DOST Has Tools To Help Curb Flooding - Solidum

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is ready to provide essential tools to assess the capacity of rivers and drainage systems during heavy downpours.

- By EJ MACABABBAD

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said on Thursday that digital elevation models and forecasting tools are available at the agency to ensure a science-based approach in addressing massive flooding.

"DOST can provide the science and technology to make sure that these things are mapped well and the data are used in planning," Solidum said during a press conference at the Regional Science and Technology Week in General Santos City.

Technologies at the DOST have been in place for more than a decade to help local government units identify flood-prone areas.

For instance, the DREAM LiDAR, or the Disaster Risk and Exposure Assessment for Mitigation-Light Detection and Ranging, generates detailed 3D hazard maps using laser light.

Launched in July 2012, DREAM LiDAR began mapping major river basins in the Philippines, including those in Pampanga, Pangasinan and Cagayan de Oro.