DOST launches HazardHunter app 29 yrs after deadly 1990 earthquake

The HazardHunter PH app, which provides hazard assessment of areas in the country, has been launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its attached agencies exactly 29 years since the deadly magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit Luzon in 1990.

DOST Undersecretary Renato Solidum, Jr. noted that the HazardHunter PH app initiative is one way of preventing the 1990 catastrophe brought by tremor wherein at least 1,660 people died and resulted in P12 billion worth of damages, considering that the app will provide assessment of seismic, volcanic, and hydro-meteorologic hazards of an area entered by the app’s user thru its website.

Specifically, the seismic hazards include information on the nearest active fault, ground rupture, ground shaking, liquefaction, tsunami, and earthquake-induced landslide.

Volcanic hazard data, on the other hand, will include the nearest active volcano, ballistic projectiles, base surge, seiche (wave), nearest potentially active volcano and nearest inactive volcano

Last but not the least, the hydro-meteorologic data would include floods, storm surges, and rain induced landslides.

“In 1990, nagkaroon ng bitak bitak ang mga lupa, ‘yung fault or ground rupture, tapos intensity 8 ang lindol sa [rest of Luzon], intensity 6 sa Metro Manila. Maraming nasirang bahay, landslide…nabarahan ang mga kalsada kaya natagalan ang search and rescue, nahirapan ang mga rescuers; lumambot ang mga lupa, ‘yung tinatawag na quicksand,” Solidum said.

“Yung nangyari, epekto rin ng dahilan na hindi pa masyadong alam ng mga tao ‘yung posibleng mangyari, hindi pa nila alam kung paano mag responde, kung ano ang tamang gawin sa ganoong sitwasyon. Nahirapan tayo maganticipate ng mga mangyayari. Itong HazardHunter, hangarin nitong magbigay ng tamang assessment ng mga hazard at epekto nito para tayo’y mas makapaghanda at maging ligtas,” Solidum added.

On top of hazard maps, the HazardHunter app also shows exposure data such as the location of critical facilities such as schools, hospital and road system.

A detailed explanation of the hazards and the recommendations of government authorities are also provided by the app.

DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña, for his part, noted that the new app is a will pave the way for a more coordinated and efficient response between government agencies during natural and man-made calamities.

“Many agencies are involved in producing hazard maps and in gathering geospatial data critical to disaster risk assessment, land use and development planning.  However, data are managed independently, hampering quick access of critical data for planning and decision making from the national to local levels,” Dela Peña said.

"The DOST is here to provide a solution for the public to have a quick and easy access to hazards information for better preparedness," Dela Peña added.

The user of the HazardHunter app can enter the location for hazard assessment by: directly typing the location or address, activating search location address, using the GPS location provided by the desktop computer or typing the coordinates of the location.

The HazardHunter app, however, is limited to desktop access for now since the mobile app is still being developed.

The HazardHunter app is part of the government’s P40 million GeoRisk Philippines project which seeks to provide geospatial information management, analysis project for hazards and risk assessment in the country. — MDM, GMA News