#DomengPH: Help map critical reports

MANILA, Philippines – Tropical Storm Domeng (international name Peipah) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Sunday night, April 6. By the latest forecast of PAGASA, the storm will make landfall by Thursday morning, April 10 in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

PAGASA said that Domeng is forecast to traverse the Surigao provinces, southern Cebu, Bohol, Negros island and Coron, Palawan. The provinces that may be affected include those still recoveirng from the devastation of caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and flooding caused by weather systems this year.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Project NOAH has identified a total of 134 stations out of 4,884 stations across the country where the storm surge and tide could hike the water level but at least two meters. The storm tide prediction was generated using Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) storm surge model results and is valid from April 6 to April 9.

WeatherPhilippines Foundation, a non-governmental organization that delivers weather forecasts, in a report on Monday, said the tropical depression might make landfall on Thursday afternoon, April 10.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) advised local government units to prepare for the typhoon's landfall.

Crowdsourced alert map

Rappler is activating its Project Agos Alert Map, a crowdsourced map that can be used by disaster management officials, responders, and the public to monitor and respond to critical alerts.

You can help report critical information such as flooding, road or building damage, or those who need rescue or assistance using the Agos Alert Map. Rappler's MovePH team will monitor the map and alert the relevant local authorities.

How to make a direct report on the Agos Alert Map:

1. Click on the button to open the reporting form.
2. Choose whether you want to report a flood, a rescue call out or any critical information.
3. Provide the complete details, including the exact location and short description of the report.
4. You may also want to provide your contact details so Rappler or its volunteer mappers can verify the report.
5. Click on submit to send the report to Rappler. It will be mapped instantly. Refresh your page to view it.

Need rescue?

To report a person in need of rescue, tweet the full details (exact location, description of need, person in need, and contact details) to @MovePH or post on the MovePH Facebook page using #RescuePH. For example: "Areas near Buntun Bridge in waist-deep water. Rescue needed for Juan de la Cruz, contact: 0917-8383832."

When reporting flood or damage in your area, tweet @MovePH or post on the MovePH Facebook page using #FloodPH. Please include the exact location and estimated or known depth of the flood. For example: "Entrance to Provident Village, Marikina in gutter-level water."

You can also submit direct reports on the map by clicking on the Report button at the top right, as well as share the mapped reports via Twitter.

This information will be monitored by Rappler and a team of volunteers.

Rappler will provide the information on the map to the Office of Civil Defense, the secretariat of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other responders like the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for appropriate action.

Volunteers needed

MovePH is looking for volunteer map curators to help scan social media for flood and rescue reports and place them on the map. Map curators can also help flag spam reports or other false information on the map. Volunteers can sign up to staff designated shifts here. (READ: PH+SocialGood Heroes wanted)

The Philippine government and other volunteer groups are also monitoring the #FloodPH and #RescuePH hashtags. (READ: Disaster response and volunteerism) – Rappler.com

Disclaimer: Information based on data collected by WeatherPhilippines Foundation, Inc. shall not be taken as official data. Weather information broadcasted and distributed by PAGASA remains as official data.