Doppler radar in Guiuan, E. Samar wrecked by super typhoon Yolanda

PAGASA's Doppler radar stationed in Guiuan, Eastern Samar was wrecked by Super Typhoon Yolanda's destructive winds, an official at the state weather bureau said Tuesday.

“Sa ngayon di na namin magamit. [Tinangay] ng hangin ang antenna,” said Edwin Mandresa, officer-in-charge of PAGASA's Engineering and Technical Services Division in a phone interview with GMA News Online.

Mandresa was referring to the radar's parabolic antenna, which was enclosed inside a spherical fiber glass radome. Both were blown from the tower.

The Japanese-donated Doppler radar was designed to withstand winds of up to 250 kph, but Yolanda's destructive 315-kph winds proved to be too much for its most vulnerable parts.

“First time na nangyari ito. Kung baga, talagang direct hit siya,” Mandresa said.

The staff manning the Doppler radar were all reported to be safe.

“So far okay naman ang personnel doon. Wala namang missing. Nilipad [lang] yung bubong ng personal quarters [nila na gawa sa] yero,” Mandresa said.

The Guiuan radar was provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) along with two others stationed in Aparri, Cagayan and Virac, Catanduanes through a P1.7-billion grant after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng ravaged the Philippines in 2009.

It only became operational last March.

“We'll ask JICA for assistance. Kung less than one year, under insurance pa 'yan e,” Mandresa said.

The local representatives of the Japan Weather Association and the Japan Radio Company are already aware of the situation, he said. Assessment of the wreckage will be the next step. — BM, GMA News