The Philippine government has launched updated versions of GeoRiskPH online tools to improve disaster preparedness and response, especially as the country tops the list of highest natural disaster risks worldwide. These tools, which contain downloadable hazard maps and data on fault lines, flood zones, and storm paths, are free and open to the public, government agencies, and local government units (LGUs). .
GeoRiskPH aims to provide scientific data to help communities assess their vulnerability to natural hazards. At the launch of these enhanced tools at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized. the importance of understanding the complications of natural disasters and using data to develop disaster prevention strategies. "Disaster prevention is everyone's responsibility," according to Solidum.
First launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in 2018, GeoRiskPH's core tools include:
- **HazardHunterPH**: Allows users to access data on fault lines, earthquakes, and hurricanes. The upgraded version, HazardHunterPro, is still free but requires a login.
- **GeoAnalyticsPH**: It helps users create maps that show data such as the number of people in flood-prone areas or the proximity of important facilities, such as schools and hospitals. This facilitates rapid data analysis for decision makers, particularly LGUs, in developing disaster response plans.
**GeoMapperPH**, another tool, provides real-time updates and allows users to view and edit local disaster data, such as the size of buildings or city boundaries . Meanwhile, **PlanSmart** helps quickly create rehabilitation and recovery plans by organizing inputted data into downloadable reports.
According to the 2024 World Risk Report, the Philippines remains the most at-risk country in the world for natural disasters and the effects of climate change for three consecutive years. Recognizing this, Secretary Solidum emphasized the need for solutions to reduce the country's vulnerability.
GeoRiskPH has partnered with 20 national agencies and 52 LGUs, with 1.4 million users for HazardHunterPH and 66,000 users for GeoAnalyticsPH. DOST also held workshops to train LGUs, which have reached around 700 municipalities.
Interior Undersecretary Marlo Iringan urged LGUs to use these platforms, and suggested that their use could be included as a basis for the Seal of Good Governance, which could motivate more LGUs to adopt GeoRiskPH .
DOST first launched disaster risk tools in 2012 through Project Noah, but the program was halted in 2017. Since then, the agency has developed new applications such as GeoMapperPH, HazardHunterPH, and PlanSmart to further strengthen mitigation efforts of disaster risk.
