The construction of the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) Iloilo Synoptic and Doppler Radar Station, which started in 2012, in Brgy. Buntatala, Jaro of this city will soon be completed.
The project is expected to be finished by June in time for the start of rainy days but delay will extend the completion for another month. However, the project will surely be finished within the year, said DOST-PAGASA OIC Deputy Administrator for Operations and Services Dr. Landrico Dalida, Jr at the ‘Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities.’
The completion of the first Doppler radar station in Western Visayas worth some P100 million will further boost efforts of DOST to enhance forecasting, accuracy and timeliness of weather conditions in the region.
One of the features of the Doppler radar is that it can provide real time information on rain intensity and volume within the range of 500 kms.
Another feature of the Doppler radar is that it can identify thunderstorm more accurately which would help lessen anxiety of residents.
The Doppler radar station which is being constructed at the lot donated by the Department of Agriculture at the compound of the Western Visayas Agriculture and Reseach Consortium (WESVIARC) will also complement other weather and water monitoring equipment that were installed by DOST in other parts of the region.
The monitoring and water equipment include 12 Automated Weather Station (AWS), 27 Automated Rain Gauges (ARGs), 16 Water Level Monitoring Stations (WLMS) and 11 ARG with WLMS set up in the provinces of Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Aklan and Capiz. (PIA)
