From a Rappler reader: Dear Sir, The data available on the PAGASA weather update page is appallingly amateurish and not a showcase for the governments acknowledgement that better disaster risk management is required and is in place. When I logged onto the website early this morning, the wind and barometric maps were showing 12th July 2014 data. I know that the government has admitted that internet availability and speed in the Philippines is holding back the country in all areas but I think that the fact they cannot use internet and mobile phone technology to assist efficiently in the case of disaster risk management displays a total lack of thought in the relevant agencies. I hate it when people say, Oh well, welcome to the Philippines ! This country should not have to put up with the ineptitude shown by persons supposedly responsible for such developments. The news channels are full of general information but one has to remember that those in the path of the typhoon are often without power and therefore unable to follow reports. The PAGASA website is similarly useless where there is no power and where the majority of Filipinos in areas badly affected by typhoons may not have a computer or laptop. Up until earlier this year there was a perfect application for the smartphone called iTyphoon, specifically designed for individuals to track storms approaching and entering the Philippines area of responsibility and give details of timing/strength, etc. It was a private venture but sadly is no longer operating with the owner citing difficulties with the server. Navera Caceres Technology Solutions Inc are credited with the programme development. I was living in Singapore and had better information through this app about the status of Typhoons in the area than my colleagues in Philippines. I often called them to warn them of the track and to make preparations. Can you ask why the government has not tried to develop an app for the mobile phone to access PAGASA (or other) data. Yours respectfully, Philip Williams
Posted on: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 09:54:10 +0000
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