Typhoon Carina left the Philippine area of responsibility on the morning of July 25, 2024, but PAGASA warned that the southwest monsoon or “habagat” will still dump rains to western parts of Luzon until this weekend.
Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), an initiative of the University of the Philippines and UP Resilience Institute, helps Filipinos assess the risk of floods, landslides, and storm surges in their area.
By using this link (https://noah.up.edu.ph/) and placing a location, one can check if the area is passable, see its hazard levels (low in yellow, medium in orange, high in red), and receive disaster guidance.
The hazard levels are “based on flood simulations as well as satellite and historical data” which include assessment at the barangay level.
“NOAH works to raise Filipinos’ awareness of natural hazards. We believe that an increased awareness of disaster risk is key in cultivating culture of preparedness and reducing the catastrophic impacts of extreme hazard events,” the project wrote.
During a flood, the tool advises avoiding walking through floodwater without protection, turning off electrical appliances and LPG tanks, and preparing to evacuate if heavy rainfall is forecasted.
Meanwhile, survival kits should have one gallon of water per person, non-perishable food, flashlights, first-aid medications, sanitation items, copies of personal documents, phones with chargers, emergency contacts, extra cash, and emergency blankets.