The city government on Tuesday received 24 sets of earthquake early warning device (EWD) with automatic rain gauges from the Taiwan National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR), boosting this city’s capabilities to relay timely warnings to barangays.
Each set consists of a PX01, a 1U rack-type smart earthquake central datalogger featuring dynamic voice alarms, relay control outputs with the ability to connect up to 5 Sanlien seismic sensors; P-Alert, a seismic detection powerhouse equipped with advanced P-wave technology; stainless steel tipping bucket rain gauge; I-Touch, a touchscreen device that shows earthquake peak ground acceleration; backup power; network switch and data cabinet.
The deed of donation for the devices were signed by NCDR director Dr. Hongey Chen and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, and witnessed by Dr. Wei Senli from NCDR and Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Donna Magno, at the city hall.
In his message, Treñas said the rain gauges give decision-makers the actual data on dealing with rainfall, allowing the city government to relay proper warnings to flood-prone barangays.
The 24 sets of EWDs, installed across various locations in Iloilo City, including government offices, barangays, schools, and business establishments, can record real-time rainfall data and detect the P-waves of earthquakes, enabling them to provide a crucial four-second lead time prior to the actual tremors.
Iloilo City became the recipient of the devices after it was recognized as one of the pilot local government units of the National Resilience Council (NRC) in its Resilient LGUs program in 2017.
In 2019, the city government signed a memorandum of cooperation with the NRC, NCDR and the Manila Observatory on joint efforts to improve regional resilience against natural hazards, enhance its early warning systems and provide real-time rainfall data and earthquake monitoring.
Treñas also thanked the NCDR for the disaster risk reduction training it has provided to city government employees. (PNA)
