NDRRMC to hold earthquake drill near Manila Bay

FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—To prepare Filipinos in the occurrence of the Big One, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council will hold an earthquake drill on Wednesday near Manila Bay to simulate the scenarios after a powerful tremor jolts Metro Manila.

NDRRMC Spokesperson Romina Marasigan said the drill would simulate the scenarios when the Valley Fault system triggers a 7.2-magnitude earthquake and when the Manila Trench produces a 5.8-magnitude earthquake.

Marasigan added the drill would also anticipate the oncoming fires after the magnitude 7.2 quake and a possible tsunami after the magnitude 5.8 quake.

“What we would test here is how the people would react in the bay area when the magnitude 5.8 hits,” Marasigan said Tuesday. “But generally, we would test how the people would evacuate and respond to the situation.”

She added that even if the magnitude 5.8 strikes, data would not be immediately available and it’s up to the people on how they would respond.

In the event of a tsunami, Marasigan said, people should move further inland and seek refuge under sturdy buildings that are strong enough to be earthquake proof.

“What we want is that stakeholders should participate here, we can save more lives,” Marasigan said.

She cited that one possible area to seek refuge during a strong earthquake would be the campus of the University of Santo Tomas.

UST’s Roque Ruaño building, or Main Building, is an earthquake-proof structure that could withstand the possible Big One.

In the event of the Big One, Marasigan said that mass casualties are expected.

NDRRMC’s earthquake drill is set at 9:30 am near the bay area.

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