UPRI Calls for Updated Hazard Maps for Enhanced Disaster Preparedness

MANILA – The University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UPRI) has emphasized the necessity of updating the country’s hazard maps to improve disaster preparedness, particularly in areas most at risk.

According to Philippines News Agency, during an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, the existing hazard maps, including those used during the 2013 Typhoon Yolanda, significantly underestimated the extent of storm surges.

Lagmay pointed out that the maps predicted minimal storm surge penetration inland, whereas actual surges during Yolanda extended over one kilometer, possibly reaching two kilometers from the coast, far beyond the 20 to 30 meters initially projected. This underestimation underscores a potential gap in the country’s preparedness for storm surges, which may be exacerbated by the impacts of climate change.

The UPRI advocates for the creation of hazard maps that incorporate climate change scenarios and envision hazards more severe than those previously experienced by the nation. Lagmay highlighted the urgency of replacing outdated maps, using Yolanda’s impact on Tacloban as a case in point, to enable better anticipatory actions against future disasters.

A flood forecasting system is already being utilized by local government units across the Philippines to alert communities about potential flooding. Additionally, the noah.up.edu.ph website lists safe locations during natural disasters. Although landslides are not directly identifiable through these systems, they can pinpoint triggers that may cause landslides in specific areas.

Lagmay also stressed the importance of engaging citizen scientists in the data collection process, given the Philippines’ high susceptibility to natural disasters. A meeting of climate change scientists and disaster practitioners in Sendai, Japan, concluded that a “whole-of-society and science-based approach” is vital for disaster preparedness. He believes that involving Filipinos in science-related projects can inspire a sense of ownership over these issues, ultimately leading to a wider awareness and better management of disaster risks.

The UPRI is currently enhancing government initiatives and promoting extensive educational campaigns to ensure all Filipinos are informed about disaster risk reduction and management strategies.