NDRRMC to hold nationwide earthquake drill 

In this June 23, 2016 file photo, participating in a drill, a girl and a woman enact a scene that may play out should a massive earthquake hit the country. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Thousands are expected to participate in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) first Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on Thursday.

Sirens will go off at 2 p.m., which will sound the start of the supposed 8.2 magnitude earthquake. The ceremonial venue will be at the Dinagyang Grandstand in Iloilo City.

The earthquake will simulate the scenarios of the 1948 Lady Caycay earthquake which devastated Panay Island, the NDRRMC said.

Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu will represent Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana as guest of honor and speaker.

The drill will test the response of rescue and assessments teams: search, rescue and retrieval operations; emergency telecommunications; and food distribution, among other things. /cbb