An online nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill will be held for the third quarter on September 10, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has said.
The drill, which will be conducted by the NDRRMC through the Office of Civil Defense, is aimed at instilling preparedness among the public amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The drill will be held on Facebook via live stream at 2 p.m.
The OCD will start the NSED with the pressing of a button “to signal the duck, cover, and hold procedure,” the NDRMMC said in a press release.
The drill, led by the Office of Civil Defense in partnership with various national and local agencies, seeks to strengthen the mechanism for national and regional coordination, as well as the interoperability of key players.
It also aims to intensify local communities’ earthquake preparedness and increase the commitment of local government units in building safe communities, according to OCD officials.
The scenario is derived from the results of the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS 2004) and the GMMA – READY Project in 2014.
Both detail an impact scenario of a magnitude 7.2 earthquake along the West Valley Fault (model 08, MMEIRS), the worst case scenario for Metro Manila and nearby Provinces.
“The public is encouraged to watch the live stream and do the duck, cover, and hold in their houses,” OCD said.
An online quiz bee will also be launched on Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. Mechanics will be posted on the Civil Defense PH Facebook page, the NDRRMC added.
“Despite our current situation, we must bear in mind the importance of keeping ourselves safe. I encourage the public to continuously engage in activities that promote earthquake safety. In our constant effort to promote disaster resilience, everyone’s involvement is necessary,” Civil Defense Administrator Ricardo Jalad said.