Flood, storm surge drill in Baseco today

A flood and storm surge drill will be held today in one of Manila’s most vulnerable communities due to its proximity to Manila Bay, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said yesterday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) will lead the drill exercises in Barangay 649 in Baseco Compound.

The drill, set at 2 p.m. at the Baseco evacuation center, will have about 3,000 residents of the community near the Manila South Harbor go through storm surge and flood simulation drills similar to the previous years’ extreme hydrometeorological events in Metro Manila and in Eastern Visayas.

Hydrometeorology or hydromet is defined as a branch of meteorology that deals with the occurrence, motion, and changes of state of atmospheric water, such as a typhoon.

The drill aims to inform and prepare informal settlers living near the reclamation area of Manila Bay for these two possible hazards that could occur during strong weather disturbances.

“If our local leaders are able to act early, then they will be able to minimize loss and lead their communities to early recovery,” DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said.

He also said that through these simulated drills, city governments could test their disaster preparedness plans and responses and make adjustments in areas that need more preparation.

Prior to the drill, officials and local disaster managers from more than 800 barangays in Manila will attend a short seminar on hydromet hazards and PAGASA warning systems on storm, flood, storm surge, and rainfall.

Expected to be at the flood and storm surge drill are Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, city disaster risk reduction manager Johnny Yu, Montejo, Assistant Secretary Raymund Liboro and PAGASA acting administrator Vicente Malano.

The public can also get more information on other hydromet and geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions and ways to prepare for disasters in the 2015 National Science and Technology Week celebration, which will be held from July 24 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center. The event is open to the public.

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