QC installs model flood warning system

The Quezon City government has installed a pilot flood warning system in Barangay San Bartolome in Novaliches to secure life and property through community involvement during flashfloods brought about by typhoons.

The scheme, which encompasses hydrological monitoring, information exchange on flood warning and disaster preparedness with action at the community level, is described as a "model for community-based approach to flood mitigation."

Already, facilities such as rain and staff gauges and flood makers were put in place at the Odelco, Tomasa and California riversides for flood-monitoring purposes, all of which form as part of the Tullahan River.

The pilot installation of the Barangay Flood Warning System was made possible through the collaborative effort of the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety, (DPOS) headed by Manuel Sabalza; the Flood Forecasting Branch of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), particularly the personnel of the Pampanga River Flood Forecasting and Warning Center, and the barangay council of San Bartolome.

Providing financial support for the ongoing project is the International Flood Network through the Infrastructure Development Institute of Japan.

"What made the scheme different from other flood mitigating measures is that the Barangay Flood Warning System, like the Barangay Bartolome model, has a participatory approach on the early warning and monitoring system. It encourages volunteerism in the flood-prone areas as a means of mitigating the disastrous effects of floods," Sabalza said.

Dr. Noel Lansang, disaster control division chief of the DPOS, said similar flood warning systems are to be installed in other flood-prone areas in Quezon City.

Apart from Barangay San Bartolome, there are 24 other prone-areas identified by the city government. These are Barangays Vasra, Mariblo, Damayan, Del Monte, Masambong, Talayan, Sto. Domingo and Sta. Cruz in District I; Payatas, Fairview, North Fairview, Novaliches Proper, Baesa, Unang Sigaw, Apolonio Samson and Tandang Sora in District II; East Kamias, San Roque, Bagumbayan and E. Rodriguez in District III; Roxas, Obrero, Tatalon and Damayan Lagi, in District IV.

The city government, on orders of Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., has adopted several contingency measures against flooding during the rainy season.

The mayor made particular mention of establishing coordinative efforts among different line agencies of the city government in ensuring the effective delivery of basic services to the city’s constituents, especially in times of calamity.