Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) plans to install additional automatic rain gauges (ARGs) in Ilocos Norte’s major river basins.
ARGs collect rainfall data which aids authorities to effectively decide during typhoon emergencies. The additional ARGs would intensify data-collection around the province.
DOST-Batac director Jonathan Viernes said2-in-1 automatic level system with rain gauge will be installed in most parts of the second district of Ilocos Norte. These include the towns of Solsona, Dingras, Batac, and Badoc; as well as the northern town of Bangui in the province’s first district.
Automatic rain gauges have already been installed in the towns of Carasi, Nueva Era and Pasuquin.
With the installation of more rain gauges, Mr. Viernes said this will help in gathering accurate rainfall data to assist the weather bureau in monitoring and forecasting.
Through the ARGs, the amount of rainfall can be easily monitored and the occurrence of floods within a six-hour span can be predicted. Flood prediction is essential in helping low-lying communities to prepare during typhoon events.
He added that the equipment and markers are now at the DOST office in Batac City ready for deployment.
“We hope to finish the installation just in time for the rainy season or before President [Benigno Simeon C.] Aquino’s term expires.