Want to report a flood? There's an app for that

Weather forecasting and disaster monitoring just got an upgrade as the mobile weather information app of the government's Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) has been expanded with another application. "Flood Patrol," developed by the Ateneo Java Wireless Competency Center (AJWCC), allows people to report floods to Project NOAH. "The application extends the flood monitoring and flood mapping service of Project Noah spearheaded by Dr. Mahar Lagmay by allowing people to report floods via the mobile phone and send it to NOAH for mapping," read a description of the project on Google Play. The Project NOAH app was  earlier launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Smart Communications Inc. It will be initially available for smartphones and tablets running Google's Android. In a post on his Twitter account, Project NOAH head Mahar Lagmay said the two apps can be downloaded from Google Play for use in Android devices. DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said the participation of all Filipinos in the effort is very important because it increases their stake in the solution to the problem. "With better awareness, you have more reason to prepare against the impacts of hazards,” he said. Smart spokesman Ramon Isberto said they are "optimizing the use of technology and connectivity as tools to build the country’s capabilities for disaster preparedness and mitigation.” (See the review of the Project NOAH app here.) It also allows a user to share screenshots or text contents to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bluetooth, or Gmail. The app also supports animated overlays (MTSAT, Doppler, Chance of Rain) and has "very flexible settings." — Shaira Panela/BM, GMA News