NDRRMC holds Q4 nationwide earthquake drill

The Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill held by the NDRRMC tests the preparedness of rescue capabilities of various government agencies. (Photo from the NDRRMC’s Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) held the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) in Parañaque City on Thursday in observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day. 

The World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed annually as designated by the United Nations General Assembly.

The NSED however, is held quarterly in the Philippines, with the previous drill held in Makati City on September 8. 

“Ang NSED ay isa lamang sa napakarami nating mga gawain upang mas mapagtibay ang kahandaan ng sambayanan. Ipagpapatuloy ng NDRRMC ang pagsasagawa ng mga programa at aktibidad kagaya ng ating NSED dahil hindi rin nawawala ang mga banta ng kalamidad gaya ng lindol sa ating mga pamayanan,” said Office of Civil Defense Undersecretary Raymundo Ferrer. 

(The NSED is one of the many activities that will strengthen the readiness of our country. The NDRRMC will continue programs and activities like the NSED because the threat of calamities like earthquakes will

The NDRRMC, in a statement, said the NSED also tested the local government of Parañaque City’s Contingency Plan for Tsunami, which contains community evacuation procedures as well as how local government units respond to the needs of vulnerable sectors.

The air and water rescue capabilities of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Air Force were also tested by the NSED, according to the NDRRMC. 

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