Earthquake drill in BGC aims to prepare, train the public

Video by Ryan Leagogo/INQUIRER.net

Employees came out of their offices after buildings collapsed and were engulfed by massive fire. There were car collisions, injured persons, and fatalities everywhere. A looting incident followed.

This is a scene that could have been taken from an actual 7.2 magnitude earthquake. This has not happened yet, but part of a nationwide simulation drill at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig aims to prepare the public in the event such a catastrophe strikes.

The drill started at 9 a.m. inside the BGC business district, which is vulnerable to heavy damages once a strong quake hits the metropolis.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, head of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, led the quake drill.

Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum and Taguig Mayor Laarni Cayetano also attended the event.

“Indeed, we must protect ourselves and preserve our communities during the occurrence of an earthquake. Training and preparedness are a must for all of us during disaster especially during an earthquake. It is critical for our safety and survival that each of us must know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it,” Gazmin said.

Gazmin said the tragic earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu in 2013 must be a reminder for everyone “to be watchful and be alert.”

He said the incidents left us “worthy lessons to ponder” in order to be prepared.

“Our NDRRMC has always been persistent in reminding us to be watchful and alert. It means that we should continuously pray and prepare ourselves and our communities on how to survive and counteract the dire consequences of earthquake,” he said.

Solidum said that a 7.2 magnitude earthquake would be divided “into zones of isolations.”

He said bridges connecting cities in Metro Manila and nearby cities would collapse, thereby isolating them from each other.

“You will be in isolation. Hindi ka massively makakalabas,” he said.

Solidum said concerned agencies would have an evaluation after the quake drill.

The nationwide earthquake drill came ahead of the Metro Manila quake drill to be held on July 30.