The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is exploring the possibility of establishing a warning system for weather disturbances such as the shear line, or the convergence of cold and warm winds that trigger rains, among other phenomena.
This follows the recommendation OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s directive for a whole-of-government approach to disaster response.
In a recent interview on the Civil Defense In Action program, OCD spokesperson Director Chris Noel Bendijo emphasized the preliminary nature of this initiative.
“The intention of Usec. Ariel is to craft an alert system that not only informs the public about what is happening but also clearly identifies the type of disaster,” he stated. “We want to avoid confusion—if there’s a tsunami, people should know not to head to low-lying areas.”
Bendijo highlighted the unique challenges posed by the shear line, noting their potential to produce more rainfall than tropical cyclones.
“Our administrator, Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno, has always stressed that we should not underestimate the shear line. This is a new weather phenomenon that we must take seriously, as it can lead to significant rainfall and flooding,” he said.
Bendijo also explained, “the peculiar thing about the shear line is that it can result in cloud formations that are often confined to a specific area, leading to concentrated rainfall. We need to develop a warning system that can effectively alert people about these conditions.”
The OCD official likewise underscored the importance of coordination with science-based agencies such as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
“The science-based agencies are the experts when it comes to weather and disaster management. It’s crucial that our response efforts are based on accurate and timely information,” he said.
Bendijo also noted the need for a dedicated warning system for shear line, distinct from existing tropical cyclone signals.
“We are trying to talk to Pagasa if they can develop a warning system. For the meantime, our regional offices are providing real-time updates about what’s happening on the ground,” he said
The OCD plans to discuss this matter further in the upcoming National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), where its chairperson, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. will play a key role in guiding the conversation.