The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has highlighted the use of its HazardHunterPH website and mobile application as a way to provide near-real-time hazard information to the public and government agencies.
Phivolcs Technology Officer John Harold Taguzo demonstrated the platform’s capabilities, which allow users to identify nearby active faults, earthquake-related risks, volcanic hazards, and hydrometeorological threats, including floods, landslides, storm surges, and strong winds.
The site also generates downloadable multi-hazard assessment reports free of charge.
Earthquake alerts and integrated hazard mapping
Taguzo explained that the system’s earthquake monitoring function issues audible alerts when tremors are detected by the Philippine Seismic Network.
A buzzer sounds for quakes below magnitude 4.0, while a siren alerts users to events of magnitude 5.0 or higher.
He clarified that while the alerts are issued in near real time, earthquakes cannot be predicted.
The platform also integrates data from the state weather bureau, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), providing typhoon tracks identical to those on the agency’s official website.
Users can access hazard maps filtered by region, province, or municipality in multiple formats, including KMZ, JPEG, and PNG.
HazardHunterPH was developed by Filipino programmers and recently received recognition at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva for its contribution to geohazard awareness and mitigation.
READ MORE: How does the Philippines prepare for powerful earthquakes like the ‘Big One’?
Local planning and community resilience
Phivolcs also showcased companion tools such as GeoMapperPH and GeoAnalyticsPH, which assist government agencies with data collection, visualisation, and risk analysis.
GeoMapperPH allows for simultaneous mapping and participatory geographic information systems (GIS), while GeoAnalyticsPH supports local authorities in land use planning and in assessing vulnerable populations and facilities.
“These tools aim to help communities understand existing hazards in their areas so they can plan and prepare effectively,” Phivolcs said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency.
“We do not wait for a disaster to happen before we act. We have to be proactive, and to be prepared, we have to be informed of the present hazard in our area.”
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