PHIVOLCS launches VolcanoPH Info app

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) launched a mobile application, VolcanoPH Info, to help the public be informed on volcano hazards and preparedness.

According to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), VolcanoPH Info gives real-time advisory infographic updates on active volcanoes monitored by the PHIVOLCS.

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“The system will enable the user to see the updates first on the app after we have posted it to the DOST-PHIVOLCS website and have disseminated the information to the proper authorities,” said PHIVOLCS chief Undersecretary Dr. Renato Solidum Jr.

VolcanoPH Info will help users understand the current volcano status along with its alert level warnings.

Users select from a list of active volcanoes on the homepage and check alert level warning status, monitoring parameters, and recommendations in Filipino language.

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The app also provides information on seismicity or the number of volcanic earthquakes monitored, the acidity level and temperature of the main crater lake, the level of sulfur dioxide being spewed by the volcano, and the volcanic plume level the gas and particles produced by the volcano.

PHIVOLCS launches VolcanoPH Info app for volcano advisories

It also shows possible risks due to volcanic activity such as ground deformation or cracks, sinking, and swelling of the ground.

Ma. Antonia V. Bornas, head of PHIVOLCS’ Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division, said her team is planning to use different languages for the advisories.

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“Like in Bicol, there are three languages used in the province,” she said.

The VolcanoPH Info app is available for Android users, but Solidum said the PHIVOLCS is also planning on developing the app for IOS users.

As of 2018, the PHIVOLCS have listed 24 volcanoes as active in the Philippines, 21 of which have historical eruptions.

There are 100 volcanoes in the Philippines listed by the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program (GVP) at present, of which 20 are categorized as “historical” and 59 as “Holocene”. The GVP lists volcanoes with historical, Holocene eruptions, or possibly older if strong signs of volcanism are still evident through thermal features like fumaroles, hot springs, mud pots, etc.

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