MMDA to hold ‘surprise’ earthquake drills

Metro Manila shake drill volunteers perform the “duck, hold and cover” technique in this file photo taken at the LRT-2 train depot in Santolan, Pasig. CHRISTIAN VENUS / Inquirer Volunteer

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will launch a surprise earthquake drill this month of July but maintained it will not announce its exact date to set a “more realistic” scenario during evacuation.

“No one can predict when an earthquake will happen. We must be prepared at all times so we want the shake drill announced unannounced,” MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

“We will not be announcing the exact date of the shake drill. [The] public will only be informed on the day of the drill,” Garcia added.

The drill, which will run for three days, aims to prepare the public for “The Big One,” or the possible 7.2-magnitude earthquake that authorities say would jolt Metro Manila anytime.

READ: How to prepare for the Big One and other hazards in 8 steps

Metro Manila Shake Drill Secretariat head Michael Salalima, meanwhile, said that telecommunications networks will broadcast the drill on a certain day, while radio stations will sound an alert announcing its beginning.

“What we want to evaluate is the people’s level of awareness and discipline instilled during the past three years,” Salalima said.

According to the MMDA’s statement, Navotas, Malabon and Manila will use the Intramuros Golf Course as an evacuation area.

Quezon City, Caloocan, Valenzuela, San Juan, on the other hand, will use the Veterans’ Memorial Medical Center Golf Course and Quezon Memorial Circle.

Marikina and Pasig City will use the LRT 2 Santolan Depot, while Pasay, Makati, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Pateros, and Taguig, will utilize the Villamor Golf Course as its evacuation center. /jpv

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