Sinkhole detection app launched

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has introduced a new web-based application designed to automate the detection of sinkholes, a move expected to strengthen the government’s geohazard mapping and disaster response capabilities.

Developed by the bureau’s Lands Geological Survey Division, the system combines manual and automated methods to identify potential sinkholes, and assess karst formations or limestone terrain prone to ground collapse.

“The application, that is currently being tested in the Central Visayas region, integrates manual digitization and automated geospatial analysis of available satellite data,” the MGB said over the weekend.

The tool uses topographic maps from the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority with satellite based digital elevation models to track changes in terrain and surface deformation.

Once fully implemented, the app is expected to improve data collection and the accuracy of sinkhole mapping used in local land use planning and post disaster response operations.

Death toll rises to 71

The reported death toll from the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu last week has climbed to 71, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said yesterday.

In its situational report, the NDRRMC said 559 others were injured and for validation.

The earthquake affected some 128,464 families or 455,631 people. Of this number, at least 405 families were served in four evacuation centers.

Office of Civil Defense Administrator Harold Cabreros said search and rescue efforts following the earthquake in Cebu have now shifted toward relief and early recovery operations.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has assured quake survivors they can avail themselves of free surgery and other medical services at any hospital.

Acting PhilHealth president Dr. Edwin Mercado said the agency has approved a special policy relaxation to ensure that victims receive urgent, life-saving care at no cost.

Mercado said the Philippine Orthopedic Association and the Private Hospital Association of the Philippines have immediately pledged to extend timely surgical services and hospital care to earthquake victims.

In another development, the Department of Labor and Employment allotted an initial P11 million for the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers program in quake-affected areas.

Faster aid

Meanwhile, Sen. Erwin Tulfo has urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development to fast-track the distribution of food aid to earthquake victims.

Meanwhile, the Jesus is Lord Movement of Rep. Eddie Villanueva and the Metropolitan Bible Baptist Ekklesia of Rep. Benny Abante have been mobilizing assistance for quake victims.

Party-list Tingog, which is the organization of former speaker Martin Romualdez and his congresswoman-wife Yedda, along with their son Andrew Julian, rolled out its initial relief mission to assist quake-affected families.

‘One Caritas response’

Meanwhile, Caritas arms in other countries have united with Caritas Philippines for a “One Caritas response” in helping earthquake victims in Cebu and those stricken by recent tropical cyclones Mirasol, Nando and Opong.

In a Facebook post, Caritas Philippines said, “In collaboration with In-country CIMO-Catholic Relief Service Philippines, Caritas Germany, and Caritas Spain, a unified-One Caritas response has been agreed upon.”

Other Caritas partners such as Caritas Australia, Caritas Italiana, Caritas Austria, Caritas Humanitarian Aid and Relief Initiatives Singapore, Caritas Asia including Caritas Internationalis have expressed their solidarity.

Caritas Philippines has coordinated with agencies under the United Nations such as the Office for the Coordination of Human Affairs.

Caritas Philippines would also be launching an emergency appeal through the Alay Kapwa Solidarity Fund to support the immediate needs of the most affected communities in Cebu or through Caritas International. — Mayen Jaymalin, Neil Jayson Servallos, Evelyn Macairan, Delon Porcalla, Pia Lee-Brago