Davao City to install cameras to monitor rise in water level

DAVAO CITY -- The local government will mount cameras in six river channels to monitor water levels during heavy rainfall.

Rodrigo Bustillo, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) operations officer, said the cameras will be set up in Lipadas River, Matina, Talomo, Davao River, Bunawan, and Lasang.

"We have to establish river cameras, same with the coastal areas so that when it rains, we can give advisories to the people efficiently," Bustillo said during Wednesday’s AFP-PNP press corps briefing.

The early warning system will enable the CDRRMO to "estimate how fast the water can flow to the urban area,” he said.

Bustillo said they are looking to complete the installation within the year or in the first half of 2020, adding the whole system is estimated to cost PHP20 million.

Currently, the CDRRMO is monitoring the Lipadas River through the water level of Davao River and Bunawan; the Davao River through Bukdinon, Marilog and Tamugan; and Bunawan through Fatima in Paquibato, he said.

“We have the 911, barangay volunteers ready to respond and to rescue," Bustillo said, adding the city government aims to maintain its zero-casualty target during emergency situations, such as flooding. (PNA)