The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) admitted on Tuesday that the agencies had shortcomings in terms of warning the public of the storm surges during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda as confirmed by DOST Secretary Mario Montejo.
Sec. Montejo, Pres. Aquino, NOAH Director Lagmay (Photo: GMA News)
According to Secretary Montejo the state weather bureau PAGASA and the Project Nationwide Operational (–foul word(s) removed–)sment of Hazards (NOAH) only managed to warn the people of the height of storm surges in particular areas, but were not able to give more details about the threats they pose to coastal areas.
The DOST Secretary made his statement during an interview ABS-CBN’s radio station DZMM. He was quoted as saying, “Regarding sa awareness at kung ano ba pwedeng mangyari, talagang aminin na natin nabulaga na tayo sa laki nitong storm surge,” Montejo told dzMM.
Secretary Montejo added further that, “In fairness sa PAGASA at Project NOAH, na-predict natin ang height, actually the day before sinabi na natin mga 4.5 meters, iyan ang storm surge. Ang hindi lang talaga umabot sa ‘Yolanda’ eh ‘yung gumawa tayo ng dynamic, based on predicted typhoon track and predicted strength na inundation map… kamalas-malas talaga, hindi tayo umabot sa pagsimulate ng real time inundation map,” he told dzMM.
The shortcomings of the DOST caused heavy damages not only to the provinces of Samar and Leyte but also to nearby provinces such as Cebu and Iloilo. According to Montejo, the DOST’s inundation map should be able to show areas which would be reached by storm surges and the areas where people should evacuate.
Right now the Department of Science and Technology and concerned agencies are now working to give these vital pieces of information to the public ahead of a strong weather disturbance.
Seecretary Montejo also admitted that some people may be right when they said that the department did not exhibit enough sense of urgency in the days before the typhoon arrived.
The Philippine government estimates that ate least 2.1 million families or 10 million individuals were affected by super typhoon Yolanda with about 849,781 families displaced. The estimated cost damage to both agricultural products and infrastructures now stands at P11,737,153,892.92. NEDA also estimates that cost of rebuilding in typhoon hit areas could reach P250 billion.