Abstract

Responding to an Oil Spill Disaster:The Guimaras, Philippines Experience
Track: Disaster Management and Emergency Response
Authors: Evan Anthony Arias

On 11 August 2006, the tanker MT Solar 1, carrying two million liters of Petron Corporation's bunker fuel sank off the southern coast of Guimaras Island and contaminated marine and coastal environments resulting to an environmental and economic disaster directly affecting 60 percent of the island's residents who depend on fishing for their livelihood. In response to the disaster, socio-economic data were interfaced with the geo-database containing layers on existing land and water use maps and aerial photos to map out affected areas and population and guide responders on immediate actions needed. This enabled a geo-statistical analysis for informed decision-making. Rapid damage assessment revealed that the effects of the spill have resulted to significant impacts on social, economic and environmental aspects of the island. The project provided a model on how GIS can aid response to disasters such as oil spills and improve efficiency in identifying impacts to affected ecosystems.