BALER, Aurora , Philippines – This disaster-prone province has installed its first automatic weather station (AWS) that can measure ultra violet rays, temperature, humidity and wind direction and velocity.
The AWS, donated by the Weather Philippines Foundation (WPF) based in Switzerland, was installed at the Aurora Trading Center in Barangay Calabuanan.
“The installation of the device is part of President Aquino’s modernization thrusts,” said Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Elson Egargue.
Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo said the AWS would be a great help for local folk to determine whether there is need for evacuation during bad weather.
The governor also led in the groundbreaking rites for the P7-million multi-purpose complex that would serve as permanent evacuation center for local folk dislocated by disasters. “The center is within the Provincial Equipment Pool Office and will serve as a safe refuge for folk threatened by disasters,” Castillo said.