Living in the Philippines means being prepared for a variety of natural disasters. From floods and landslides to storm surges, staying informed about potential hazards in your area is crucial. Thankfully, the University of the Philippines’ Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) has you covered.
Launched in 2012, NOAH is an online platform offering a user-friendly map that displays hazard levels for floods, landslides, and storm surges across the Philippines. It was initially a project by the Department of Science and Technology but was later adopted by the UP Resilience Institute after funding limitations forced its closure in 2017.
How to Use NOAH:
Using NOAH is simple. Head over to noah.up.edu.ph and enter your location in the search bar. Alternatively, you can click “Your Current Location” to instantly see your area’s hazard levels.
The map will highlight potential risks through color-coding: yellow for low hazard, orange for medium, and red for high. The website also provides detailed information about each hazard type for your specific location.
Beyond location-specific hazard levels, NOAH displays critical facilities near you, such as hospitals, health centers, and schools. This information proves invaluable during emergencies, helping you identify potential shelters and resources nearby.
For the Tech-Savvy:
For those wanting a more in-depth experience, NOAH offers “Noah Studio.” This feature allows users to customize the map with additional layers like 3D terrain, weather satellite imagery, and even Internet of Things (IoT) data. Keep in mind that some features are still under development.
Staying Prepared:
NOAH is a powerful tool for disaster preparedness. By understanding the potential hazards in your area, you can take proactive measures to safeguard yourself and your loved ones. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in the face of natural disasters.
So next time you’re wondering about the risks in your neighborhood, head over to NOAH and empower yourself with knowledge!
NOAH: Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards
NOAH STUDIO
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