Training Module on

THE APPLICATION OF AGROMET DATA

IN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT

DA-Regional Field Office Handbook

Training Module on

THE APPLICATION OF AGROMET DATA

IN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT

Prepared by the Water Resources Management Division

Bureau of Soils and Water Management

DA-Regional Field Office Handbook

as part of the NAFC-US PL480 Assisted Project entitled: “Establishment of Agro-Meteorological Stations in Highly Vulnerable Agricultural Areas: A Tool for Climate Change Adaptation and in the

Development of Local Early Warning System (Agromet cum Climate Change)”

Acknowledgements

The Bureau of Soils and Water Management would like to thank all those who have

contributed to this training module. In particular, the people of the Water Resources

Management Division, the dedicated staff of the US PL480 Agromet cum Climate Change

Project, to the regional focal persons from DA Regional Field Offices, and to the happy people

of recipient agencies of agromet stations.

Contents

I. Over view of the Project (Agromet cum Climate Change)

II. Familiarization of Agromet System

III. Introduction to Concept of Risk Reduction and Management and Potential

Use of Agromet Data

IV. Presentation of Existing/current projects, practices, plans, activities

undertaken per province/municipalities (Experience Sharing)

V. Workshop on the utilization of Agromet data to existing Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management Projects and Future plans of different

provinces/municipalities

VI. Presentation of output for critiquing/improvement

VII. References

Overview of the Project

“Establishment of Agro-meteorological Stations in Highly Vulnerable Agricultural Areas: A Tool for Climate Change Adaptation and in the

Development of Local Early Warning System (Agromet cum Climate Change Project)”

Background The project intends to strengthen the existing agro-meteorological stations of BSWM and establish new agro-meteorological station using automated weather stations (AWS) nationwide in irrigated, upland agricultural areas and critical watersheds. It also aims to upgrade 33 ASTI and 20 PAGASA AWS by providing sunshine duration, soil temperature, and soil moisture sensors. Moreover, this project would want to capacitate the DARFOs, SCUs, and LGUs to operate and maintain agromet stations and enhance their knowledge & skills on disaster risk reduction and management. Likewise, it aims to develop the agro-ecological zone in and around the agromet station. Agro-ecological cell/zone is a land resource mapping unit, defined in terms of climate, landform and soils or land cover having a specific range of potentials and constraint for land use. Objectives 1. Development Objectives:

Develop a national base agro-meteorological data that will cater to the needs on the design, development and management of water resources projects for the agricultural sector as a tool for mitigation and adaptation to climate change;

Develop an enabling environment in the rural areas by engaging the services of the DA-RFUs, SUCs and LGUs to operate and maintain the 100 agro-meteorological stations by 2015;

Develop a strategy on awareness and preparedness on disaster risk reduction and management at the local community influenced by the station; and

Develop the agro-ecological zone in the influenced area of the agromet stations by updating the soil map in the areas as database for crop planning and management in preparation for the adaptation to climate change.

2. Immediate Objectives

Establish/install 100 units of AWS and standard rain gauges and upgrade 33 ASTI and 20 PAGASA AWS by adding sunshine duration, soil temperature, and soil moisture sensors in their existing 6 sensors.

Involve the LGU’s and upland farmers in the collection, monitoring & simple analysis of agromet data.

Train staff of BSWM, DARFUs, LGUs, SCUs, NGO, and other stakeholders in the collection, monitoring and simple analysis of agromet data & disaster risk reduction and management.

Update soil map within the identified agro-ecological zones for each agromet station.

Develop a GIS on the agro-meteorological data that will cater to crop damages mitigation and disaster risk reduction management in the locality.

Improve agro-meteorological data management of BSWM.

Strengthen networking among concerned agencies on agro-meteorological data collection and standardization.

PROJECT PROFILE: Title: Establishment of Agro-Meteorological Stations in Highly

Vulnerable Agricultural Areas: A Tool for Climate Change Adaptation and in the Development of Local Early Warning System (Agromet cum Climate Change)

a. Funding Source: Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries formerly known

as National Agricultural and Fishery Council

b. Implementing Agency: BSWM

c. Cooperating Agency: DOST-Advance Science and Technology Institute (ASTI)

Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services

Administration (PAGASA) Rice Watch Action Plan (RWAN)

d. Total Project Cost: P 175.0M

e. Duration: 3 years (2011-2013) with time extension up to 2015

Familiarization of the Agromet System

Background Agrometeorology or Agromet is the science that applies knowledge in weather and climate to qualitative and quantitative improvement in agricultural production. Agricultural activities are influenced by weather and climate events. The benefit of understanding these events help in the establishment of techniques that result in a healthier agricultural industry. It is therefore very important for farmers, researchers or persons interested in agriculture, to know that there are daily, seasonal, and annual variations that play a vital role in crop response and survival. Knowledge of available environmental resources and conditions from below the soil surface through the soil-air interface to the lower atmosphere provides guidance for strategic decisions in long-range planning of agricultural systems. This information can be used for a wide range of activities such as planning and evaluating crop production, determining maturity dates early and late frost occurrences, etc. Traditionally, weather observers manually read instruments in an agromet station. However, with advances in technology agromet stations equipped with devices that automatically interpret sensors measurement and automatically store and transmit its data is now becoming common. Also, it has stand-alone features and can be deployed in remote areas. Stations operate continuously as they get power from the sun, backed-up by internal rechargeable batteries. These stations are equipped with a mini-computer that intelligently controls all the functions and data communication of the station. Weather data are automatically sent wirelessly to the central server. Data gathered from remote stations are made accessible to concerned individual or agencies for interpretation and further analysis over the internet, through a web-based monitoring portal. Agromet data and information will be disseminated to farmers and communities for better farm operational decisions like scheduling of irrigation and projecting of fertilizer demand. Objectives At the end of the activity, the participants should be knowledgeable on:

1. AWS Sensors and weather parameters to be measured;

2. AWS data transmission; 3. Visualization of data through internet; and 4. Standard Rain Gauge (SRG).

Tools and Materials

a) Actual AWS on site

b) Computer c) Internet connection

Procedures Agromet Station site visit and hands-on lecture on: (Refer to Agromet Station: System Features for detailed information)

1. Data Transmission from AWS to its website;

2. AWS Sensors and weather parameters measured;

3. Visualization of data through internet; and 4. Standard Rain Gauge (SRG).

SYSTEM FEATURES

Standalone Power - the unit is powered by a 10W solar panel and a 12Volts rechargeable lead acid battery. Automatic Data Transmission - the system uses the cellular network for sending data from remote areas to the main server. Data are sent via SMS or text messaging. Large Data Storage - it is a 16Mbit flash memory is used for data storage wherein data, as well as important system details are saved. Remote Configuration - the settings and configuration of the unit are done via SMS by authorized users. Intelligent Control System - it is the unit is controlled by ASTI developed (GSM Data Acquisition Terminal) platform powered by miniature computer chip.

Multi-Parameter Weather Sensor A compact and lightweight sensor which measures wind speed and direction, air temperature, air humidity, air pressure and solar radiation.

Solar Panel A device which collects solar energy to power the station while simultaneously charging its backup battery.

Agromet Station of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management

Sunshine Duration Sensor It measures sunshine duration. It has no moving parts and uses 3 photo-diodes with specially designed diffusers to make an analogue calculation of when it is sunny.

Automatic Rain Gauge It is a tipping bucket type of instrument used to gather and measure the amount of rainfall over a set period of time.

Soil Temperature and Moisture (15 and 30 cm depth) Measure the water con- tent and temperature of the soil.

Advance Remote Data Acquisition Unit (arQ) It is the brain and heart of the system. It controls all the functions and data communication of the station.

AGROMET SYSTEM DATA TRANSMISSION The system is composed of four elements:

a) Agromet station; b) Network provider; c) Central server; and d) Computer.

The Agromet Stations automatically gathers data from the weather sensors every 15 minutes. These data are sent to the central server through network providers such as Smart, Globe or Sun. The data are stored in a central server located in Quezon City. While the data is stored in the central server it is then deployed and is readily available in the internet. These data can be viewed and downloaded in any computer provided that it is connected in the internet. There is also a provision that these data will be sent from the Agromet Station to the central server via satellite. From the satellite, the data will be sent to Earth Stations. The Earth station is connected to the central server which will be deployed and readily available in the internet.

Introduction to Concept of Risk Reduction And Management And Potential Use Of Agromet data

Objectives At the end of the session, the following objectives should be met:

1. Enhanced farmers’ knowledge on the vulnerability and risks potential of their respective areas; and

2. Enhanced farmers’ awareness on the different Agromet data and its importance/application in the development of local flood early warning systems.

Tools and Materials Presentations/visual aids, Manila paper, metacards and pen, crayons, masking tape

Procedures Lectures and workshops Activity 1: Lecture and discussions on the awareness of disasters and its effect and the different weather data that influenced the flooding (See Lecture: Activity 1).

The facilitator presents about the basic definitions and concepts of flood and its impacts.

The facilitator may give examples of flooding that hit the country and the corresponding damage it brought.

The facilitator can present data on the number of people affected or killed, properties damaged and loss of livelihood.

The facilitator should discuss the different AGROMET data that can influence the occurrence of flooding.

o Rainfall intensity o Pressure o Temperature o Humidity o Wind speed/direction

Activity 2: Lecture and Workshop on the Awareness on the Risk Potential and Vulnerabilities of the Area The facilitator may start the lecture by discussing what is flood, how flood occurs and what are the factors that may influence its occurrence and magnitude. The concept of watershed or drainage area and hydrologic cycle should be reviewed. The following information can help the facilitator. The facilitator will lecture and discuss the definition of risk and vulnerability. The discussion will focus on the awareness of risk and vulnerability of the area influenced by the agromet. After the lecture, the facilitator will discuss the mechanics of the workshop, to wit;

1. The facilitator will divide the participants into groups (group per location relative to the distance from agromet) and identify the group leader.

2. Using the paper and pen that will be provided, each group will draw/sketch the vulnerability/flood prone area map of each area (if vulnerability map is not available) and plot the location of the agromet. If the group could not locate the agromet site, the facilitator will assist in locating it on the map.

3. Each group should also plot other monitoring equipment available near the agromet (ARG, staff gauge at rivers, and Water Level Monitoring System, etc.).

4. The map should also include land forms, especially the high and low-lying areas (flood prone areas);

bodies of water like rivers, lakes, oceans (coastal areas); dams (if there is any); residential areas;

churches, schools, covered courts, and other establishments that can serve as evacuation centers.

5. Each group will locate the influence area of the agromet (5 km. radius) taking reference to rivers or waterways and affected areas.

6. Each group will identify the land use or location of farms and houses of farmer- cooperators within the influence area on the map.

7. Each group will identify those houses and farms including names of owners/farmers which are prone to say 1.0 meter or 2.0 meters flood level (if historical data is available).

8. Each group will identify those places that could serve as evacuation center in case of disaster. 9. The facilitator will or the group will select the presenter of the output. 10. After the presentation of each group, the facilitator will summarize the output of the activity.

Lecture: Activity 1

A disaster is something (such as a flood, tornado, fire, plane crash, etc.) that happens suddenly and

causes much suffering or loss to many people (Merriam Webster Dictionary). One of the prominent

natural disasters is the flood.

Flood is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the volume of water flowing in a system exceeds its

total water holding capacity. It is relatively high water that overflows the natural or artificial banks of

a stream, coastal area, other bodies of water, and accumulation of water by drainage over areas

which are not normally submerged.

Causes of Flooding:

Natural causes like excessive rainfall as a result of certain weather system, seismic activities,

and/or tides

Man-made causes not limited to the following:

- land conversions/surface alterations

- building of storage systems

- improper solid waste disposal

Types of Flooding:

Flash flood - a flood of short duration with a relatively high peak discharge.

Coastal flood -a flood when the coast is flooded by the sea. The cause of such a surge is a

severe storm. The storm wind pushes the water up and creates high waves. A storm is formed

in al low pressure area, as you may know.

River flood

Dam Spill flood

Flood-Related Terminologies:

Flood marks - natural marks left on a structure or objects indicating the maximum stage of floods Flood plain - nearly level land along a stream flooded only when the streamflow exceeds the

water carrying capacity of the channel Flood wave - rise in streamflow to a maximum crest and its subsequent recession caused by a

period of precipitation, dam releases, or dam failure Floodway - channel constructed to carry excess flood water in excess of the quantity that can

be carried by the stream

Remarkable disasters to hit the Philippines

September 27, 2009 was one of the most

horrible days in the Philippines. Tropical storm

“Ondoy” pummeled the country with heavy

downfall that caused massive flashfloods that

killed at least 140 people, displaced half a million

people and destroyed more than one billion

pesos worth of properties. Horrible sights of

people getting carried away with the flashfloods

and eventually drowning them with the raging

waves brought up by the flashfloods were

captured by cameras and videos that were

immediately uploaded and seen in the internet.

Vehicles were washed away like toys and

engulfed by the raging torrents and houses were

turned down causing widespread fear among the

residents affected.

At a stretch of two weeks sometime in

September 1972, heavy rains battered Luzon

area, before the declaration of Martial Law.

Floodwaters from Pampanga and Agno Rivers

submerged most parts of Central Luzon. This

flood was known to be the “Great Flood of 1972”

in Philippine disaster chronicle.

Ormoc City in Leyte was once devastated

by a colossal flood on the 15th day of November

year 1991, killing about 8,000 people, wherein

half of the victims’ bodies were never recovered.

Walls of mud and water emanating from

mountain washed away shanties and swept

people into the sea, a tragedy that brought

lamentations all over the place and in the whole

Philippines.

In September 1998, more than 900

families residing along the Pasig, Pateros,

Marikina, and Napindan (Taguig) Rivers were

submerged by floods after continuous rains.

The floods and high tides submerged 85% of

Malabon, and 26 primary and secondary roads

in Metro Manila were flooded causing major

traffic.

Disasters

and Floods

Disasters

and Floods

In November 2006, super typhoon

“Reming” caused floods and power outages

especially in the Bicol area. More than 700

people were killed, 700 were reported missing,

and at least 2,000 people sustained injuries.

This flood affected more than 3.5 million

people.

Typhoon “Frank” clobbered Western

Visayas with severe flooding in June 2008. It

affected nearly 400,000 families (about 2

million people), not more than 2,500 were left

injured, and 50,000 families were evacuated.

The province that took severe beating from

typhoon “Frank” and its triggered floods

included Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras

and Negros Occidental.

Super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) may go

down in history as the deadliest natural

disaster to hit the Philippines, with authorities

estimating at least 10,000 dead on one island

alone.

Haiyan made landfall in the eastern island of

Samar on Friday and then cut through the

central islands, causing storm surges, strong

winds and heavy rain that flattened buildings,

toppled trees and electrical poles, and washed

away houses and cars.

The provincial police chief in Leyte, one of the

hardest-hit islands, estimated that 10,000 had

died there. In Samar, a disaster management

official said 300 had died in one town alone

with 2,000 still missing.

The facilitator may give examples of flooding that hit the locality and the corresponding damage it brought. The facilitator can present data on the number of people affected or killed, properties damaged and loss of livelihood.

Presentation Of Existing/Current Projects, Practices, Plans, Activities Undertaken Per Province/Municipality (Experience Sharing)

Objective

At the end of the session the participants should be able to share and understand projects, practices

and activities related to disaster risk reduction and management among concerned

provinces/municipalities involved for their possible adaptation.

Tools and Materials

Presentations/visual aids, Manila paper, crayons and marker

Procedures

Workshop

Activity 3:

1. Same grouping from previous activities.

2. Each group will prepare a presentation about their existing projects, practices and activities

related to DRRM.

3. Each group will have a representative to present their output.

4. After the presentations, the facilitator will summarize the outputs.

Utilization Of Agromet Data To Existing Disaster Risk Reduction And Management Projects And Activities And Future Plans Of Different Provinces/Municipalities

Objective

At the end of the session the participants should be able to understand how to utilize AWS data to

their existing projects, practices and future plans on DRRM.

Tools and Materials

Presentations/visual aids, Manila paper, bond paper, ballpen/pencil and marker

Procedures

Workshop

Activity 4:

1. The same group from Activity 3 will discuss within their members the usage of AWS data to

their existing projects, practices and usage to future plans on DRRM.

2. If the group has no project or plan on DRRM, they will make a proposal of what program they

will adapt from other groups and how they will incorporate the usage of AWS data to it.

3. Each group will present their output.

4. The facilitators will review the output of the activity and make necessary appraisal for

improvement.

III. References

Climate Field School Facilitators’ Manual Climate Resiliency Field School-Local Climate Information Center:

A Reference Manual for LGUs

General Howitzer Hub Pages, published on the web

EM-DAT, The international Disaster Database, published on the web

Merriam Webster Dictionary

NOAA National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, published on the web