEYfycFfLUJLkIs8iDVbIn03WqHzHqxdbgKlZtdffkeukzB7tlaxA55CUs9o4aesCwTVhUZnXU/s400/Surigao+Bridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Potable water is also one of the most needed by the survivors of the earthquake. Desperate appeals for water was the first to be received both local and national authorities.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Government building also sustained damage. The Provincial Government building had to be evacuated and the immediate convening of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council had to be undertaken outdoors since the structural integrity of the building had to be ascertained in the event of further aftershocks.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">These effects were already foreseen since 2011 when the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered a nationwide infrastructure audit beginning with government structures. These were then cascaded down all the way to the local level.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Results of the infrastructure audit would enable the creation of the Disaster Contingency Plan of every LGU. Also, these would be the basis for needed reinforcing of existing structures identified to be  vulnerable to such earthquake magnitude.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Surigao Earthquake of 2017 was preceded by a 6.1 magnitude this year. Also, 7.2 magnitude earthquakes already happened in Surigao in 1879 and 1893.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Philippines is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world since it lies along the typhoon belt of the Pacific and also located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area that is volcanically and seismically active in the world.   </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 6292717959732878657&target=facebook" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9D-FSm0nKiyuTlyRpu0R4Zhxr1_BNi6bSUbUybb1vB5hfZLL7U3n3zXPJ6gzMa_TRViO3Csb0a_R4lJD_vsp_1LOH4DTT3_NXIvhBfa8Tw5cHwXr3dbq4jXcjU8rdft9EG_HuDNgBK8/s1600/sharefb185.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 6292717959732878657&target=twitter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgRh49Ak1XO90FTppe5zEebPxluKZmn2rMqXCtALYGHEhX3Zu3CXOnMOSKGQxC7lj65fNzRY533oW_XkqWcZDZ29C6byBHUoD5ydkuypDYgADfakKZ-_I3cmZa5MtMWhF0SCIJ8B406Q/s1600/sharetw185.png" /></a></div>

Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Rescue Training Technology Values and Governance The Urgent Need for Infrastructure Audit

Runway of Surigao Airport The Surigao Earthquake of 2017 has brought out the need for Infrastructure Audit of structures all over t...

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The Perfect Flood: Floods in Cagayan de Oro City January 2017

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFwlBxvECetVYqAf5XGluCe-fsgxFFH_muWTiM276sH4L5h12eUYQVGRIiwHYGIeGHqH7BltzrAGT7ohtYEgEJwc5twiD3Jn9gBQJVbvf_5Xd-TsfjVx5JVFBXuU3TKVIZhBlrUt5Y1w/s1600/CDO2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFwlBxvECetVYqAf5XGluCe-fsgxFFH_muWTiM276sH4L5h12eUYQVGRIiwHYGIeGHqH7BltzrAGT7ohtYEgEJwc5twiD3Jn9gBQJVbvf_5Xd-TsfjVx5JVFBXuU3TKVIZhBlrUt5Y1w/s400/CDO2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The rains started at around 4:00 pm, January 16, 2017 in Cagayan de Oro City. Days before, PAGASA, the weather forecasting bureau of the country forecasted rains brought about by a low pressure area (LPA) and the tail end of the cold front which was par for the season. The LPA was not common though. As per records of PAGASA, storms do come at this point of the season but rarely in conjunction with the cold front that emanates from the northern climes when it is still winter. This tail end of the cold front usually pushes tropical cyclones southward unlike most tropical cyclones that hit the country that tends to have a trajectory of West-Northwest. Thus, Cagayan de Oro City which is in Northern Mindanao was Ground Zero.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEw7eG7ov2XG5V3UGnqj5oG_qbMYBM7fhhmb2chOerDNBCUMRnSCI-5x3fjGUpeNjdqSph6e45lLbkDWFkVxUEuuLzNLUpfli2wvwr8ucnI90BDGvI_EhNiLL_IlWM8tevX1tXGShrEys/s1600/CDO7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEw7eG7ov2XG5V3UGnqj5oG_qbMYBM7fhhmb2chOerDNBCUMRnSCI-5x3fjGUpeNjdqSph6e45lLbkDWFkVxUEuuLzNLUpfli2wvwr8ucnI90BDGvI_EhNiLL_IlWM8tevX1tXGShrEys/s400/CDO7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Jay noted the unusual rainfall although it was already forecasted. By 6:30 pm, notable flooding has been reported in many main thoroughfares and the city proper itself. The rains still came in torrents but it was not confined to Cagayan de Oro  (CDO) city but the surrounding mountains of Bukidnon. It only took a little more than an hour for the water to come down from the mountains into the natural flood basin that CDO is. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTp-vurwVdvTZxY_e-4LManh4ce8sFMTOvftuQ2cc3Cd5FpSFLYTkMTwCVvuQ852v3z5uejzMwOI5BpSYhE1C27luEMVA_4zcXl_7-DTmKqSPVdubj2bpYZSh925CyJvoe0UB1BC3hLr8/s1600/CDO8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTp-vurwVdvTZxY_e-4LManh4ce8sFMTOvftuQ2cc3Cd5FpSFLYTkMTwCVvuQ852v3z5uejzMwOI5BpSYhE1C27luEMVA_4zcXl_7-DTmKqSPVdubj2bpYZSh925CyJvoe0UB1BC3hLr8/s400/CDO8.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">As of 8 pm Monday, 3,865 people had been evacuated, excluding students who were stranded in colleges and universities. 1,341 families are in evacuation centers, according to CDO city social welfare head Teddy Sabuga-a.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rxhESgLafznoaPdy3_qMIz7teWlAxzwRLltRodD1hhfCwHIoazdgZokiqNOlIQ5VhVAJU4LTNEXPN_2FB-sN7ZJwe8oEi_1Il_llDLuDkDvYjZ-xME_BkionXNDWKb45qIwL8nsmKLI/s1600/CDO4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rxhESgLafznoaPdy3_qMIz7teWlAxzwRLltRodD1hhfCwHIoazdgZokiqNOlIQ5VhVAJU4LTNEXPN_2FB-sN7ZJwe8oEi_1Il_llDLuDkDvYjZ-xME_BkionXNDWKb45qIwL8nsmKLI/s400/CDO4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Advisory from Social Media: "By 9:00PM: Portions of Masterson Ave from Koresco area to Xavier Estates are flooded but passable. Rosevale to Taguanao flooded with stones on the road (passable for SUV's, sedans and compact cars pass at your own risk) Pryce plaza area is passable but risky due to landslides (already 3 areas with landslide occupying 1 lane of the road downtown bound) New bridge to rotunda passable with minimal flooding approaching the bridge. Divisoria passable, minimal traffic going to Velez capitol bound. People walking on the streets due to lack of public transpo and traffic at a stand still for hours already. Carmen is a gridlock, street going to Madonna flood is over waist high."</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Jay noted the social media updates and messages such as : Dear Parents/Guardians Please be informed that all SHS students stranded here in XU main campus have been given dinner. For those who can not be fetch tonight, rooms 305 and 306 STC Bldg are prepared for them where they can sleep. For updates please check the SHS CSG facebook account.”</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBaKyaxEnfgQ1iQjzVq5dH3nAe670WZN4F__vB1sXMi6KVvXln0fCUjuKzLTMdncOzctGNdSAJyhGELNfQUhGod19h7pQulCwJ3KIEwnX6BYTKBL203Ap2-L_vzQsHyq9SnMSjKpNtUU/s1600/CDO5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBaKyaxEnfgQ1iQjzVq5dH3nAe670WZN4F__vB1sXMi6KVvXln0fCUjuKzLTMdncOzctGNdSAJyhGELNfQUhGod19h7pQulCwJ3KIEwnX6BYTKBL203Ap2-L_vzQsHyq9SnMSjKpNtUU/s400/CDO5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Jay personally took his pick-up truck and braved the deepening waters towards the place of employment of his daughter. Along the way, he also picked up stranded people and conveyed them safely to non-hazard areas. By this time, electric power has also been cut so as to prevent any cases of electrocutions from already flooded communities. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Flood levels were reported to have reached up to 6 feet in the Limketkai Mall area. Other commercial establishments were also by the inundated. Malls offered sanctuary to those stranded wherein they were given spaces and free food so as to await for the floodwaters to subside.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Jay noted that soldiers and policemen were already into rescue operations and have been immersed in the cold water for more than 4 hours. Seeing this, Jay along with members of his civic organization supplemented the overwhelmed first responders of the city.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Forced evacuation has been implemented in certain areas of the city. This owing to the institutional memory of the devastation caused by Typhoon Sendong half a decade ago. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The torrential rains continued until 1:00 am January 17, 2017. In its aftermath, Jay had to wade through knee-deep mud to reach those who still needed rescue.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This serves as another object lesson when it comes to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) at the local level. The new paradigm for DRRM is composed of :</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Early Warning</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Preparation</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Training</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Early identification of Hazard Areas</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pre-emptive evacuation</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pre-positioning of personnel and equipment</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ready Response</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Marshalling of responders and scheduling of reponders</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pre-positioned relief goods</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And immediate clearing of infrastructures for relief and rehabilitation efforts</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The current experience of CDO city revealed several deficiencies in what has been protocol for almost half a decade notwithstanding the lessons of Haiyan/Yolanda. The Philippines is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. Thus, DRRM at the local level is of primary importance in policies, implementation and funding.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsJyEemUE37LU2YGGRS1GyKKUNqDNkM2_tWGrdaL1ND6eyKJAyNGULoAcTi6mC85iAcxPEmsnw6zSRKJ5iZpLOnOeNZ-hFttn6p-Z8gXcTGtceUirJRDh55Hw-PixtuPTQimEERcOHPY/s1600/CDO9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsJyEemUE37LU2YGGRS1GyKKUNqDNkM2_tWGrdaL1ND6eyKJAyNGULoAcTi6mC85iAcxPEmsnw6zSRKJ5iZpLOnOeNZ-hFttn6p-Z8gXcTGtceUirJRDh55Hw-PixtuPTQimEERcOHPY/s400/CDO9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">We continue to learn. The positive effect is that there were government and civic organizations, and people who took risks for their fellowmen. People like Jay.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 2128382703110363956&target=facebook" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9D-FSm0nKiyuTlyRpu0R4Zhxr1_BNi6bSUbUybb1vB5hfZLL7U3n3zXPJ6gzMa_TRViO3Csb0a_R4lJD_vsp_1LOH4DTT3_NXIvhBfa8Tw5cHwXr3dbq4jXcjU8rdft9EG_HuDNgBK8/s1600/sharefb185.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 2128382703110363956&target=twitter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgRh49Ak1XO90FTppe5zEebPxluKZmn2rMqXCtALYGHEhX3Zu3CXOnMOSKGQxC7lj65fNzRY533oW_XkqWcZDZ29C6byBHUoD5ydkuypDYgADfakKZ-_I3cmZa5MtMWhF0SCIJ8B406Q/s1600/sharetw185.png" /></a></div>

Civilian Crisis Management Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Rescue Training Weather The Perfect Flood: Floods in Cagayan de Oro City January 2017

The rains started at around 4:00 pm, January 16, 2017 in Cagayan de Oro City. Days before, PAGASA, the weather forecasting bureau of th...

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RESCUE. COM. PH Year Ender: 2016. The Flowering of Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ver71NiPGP3CXxx2RnbtS3NcLFONZ9hadzeuhoJu5pp1wqi_BRmgcZ75TTmhemLkoFZTApJwArOOwhT_tE6NaVpZnTkNNw082A3FQ-56Iyd981Zqwk4n_Jaj-cs2PCeN8LTxwFsanRg/s1600/drrmgf.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ver71NiPGP3CXxx2RnbtS3NcLFONZ9hadzeuhoJu5pp1wqi_BRmgcZ75TTmhemLkoFZTApJwArOOwhT_tE6NaVpZnTkNNw082A3FQ-56Iyd981Zqwk4n_Jaj-cs2PCeN8LTxwFsanRg/s400/drrmgf.gif" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The history of Philippine disasters and calamities dates all the way back 1610 with the records to be found in the Manila Observatory. There can be found narratives of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, floods and other natural disasters. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Inspite of such existing records, Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) policies continued to lag behind what was basically necessary and failed to adapt to the dynamics of global climate change. Prior to Yolanda, there was Yoling in 1971 and before Ondoy there was the 40 days of continuous rains in 1970.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Television footage of the 1970 flood in Central Luzon showed a helicopter with the First Lady Imelda Marcos aboard throwing plastic bags of bread on the citizens stranded on the roofs of their houses and other buildings. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">For decades, scenes of evacuees inside schools and covered basketball courts were the only known response to disaster after disaster. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Rescue operations were haphazard at best wherein the only organized attempts were made by members of the AFP. Another TV news footage showed then Pampanga Governor Lito Lapid asking that a rope be tied around his waist while attempting to traverse a raging flood of lahar to reach a stranded family in the middle of the river.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Cities and municipalities depended on political leaders to lead rescue operations and relief campaigns with unequal resources and spotty reporting of casualties and damages. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Philippine DRRM system was a picture of organized chaos and the same can be expected annually since the thought was that since it was natural disasters then none can be done about it. And yet, annually, the death toll and economic losses continued to mount.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Although there was the National Disaster Coordinating Council established several decades later, its orientation was always based on reaction after a disaster. Mostly, it consisted of sending relief goods for a limited period of time.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">There was no preparation, risk reduction, rehabilitation and management.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">After TS Ondoy in September 2009, the RA 10120 was enacted. It aimed to give comprehensive policies with regards to DRRM but most importantly, it went down to the barangay level. Taking into account the 2004 Asian Tsunami experience and Ondoy’s lessons, RA 10121 attempted to be as comprehensive as it can be. Of course, organizing on paper is very different from organizing on the ground. It took years for RA 10121 to gain its roots by numerous seminars, trainings, equipment acquisitions an drills.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It was put to a test in 2013 during Yolanda. It failed. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">What was evident was that the information dissemination was not cascaded down to the grassroots level where it was sorely needed. DRRM is a shared responsibility by government, private and the communities. They are all stakeholders with regards to DRRM.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The lesson was painful and more efforts were made to rectify the errors and shortcomings.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In 2016, it was the year of El Nino. Erratic weather was expected. Planning continued and preparations were made way before the rainy season. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">2 strong typhoons were experienced one after the other. Karen and Lawin were strong typhoons almost equivalent to Yolanda. The difference was that the lessons were learned and adjustments were made. Pre-emptive evacuation and the cooperation of the citizenry made the casualty count much lower than what was experienced before.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Finally, we have learned.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">RESCUE.COM.PH conveys it best wishes to all this coming 2017!</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID=%208967255653365924640&target=facebook" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9D-FSm0nKiyuTlyRpu0R4Zhxr1_BNi6bSUbUybb1vB5hfZLL7U3n3zXPJ6gzMa_TRViO3Csb0a_R4lJD_vsp_1LOH4DTT3_NXIvhBfa8Tw5cHwXr3dbq4jXcjU8rdft9EG_HuDNgBK8/s1600/sharefb185.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID=%208967255653365924640&target=twitter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgRh49Ak1XO90FTppe5zEebPxluKZmn2rMqXCtALYGHEhX3Zu3CXOnMOSKGQxC7lj65fNzRY533oW_XkqWcZDZ29C6byBHUoD5ydkuypDYgADfakKZ-_I3cmZa5MtMWhF0SCIJ8B406Q/s1600/sharetw185.png" /></a></div>

Civilian Crisis Management Climate Disaster Response Emergency Rescue Training Values and Governance RESCUE. COM. PH Year Ender: 2016. The Flowering of Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

The history of Philippine disasters and calamities dates all the way back 1610 with the records to be found in the Manila Observatory. ...

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Safety Tips for the Christmas Season

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32p3OOK3LCDm-JUtUBdYKT_YWWWVnaJxI5Hb7NbcyKWpPA4zEyyUKfFs_7D9_C-b8-2Xapaop4dK74xJbRopUpP-BiRPHDFASNwsTCLl03oprTKFFztMM64BwYSJq9RCrw5Ci5waaL9k/s1600/dickens-christmas-walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32p3OOK3LCDm-JUtUBdYKT_YWWWVnaJxI5Hb7NbcyKWpPA4zEyyUKfFs_7D9_C-b8-2Xapaop4dK74xJbRopUpP-BiRPHDFASNwsTCLl03oprTKFFztMM64BwYSJq9RCrw5Ci5waaL9k/s400/dickens-christmas-walk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It is during this time of the year that we all get to take a break. We tend to relax more and enjoy the conviviality with fellow workers, community members, our church congregation, friends and most of all our families.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It is only natural that we are busy in a different way  and we let our hair down and also our guard down. But this is the season to enjoy and go back to the message of hope given by Christmas and look forward to a New Year.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Amidst these celebrations, let us still be reminded of our safety and those of others. Here is RESCUE.COM.PH’s Christmas and New Year Safety Tips.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Christmas Decorations and Christmas Lights</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Christmas will not be complete with decorations and lights. It is part of tradition and gives a joyful atmosphere at home and in places of work. Just remember these safety reminders.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Always buy Christmas Lights from reputable stores and shops. Make sure that these lights have the ICC Stamp on their boxes and containers. Check out the wires, if these are too thin, then these are substandard. Do not buy them. They are a fire hazard.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Buy Christmas decorations that do not shatter when dropped. These pose a hazard to all including pets.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Christmas decorations must be chosen not to contain lead in their paint or its composition. Lead can lead to poisoning when touched, and/or ingested by children and pets.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Make sure that the connections for the Christmas Lights have their own independent outlets or sockets. Do not use “Octopus” connections when powering your Christmas lights. These are fire hazards.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Before installing the lights, plug them in and observe for any warping, unnecessary heat, smell or smoke. If any of these are observed, then dispose of the lights. Test each set of lights that will be installed.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Never leave Christmas Lights on overnight. These might be subject to overheating and is a fire hazard.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Never let children and pets have access to the lights.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">II.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cooking </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Christmas is associated with a family feast and dishes that will be given to the guests that arrive. A lot of preparation is needed aside from the actual cooking. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Buy only from reputable stores and make sure that all ingredients are fresh when bought fom the wet market.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Make sure that all cooking utensils (knives, spatulas, cutting board, etc.) are clean. Always clean them before and after cooking preparations.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For those who use LPG stoves, make sure that the LPG tank has no leaks. These can be verified by putting soapy water on the joints or nozzles that cannot to the tank. If there are bubbles, turn off the valve and acquire a new one. Also check the gas hoses leading to the stove.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Make sure that children and pets are kept away from open flame at all times when cooking.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In cases of cooking oil flaming, always keep a wet rag beside the cooking area to put out the flames. Do not use water since it will only spread the flame.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Turn off the main valve of the LPG tank after each cooking.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Keep sharp utensils away from pets and children.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Make sure food containers and trays have been washed prior to putting cooked food.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Food that have not been consumed and are still in plates must be discarded.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Refrigerate immediately all food in cooking containers when not consumed.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">11.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In case of food poisoning or any symptoms (vomiting, loose bowel movement) immediately bring to the nearest Hospital Emergency Room</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">III.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fire Crackers</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Filipino culture always has been identified with using firecrackers during New Year celebrations. RESCUE.COM.PH strongly discourages the use of firecrackers even by adults. The risks are simply too high. But here are safety reminders for those who wish to celebrate using firecrackers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do not use fire crackers</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Buy firecrackers only from shops and stores that have certificates of compliance from authorities.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Do not buy fire crackers that have strong exploding actions (Bawang, Super Lolo, Pla pla, Goodbye Bakla, Goodbye Philippines, etc.). These are illegal and are considered explosive devices.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Never allow children to use fire crackers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do not use hand directly when lighting up a fire cracker fuse. Use a stick to light up all fuses.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Unexploded fire crackers should immediately be doused with water.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Point rockets upward when using them.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do not use fire crackers when under the influence of alcohol.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Always have water available in dousing fire crackers that have gone awry.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have the contact numbers of the police and the Bureau of Fire Protection handy.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">11.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In cases of fire cracker burns, douse with cold water and then go to the nearest Hospital Emergency Room.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">12.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do not eat food after handling fire crackers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">13.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do not use fire crackers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">RESCUE.COM.PH sends its warmest greetings and wishes everybody a Safe Merry Christmas and a Safe Happy New Year!</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 7582676702023348972&target=facebook" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9D-FSm0nKiyuTlyRpu0R4Zhxr1_BNi6bSUbUybb1vB5hfZLL7U3n3zXPJ6gzMa_TRViO3Csb0a_R4lJD_vsp_1LOH4DTT3_NXIvhBfa8Tw5cHwXr3dbq4jXcjU8rdft9EG_HuDNgBK8/s1600/sharefb185.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 7582676702023348972&target=twitter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgRh49Ak1XO90FTppe5zEebPxluKZmn2rMqXCtALYGHEhX3Zu3CXOnMOSKGQxC7lj65fNzRY533oW_XkqWcZDZ29C6byBHUoD5ydkuypDYgADfakKZ-_I3cmZa5MtMWhF0SCIJ8B406Q/s1600/sharetw185.png" /></a></div>

Accidents Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Rescue Training Safety Tips for the Christmas Season

It is during this time of the year that we all get to take a break. We tend to relax more and enjoy the conviviality with fellow work...

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PCHRD-DOST empowers local researchers to do research on disaster risk reduction

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kGjt6cN31Ej21lFROyyhI-5dv1lEWCtI9ZHZsfJLVwqUhc6gv0uqJmtohLEmMCPJ646CuU0x6n7ZrNDf6_PyD4uQyIGe-DNIbUoPFT8pt_ga1MTV_Bt_iyv0PDD85FmKR3AxqkHtIlA/s1600/disasterworkshops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kGjt6cN31Ej21lFROyyhI-5dv1lEWCtI9ZHZsfJLVwqUhc6gv0uqJmtohLEmMCPJ646CuU0x6n7ZrNDf6_PyD4uQyIGe-DNIbUoPFT8pt_ga1MTV_Bt_iyv0PDD85FmKR3AxqkHtIlA/s400/disasterworkshops.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development - Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST) conducts workshops in different regions of the country to encourage and capacitate young researchers on frameworks for conducting disaster health research developed by Dr. Marvin Birnbaum, President of The World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The workshop provides tools to enhance the understanding of health disasters for improvement of the costs of responses and for enhancement of preparedness through research.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The series of workshops started during the Philippine National Health Research System Week on 8-9 August 2016 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It was followed by workshops in Manila on 19-21 September, CARAGA on 26-27 September and 24-26 October and Central Visayas on 20-21 October and 8-10 November 2016.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">After the completion of workshops where 77 young researchers from 31 institutions in MIMAROPA, CARAGA, and Central Visayas Regions were trained, the Council will be conducting the Presentation of Proposal for Review Forum at the Golden Prince Hotel, Cebu City on December 5-6, 2016. The Forum aims to bring together the participants who have ready proposals to present to the PCHRD DRR Team and other experts for technical review.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Dr. Birnbaum first introduced the frameworks during the Global Forum on Research and Innovation for Health in 2015 which inspired the Council to capacitate local researchers in the region in conducting disaster research.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">To date, there are only few empirical research conducted on disaster in the country. As a result there is lack of evidence-based guidance on mitigation, preparedness and response, and recovery.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">According to Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, PCHRD Executive Director, these workshops was conceived as an initial step towards filling that knowledge and evidence gap and there are more efforts in the future to look forward to as the Council remains steadfast in their commitment to develop a national research program on disaster risk reduction.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Source: http://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news/5893-pchrd-dost-empowers-local-researchers-to-do-research-on-disaster-risk-reduction</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 4372476333189576333&target=facebook" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9D-FSm0nKiyuTlyRpu0R4Zhxr1_BNi6bSUbUybb1vB5hfZLL7U3n3zXPJ6gzMa_TRViO3Csb0a_R4lJD_vsp_1LOH4DTT3_NXIvhBfa8Tw5cHwXr3dbq4jXcjU8rdft9EG_HuDNgBK8/s1600/sharefb185.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 4372476333189576333&target=twitter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgRh49Ak1XO90FTppe5zEebPxluKZmn2rMqXCtALYGHEhX3Zu3CXOnMOSKGQxC7lj65fNzRY533oW_XkqWcZDZ29C6byBHUoD5ydkuypDYgADfakKZ-_I3cmZa5MtMWhF0SCIJ8B406Q/s1600/sharetw185.png" /></a></div>

Civilian Crisis Management Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Rescue Training Values and Governance PCHRD-DOST empowers local researchers to do research on disaster risk reduction

The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development - Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST) conducts workshops in di...

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15 Absolutes of Flood and Swiftwater Rescue Part 4

<div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">No. 4. Always wear a personal floatation device</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Philippines gets an average of 20 Tropical Storms and Typhoons annually. This makes the country one of the most disaster prone countries in the word. These weather phenomena not only subjects the country to the destructive winds of these tropical cyclones, torrential rains have also been experienced causing floods and landslides. The population of the country largely reside near coastlines and waterways and part of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management is having trained responders with regards to rescue and response during floods.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">One of the results of a geography that is composed of mountains and valleys and flood plains is that flooding brings with it raging waters coming down from the mountains. Thus, swiftwater rescue training is needed.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">These video is part of 15 training videos for swiftwater rescue.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sXeo_02nyqc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sXeo_02nyqc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 1015389819750877961&target=facebook" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9D-FSm0nKiyuTlyRpu0R4Zhxr1_BNi6bSUbUybb1vB5hfZLL7U3n3zXPJ6gzMa_TRViO3Csb0a_R4lJD_vsp_1LOH4DTT3_NXIvhBfa8Tw5cHwXr3dbq4jXcjU8rdft9EG_HuDNgBK8/s1600/sharefb185.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 1015389819750877961&target=twitter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgRh49Ak1XO90FTppe5zEebPxluKZmn2rMqXCtALYGHEhX3Zu3CXOnMOSKGQxC7lj65fNzRY533oW_XkqWcZDZ29C6byBHUoD5ydkuypDYgADfakKZ-_I3cmZa5MtMWhF0SCIJ8B406Q/s1600/sharetw185.png" /></a></div>

Civilian Crisis Management Disaster Response Emergency Rescue Training 15 Absolutes of Flood and Swiftwater Rescue Part 4

No. 4. Always wear a personal floatation device The Philippines gets an average of 20 Tropical Storms and Typhoons annually. This makes...

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The Difference during disasters: The Go Bag

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZ8clLudJT0oExpEl2u0_ABimIJBEv-svQWgxSyL6bxQRAhX4aWZlV_gKLpPoKnM3OPCE-btKJmj6sBS9YaJ5x3ftXCR3gYG2ug1yiDgUMt8CuV3DE6_N0HaWWhR0pZ4a_iUuwLhLOII/s1600/Emergency+Go+Bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZ8clLudJT0oExpEl2u0_ABimIJBEv-svQWgxSyL6bxQRAhX4aWZlV_gKLpPoKnM3OPCE-btKJmj6sBS9YaJ5x3ftXCR3gYG2ug1yiDgUMt8CuV3DE6_N0HaWWhR0pZ4a_iUuwLhLOII/s640/Emergency+Go+Bags.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Philippines is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. Being at the Typhoon Belt it averages 20 storms and typhoons annually. Thus, floods and landslides are to be expected because of its geography and the populations are classically located along the coastlines, waterways, valleys and near mountainous areas. It is not because the people just wanted to live there, it is because their livelihood is dependent on such areas. The country is an archipelago which makes it vulnerable to storm surges and tsunamis. The Philippines is also located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically and volcanically active part of the world.  </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">As such, multiple hazards resulting from natural and man-made disasters are commonplace in the country. Disaster mitigation and response used to be the only things that can be done. But owing to an increasing population, these disasters  have been multiplied in effect and destructiveness. A new shift to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) have now been implemented and includes a new approach that includes risk reduction and preparedness.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">One of the drives in this new approach is that information is cascaded down to the communities and grassroots. In the family setting, each member is told what to do in case of disasters and emergencies. During preparedness and information drives, each community and family are given doables in their preparedness. These are:</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Preparing a Go Bag</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Identifying hazard areas</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Identifying safe areas</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Family rally points</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Community rally points</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Basic Life Support</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Scenarios are presented and one of the most important is that during a calamituous event, outside help must not be expected for 5 – 7 days. These information and trainings will enable the population to maintain a minimum level of community and civilization.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">For each family, a Go Bag is a necessity. The contents of the Go Bag are the following:</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>First Aid Kit. These must include fever, diarrhea, disinfectants, bandages, cotton etc. (Family members with maintenance medicine requirements must also be factored in)</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Flashlights, batteries, candles, matches, lighters and a whistle for each member of the family</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Radio and batteries</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cellphones and power banks</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Drinking water enough for 5 – 7 days (each member must be assigned a different load)</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Biscuits enough for 5 – 7 days (This is for the extreme scenario that no available water for cooking rice, noodles etc. This is also for the scenario that no cooking appliances and utensils will be available.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3 clean blankets, clothes, pants, jackets, underwear and female sanitary supplies. (Blankets can be used as makeshift tents)</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Necessities for infants, senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ropes, old newspapers (keep them dry wrapped tightly in plastic), also, waterproof containers for documents.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Extra cash, self defense weapons</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">11. Toiletries, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, tissue paper</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">12. Cutting tools, knives, can opener</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">These will enable each family to bring enough supplies and join up with other members of the community to create a viable evacuation camp until help arrives.    </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 3870290626204318051&target=facebook" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9D-FSm0nKiyuTlyRpu0R4Zhxr1_BNi6bSUbUybb1vB5hfZLL7U3n3zXPJ6gzMa_TRViO3Csb0a_R4lJD_vsp_1LOH4DTT3_NXIvhBfa8Tw5cHwXr3dbq4jXcjU8rdft9EG_HuDNgBK8/s1600/sharefb185.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 3870290626204318051&target=twitter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgRh49Ak1XO90FTppe5zEebPxluKZmn2rMqXCtALYGHEhX3Zu3CXOnMOSKGQxC7lj65fNzRY533oW_XkqWcZDZ29C6byBHUoD5ydkuypDYgADfakKZ-_I3cmZa5MtMWhF0SCIJ8B406Q/s1600/sharetw185.png" /></a></div>

Barangay Management Civilian Crisis Management Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Rescue Training Technology The Difference during disasters: The Go Bag

The Philippines is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. Being at the Typhoon Belt it averages 20 storms and typhoons ...

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More than Mitigation but Resilience: The Pasig City CDRRMO

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwFpTn6QpsOvYhQGM3FZNs_RjDpFVGqyu21oSFipRzDxJQPDr4Rmf51oFA8udZjkarwzGL9TRIYqPlzrqCuRLS8LLFj2z3WirkH2V-yc_skjlQwEE_dpbkITKBpthiNTUVOxMahEGTz8/s1600/Pasig+C3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwFpTn6QpsOvYhQGM3FZNs_RjDpFVGqyu21oSFipRzDxJQPDr4Rmf51oFA8udZjkarwzGL9TRIYqPlzrqCuRLS8LLFj2z3WirkH2V-yc_skjlQwEE_dpbkITKBpthiNTUVOxMahEGTz8/s640/Pasig+C3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City lies between the Marikina River and the Pasig River. Together with Marikina and Cainta, Pasig City is a catch basin for the rains that fall on the Sierra Madre mountain range that borders Bulacan, Rizal and Quezon. Even by historical accounts, Pasig has had annual floods when the Marikina River that flows into the Pasig River swells from the rains from the so called mountain range.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The early inhabitants of Pasig had three industries. They are dependent on natural irrigation from the annual floods for their ricefields, the riverbanks where the majority of the early settlement converged were for duck raising and boat building since before, there was no South Superhighway or SLEX that connected Manila to Laguna. There was only the Pasig River to serve as the transportation artery towards Laguna de Bae and then access to Morong and Laguna Province.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City is no stranger to floods. But since population has increased many fold, the natural waterways have been constricted or worse, have been taken over by settlements. The natural basin for rainwater such as the ricefields have been converted into settlements and subdivisions. Thus, flooding has worsened and have become longer in duration. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The people of Pasig City have managed to adjust with the annual floods but population pressure has exacerbated the problems related to flooding and with this the citizens of Pasig created informal organizations. In the past, the barangay chairman or even before that the Capitan del Barrio would make the rounds of the community when a storm was expected to arrive. The Barrio Captainn would see to it that roofs were secure and tied down and he would distribute rice to members of the community. Floods would occur and people did not evacuate  but stayed in their houses and on their roofs and wait for the flood to abate. Then reconstruction would occur.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">These organizations were first based on volunteer radio-communications groups and communities. But a more formal and structured  was needed. The time for just waiting out the floods is no longer feasible due to the higher flood level and the longer duration.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The wake up call came when Tropical Storm Ketsana or Ondoy hit Pasig City in 2009 when thousands of homes were submerged. It affected the greater portion of the population of Pasig City and its duration was unprecedented in recent history.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Because of this, Pasig City built its Command Center in 2010. Together with RA 10121, Pasig City established it City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and Office., It has installed an initial 220 CCTV cameras and Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS). All  of which are integrated into a computerized system that has analytics and capabilities in forecasting potential floods based on collected data from various sources and systems.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City has only 2 pumping stations during Ondoy in 2009. Today, it has 23 pumping stations. Pasig City has trucks and boats that can be used during floods and other disasters. The city can now respond to calls for help within minutes.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City has a backup communication system that can be utilized even if all cellsites of the telecommunications companies have been rendered inoperable such as what happened during Ondoy.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">But what sets Pasig City apart is its investment in the “soft” infrastructure for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). This is the trainings component. This is where the real the real investment in DRRM is. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Pasig allots some 5% of its annual budget to reducing the risk and mitigating the impact of disasters.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City spent Php244 million for disaster preparedness and mitigation. What matters is not just a big budget but a wholistic approach in DRRM as Pasig DRRM Chief Ritchie Van Angeles.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City CDRRMO is a Gawad Kalasag Hall of Fame awardee, 2012 Best GEMS and 2015 Best City DRRMO.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City not only tries to mitigate the disaster but also included sound planning and training. Pasig City has also conducted structural audits of all public buildings, roads and bridges so as to ensure that the city will be resilient to disasters notwithstanding its being a home to two rivers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 6908266316965724036&target=facebook" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9D-FSm0nKiyuTlyRpu0R4Zhxr1_BNi6bSUbUybb1vB5hfZLL7U3n3zXPJ6gzMa_TRViO3Csb0a_R4lJD_vsp_1LOH4DTT3_NXIvhBfa8Tw5cHwXr3dbq4jXcjU8rdft9EG_HuDNgBK8/s1600/sharefb185.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 6908266316965724036&target=twitter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgRh49Ak1XO90FTppe5zEebPxluKZmn2rMqXCtALYGHEhX3Zu3CXOnMOSKGQxC7lj65fNzRY533oW_XkqWcZDZ29C6byBHUoD5ydkuypDYgADfakKZ-_I3cmZa5MtMWhF0SCIJ8B406Q/s1600/sharetw185.png" /></a></div>

Civilian Crisis Management Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Rescue Training Technology More than Mitigation but Resilience: The Pasig City CDRRMO

Pasig City lies between the Marikina River and the Pasig River. Together with Marikina and Cainta, Pasig City is a catch basin for the ...

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NDRRMC, LGUs hold nationwide simultaneous quake drill

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIFRMswW5AZ9NcMolbtQy110Ws9RQ5FvfXy_VcqTTNJ3qrLlbpLjlPwZsbrtrZNJ2ipRy1fpiEoncFGgGVXbHIJdewog6I1oKqQuFuDr5HVOgxbjjcfBGAYHMm2_W6b3daBhj3WOBJSI/s1600/Drill.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIFRMswW5AZ9NcMolbtQy110Ws9RQ5FvfXy_VcqTTNJ3qrLlbpLjlPwZsbrtrZNJ2ipRy1fpiEoncFGgGVXbHIJdewog6I1oKqQuFuDr5HVOgxbjjcfBGAYHMm2_W6b3daBhj3WOBJSI/s400/Drill.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Loud sirens signaled the start of the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) at 9 am on Wednesday, September 28, in various parts of the country. This was followed immediately by a series of well-orchestrated disaster response scenes to rival any Hollywood disaster movie.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">At the staging area – a vacant subdivision in Biñan, Laguna, some 43 kilometers from Metro Manila – more than 100 people did the duck, cover, and hold technique. Residents from barangay San Francisco evacuated their homes and moved to a nearby open field. Simultaneously, the barangay and local government set up a command post to receive reports and assign responders, who kept arriving on site.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">From evacuating sick patients to putting out fires, each response team carried out their assignment with utmost seriousness, even if this was only a drill.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">There is no time for jokes. When the real quake hits, they say, things will be much worse.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Ominous</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The scenario they’re preparing for is a grim one. Based on the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS), a 7.2 magnitude quake caused by a movement of the West Valley Fault (WVF) would cause massive damage in Metro Manila and neighboring cities and towns. The study estimates that 35,000 people could die in Metro Manila alone, with hundreds of thousands more injured. In Biñan, where the fault line crosses, some 3,000 people could die. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the villages in Juana Complex of Barangay San Francisco are one the most vulnerable communities in Region 4A (CALABARZON). Residents are aware of what could happen to them should an earthquake strike. They see signs of the fault line in the cracks on the road and on their walls.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Samuel Trinidad, 49, has been a resident of Juana Villages since 1994. Over the past two decades, he has seen how the fault line has slowly shifted the earth beneath his home. He points out cracks in the cement where the earth has parted and uneven roads. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> When residents first moved into the village, they were unaware they lived atop a fault line. Today, they say they are prepared to evacuate, but won't leave their homes.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"Nakakatakot siyempre. Pero matagal na kami nakatira dito at wala nang malipatan," said Trinidad. (I'm afraid of an earthquake. But we have lived her a long time and have nowhere else to go.)</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Barangay San Francisco residents have organized themselves and carried out many earthquake drills in the past. The OCD says the residents are excellent examples of how communities at the grass-roots level should prepare for disasters. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> "Dito sa amin, nakagawa na kami ng several earthquake drills. Ako’y natutuwa na 'di naming naasahan na darating sa punto na national level na, oh my God! Level up na," said retired colonel Marciano Espique who is the barangay's disaster coordinator and incident commander.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">(Our barangay was able to run several earthquake drills. I'm happy because we never expected to reach this point where we are part of a national drill, oh my God! We have leveled up.)</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">During the drill, Espique was the first on the scene, mobilizing responders and assessing the damage from field reports.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It took residents, disaster responders, and the government more than two weeks of planning and rehearsing for the ceremonial earthquake drill.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Top government officials present in Biñan expressed their satisfaction at the execution of the drill and the performances of the responders.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“In all the earthquake drills I’ve attended, this ranks in the top 3,” said Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Eduardo del Rosario, also a former executive director of the National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">NDRRMC Executive Director Ricardo Jalad vowed to continue the quarterly quake drill, noting that drills will also be conducted in various regions.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">OCD Region 4A regional director Vicente Tomazar acknowledges there’s always room for more improvement, such as improving communication and coordination among all stakeholders.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Until the real quake strikes, he adds, all that’s left to do is prepare and hope for the best.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Source: http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/disasters/147635-binan-pagyanig-quake-drill</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID=%20786709702284783185&target=facebook" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9D-FSm0nKiyuTlyRpu0R4Zhxr1_BNi6bSUbUybb1vB5hfZLL7U3n3zXPJ6gzMa_TRViO3Csb0a_R4lJD_vsp_1LOH4DTT3_NXIvhBfa8Tw5cHwXr3dbq4jXcjU8rdft9EG_HuDNgBK8/s1600/sharefb185.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID=%20786709702284783185&target=twitter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgRh49Ak1XO90FTppe5zEebPxluKZmn2rMqXCtALYGHEhX3Zu3CXOnMOSKGQxC7lj65fNzRY533oW_XkqWcZDZ29C6byBHUoD5ydkuypDYgADfakKZ-_I3cmZa5MtMWhF0SCIJ8B406Q/s1600/sharetw185.png" /></a></div>

Civilian Crisis Management Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Rescue Training NDRRMC, LGUs hold nationwide simultaneous quake drill

Loud sirens signaled the start of the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) at 9 am on Wednesday, September 28, in ...

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The Legacy of Ondoy

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdZnGxazBfWIUbkzU0OjYybuNZ6yxRWZ5Nc2B_WXpGVU_pLLOfzl1XlNS7i5L9i1KWwOL5yuB_i4b-JLBt1b2qQDt3hYzYNcAwThwugpr6YSFcm8uCiMk6PcJn0tRH43K769-gU5sxpM/s1600/Ondoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdZnGxazBfWIUbkzU0OjYybuNZ6yxRWZ5Nc2B_WXpGVU_pLLOfzl1XlNS7i5L9i1KWwOL5yuB_i4b-JLBt1b2qQDt3hYzYNcAwThwugpr6YSFcm8uCiMk6PcJn0tRH43K769-gU5sxpM/s400/Ondoy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Seven years ago on September 26, 2009, the rains started to fall heavily. What was expected was a tropical storm named Ondoy and Metro Manila and its adjacent provinces were under Storm Warning Signal No. 1.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">But the rains were not only heavy. It was a sustained torrential rain that lasted for 5 hours. For the first time, Ayala Ave., in Makati was submerged. It quickly inundated the areas not typically flooded and with regards to areas that were typically flooded, its rate of water increase was unlike what was experienced before since Typhoon Kading in 1978. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Ondoy, then combined with the enhanced southwest monsoon, caused damages to infrastructure and agriculture at a cost of P11 billion ($246 million).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">What happened in Ondoy was that the amount of average rainfall for a month fell within a span of 5 hours.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It's been 7 years since Ondoy hit the country, yet it will always be remembered because of its impact. It is even often compared to other typhoons that have followed, yet most have failed to match Ondoy's record.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Here are just 5 of the biggest effects of Ondoy to the country.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ondoy is one of the worst natural disasters to hit the country in terms of number of people affected.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">With combined heavy rains and strong winds, Ondoy affected 993,227 families or 4,901,234 people, making it fourth in the list of worst natural disasters in the Philippines in terms of number of people affected.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">What made it particularly hard hitting was that Ondoy affected the most populous areas of the Philippines. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">By mid-morning or around two hours after the non-stop torrential rainfall began, flooding was already being experienced on 85% of the NCR. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">From the total of affected population, 464 were killed, 529 injured, and 37 were missing.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Furthermore, a total of 15,798 families or 70,124 people took shelter in 244 evacuation centers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Metro Manila and about 30% of all provinces in the Philippines were placed under a state of calamity.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In just 6 hours, Ondoy released rainfall equivalent to a month’s volume of rain with a rate of 56.83 mm/hr based on its 24-hour recorded rainfall. Twenty-three provinces and Metro Manila were placed under a state of calamity due to the widespread devastation by Ondoy.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">President Gloria Arroyo declared a state of calamity (national) since there was another approaching typhoon within 5 days. It was still flooded in 65% of the affected areas at that time (floodings in considerably large areas would last for at least 3 weeks)  </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In Metro Manila, the most affected areas in terms of flooding were Pasig City, Quezon City, City of Manila, Caloocan City, Muntinlupa City, and Marikina City, with the highest height of flood ranging from knee to neck level, up to roof top.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act was created.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The damages brought by both Ondoy and Pepeng led to the enactment of Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. The Act enhances the disaster preparedness and capabilities of the national government and local government units by providing a National Disaster Risk Reduction Management System Framework, and by institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Also, the experiences during Ondoy resulted in the most comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management planning in the entire Philipppine history. Project RESILIENCE was developed and implemented by the Office of Civil Defence in coordination with a large number of Local Government Units, DOST, PAGASA, MMDA and other government and private agencies (both domestic and international)</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The creation of Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and Offices were established down to the barangay level. This now forms the current infrastructure for DRRM from local to national levels.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">  </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ondoy caused a leptospirosis outbreak that year.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In 9 Metro Manila hospitals, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded a total of 383 cases of leptospirosis just a few weeks after Ondoy caused flooding in Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and Central Luzon.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Suprisingly, this figure is already half of the total number of leptospirosis cases reported in 2009.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The DOH even asked help in responding to the leptospirosis outbreak from a team of international experts from Australia, France, the Netherlands and Singapore.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ondoy's rainfall remains unmatched by other typhoons that followed.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Almost 5 years after Ondoy, Tropical Storm Mario (international name: Fung-wong) hit almost the same areas affected by Ondoy. Mario hit the country a week before the fifth anniversary of Ondoy.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Many netizens have compared these two tropical storms, but Ondoy dumped a higher volume of rainfall than Mario. Mario has brought high level floods that affected a total of 1,812,257 persons affected in Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B V, VII, CAR, and NCR – still less than the total population affected by Ondoy.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Although floodings remain a problem in NCR, the DPWH has launched a flood management plan that covers Metro Manila and surrounding places like Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan and Cavite</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The local DRRMOs and DRRMCs have now been institutionalized and further lessons from Typhoon Yolanda have been incorporated in the Incident Command Systems and Disaster Management Plans of the concerned government agencies and units.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 7033342583189002742&target=facebook" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9D-FSm0nKiyuTlyRpu0R4Zhxr1_BNi6bSUbUybb1vB5hfZLL7U3n3zXPJ6gzMa_TRViO3Csb0a_R4lJD_vsp_1LOH4DTT3_NXIvhBfa8Tw5cHwXr3dbq4jXcjU8rdft9EG_HuDNgBK8/s1600/sharefb185.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 7033342583189002742&target=twitter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgRh49Ak1XO90FTppe5zEebPxluKZmn2rMqXCtALYGHEhX3Zu3CXOnMOSKGQxC7lj65fNzRY533oW_XkqWcZDZ29C6byBHUoD5ydkuypDYgADfakKZ-_I3cmZa5MtMWhF0SCIJ8B406Q/s1600/sharetw185.png" /></a></div>

Civilian Crisis Management Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Weather The Legacy of Ondoy

Seven years ago on September 26, 2009, the rains started to fall heavily. What was expected was a tropical storm named Ondoy and Metro Ma...

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