Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: This study focused on the development of Flood Early Warning Device that mitigated the detrimental effects of flooding which has been dubbed as one of the most destructive natural phenomena in the Philippines specifically, in the Eastern Visayas Region. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The researcher adopted the prototyping model as a guide in the development of the system prototype. Prototyping-based methodology conducts the analysis, design and implementation phases simultaneously. The researcher initiates the prototyping process through the observation of the current method of relaying early warning messages to community members. The data gathered became inputs to the design and development of an early system prototype. This process is repeated until the best version of the system is developed. Once the endusers agree with the final design of the system, the researcher proceeds with the final implementation of the prototype. The researcher utilized a questionnaire based on the IBM Computer Usability Satisfaction Scale focused on evaluating the systems’ overall usability. Findings: To evaluate the overall usability of the device, end-user testing with the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management (CDRRM) Officials of Borongan City was conducted using the IBM Computer System Usability Scale. End-users evaluation resulted in a grand mean of 4.81 interpreted as Highly Usable. This implies that they find the system’s interface pleasant, organized data, found a fewer number of errors and was generally satisfied with the entire system. The various components of the device have been successfully integrated and the connection between the transmitter and receiver was successfully established. Application/Improvements: The device was developed by integrating stream flow sensors and a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) module into an Arduino Microcontroller that sends Short Message Service (SMS) warning once the speed of the stream reaches its threshold and sends another SMS once the stream flow is back to its normal speed. The device will ease the level of severity of flood and could provide time for an early evacuation procedure in order to save lives and properties as well.

Keywords: Flood, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Sensor, Short Message Service (SMS), Warning Device