Aussie-funded map project to reduce disasters

A state-of-the-art map of Metro Manila cities produced by the Australian Embassy using the latest technology can help prepare its residents for any disaster of the same intensity as Tropical Storm “Ondoy” that ravaged most parts of the metropolis in 2009.

“When we saw Ondoy, and looking at how Metro Manila handles disasters, it seemed that there were no concerted efforts in dealing with these. The emphasis had always been on response and not about preparing for disasters,” said Titon Mitra, minister counselor of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

Mitra said this was the reason why they took the opportunity to initiate an integrated approach on disaster preparation in the country.

AusAID and Geoscience Australia  funded the aerial survey of the greater Manila area using the LiDar, a technology which produces cutting-edge data on the landscape, elevation, complexity of the buildings and infrastructure of a certain area, according to Dr. John Schneider, group leader of the Risk and Impact Analysis Group of Geoscience Australia.

At a recent ceremony in Pasig City, the survey results contained in a terabyte computer database were handed over to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (Namria).

The  LiDar product was a set of high-resolution and three-dimensional maps of Metro Manila.

For a year, Namria will analyze the data and convert these into information that can be used by the local governments and even the public.

“Metro Manila is the only major city in the world that has this,” Schneider said, adding that the  survey was undertaken for the coastal areas of Australia, but not its major cities.

“The Philippines will be leading many countries in terms of the quality of data we will have for a metropolitan area,” Mitra said.

Schneider said the project’s goal is to evaluate disaster risks by examining three specific hazards: Floodings, severe wind from typhoons and tropical storms, and earthquakes.

The impact of disasters in terms of human casualties, damage to houses and critical infrastructure, and crop losses can be predicted because of this modern technology, he added.

For this project, AusAID and Geoscience Australia will also be working closely with the Office of Civil Defense, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Once developed, the new risk models will be made available to all local governments in Metro Manila, thus allowing governments and communities to better understand their vulnerability to disasters so they can prepare and fund their own disaster action plans.

The risk assessment, Mitra said, is only one of three components where the Australian government can lend its expertise to the country’s disaster preparedness program.

The data set would be likewise used in searching for communities at risk and in places better and safer for relocation purposes.

Through the help of the Philippine Red Cross, the Australian Embassy will train members of communities in first aid and rescue efforts since they are the first to respond to  disasters.

After assessing the data, the next step would be to change policies, land-use plans and building design, including the relocation of settlers.

Pilot site

Mitra said the Australian government was still not sure if this will be adopted in other municipalities in Metro Manila, but it has chosen Taguig City as its pilot site.

The estimated cost of the project is $62.9 million, half to be shouldered by Australian government. The Taguig city government is expected to provide $29.10 million (P1.2 billion) in counterpart funding.

Erika Geronimo, AusAid project coordinator, said the funding does not only mean cash but could also include in-kind contributions such as personnel and  land.

Mitra assured project stakeholders that the cost would be minimal compared to the expenses the government and international agencies spend for disaster relief efforts.