The University of the Philippines Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (UP NOAH) is doing everything possible to help inform Filipinos about flooding in their area. As Typhoon Carina continues to sweep over the National Capital Region and submerge cities in flood, UP NOAH emerges as one of the most reliable tools. This innovative platform provides real-time flood hazard maps, letting Filipinos assess their situation and look for safer routes and areas. Read on to learn more about this fantastic home-grown tech.

What is UP NOAH?

The late former President Noynoy Aquino launched Project NOAH in 2011 after Tropical Storm Sendong battered the Philippines. Geologist Mahar Lagmay was appointed project head and is currently UP NOAH’s Executive Director. The task was to combine science and technology for disaster risk reduction management and give Filipinos critical information during natural calamities.

“It uses a variety of advanced technologies to deliver accurate and reliable hazard information, such as early warning systems and hazard maps,” stated the company’s website.

In 2017, the government shut down Project NOAH due to a “lack of funds.” Thankfully, UP adopted the project and relaunched the UP Resilience Institute with the NOAH as its flagship program. Today, a team of scientists and researchers are working at UP NOAH to deliver reliable disaster risk reduction info to Filipinos anywhere.

UP NOAH’s website “provides critical information for disaster prevention based on near real-time weather data, flood and landslide hazard maps, storm surge inundation maps, and the identification of local critical facilities.” To check the hazard levels, one just has to type in one’s location on the map.

For example, if you’re concerned about Nangka in Marikina City, a quick check on the UP NOAH website can reveal a “High Flood Hazard Level,” allowing you to take necessary precautions. The hazard levels are displayed in an easy-to-understand color scheme: yellow for low, orange for medium, and red for high flood risk.

In addition to website access, UP NOAH also has an app for download.

How UP NOAH has helped Filipinos

Lagmay, who has been tirelessly working on this project for over a decade, shared on social media how heartwarming it is to know that UP NOAH is a huge help for Filipinos.

“Hi sir [Mahar], salamat po pala sa app na NOAH,” said one X user. “Noong time na may tatlong bagyo na si [Ulysses] nakalikas kami kasi tinignan namin yung map. Nung una halos ayaw namin umalis kasi feeling namin safew kami pero dahil sa map pinilit namin umalis at pumunta sa safe.”

Meanwhile, others are expressing their support and spreading the word about the project:

Amazed at this very informative real-time depiction of Metro Manila’s hazard level under #CarinaPH courtesy of UPRI-UP NOAH: https://t.co/3feSSBohZ1.

Remember, it was Rodrigo Duterte who shut down Project NOAH began by the Aquino III admin. Thankfully UP took it under its wing. pic.twitter.com/fAPV1CIh3r

— Kristoffer Pasion (@indiohistorian) July 24, 2024

You can help UP NOAH’s research – here’s how

Since they have limited manpower, the team is asking its social media followers on July 24 to note the flooded areas in their vicinity and, if possible, take photos of them, too. “We will archive your posts for validation purposes and future use in the country’s disaster risk reduction efforts,” the post read.

Those who want to help can take a photo of the flooded area, go to the UP NOAH website, locate the area on the map, and take a screenshot. Then, upload both photos on social media and tag them on Facebook or UP NOAH Executive Director Mahar Lagmay (@nababaha) on X (formerly Twitter).

Know your neighborhood before the floods happen.#CarinaPH pic.twitter.com/mLRdxacBv9

— Mahar Lagmay (@nababaha) July 24, 2024

Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube, to be the first to know about the latest news and coolest trends!