The continuous supply of electricity is the main concern of electric cooperatives (ECs) in the country, during times of natural calamities like strong typhoons or habagat (southwest monsoon) episodes. that topple down power lines and put entire communities in darkness. Similarly, this is every housewife’s nightmare, when electricity is out and she has to prepare the day’s meal.
Because of these fortuitous events, the National Electrification Administration or NEA, the government agency overseeing the electric cooperatives consulted the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards or Project NOAH for information regarding the changing weather patterns, natural hazards and their impact and disaster preparedness. The consultation is an important input in the formulation of the NEA’s contingency plans.
During NEA’s 45th anniversary celebration recently, DOST Assistant Secretary and co-project leader of Project NOAH Raymund E. Liboro presented to more than a thousand representatives of ECs the DOST’s disaster preparedness programs aimed at addressing the problems brought about by climate change.
Asec. Liboro emphasized that the ECs serve as the vital “lifelines” that will keep the community going and act as the important link in restoring normalcy after devastation by strong typhoons or earthquake. Thus, they have to prepare for the worst scenarios. It is then important for them to get the correct and timely information about the hazards. Aside from this, they must also know what they should do before, during and after a calamity in order to minimize the ill-effects of disasters.
“Project NOAH is a digital platform of weather and hazard information that provides us a six-hour lead time before the occurrence of flood thereby allowing us ample time to prepare,” Asec. Liboro informed the group. “Likewise, with this tool we can track the path of the typhoon and anticipate the extent of possible damage strong winds and heavy rainfall may cause.”
NEA Administrator Edita S. Bueno said that by tapping Project NOAH, they hope to sustain the success of the Sitio and Barangay Energization Program. She further underscored the need to synchronize their work plans with those of DOST in developing initiatives and strengthening capabilities of the member ECs in adapting to the risks involved. (S&T Media Service) #disasterpreparedness #projectNOAH #dostPH #electricpower #neaPH
