VARIOUS government agencies on Friday held simultaneous earthquake drill to prepare the people in the event a big one hit the country, which lies above a Fault System.
The System is a major inter-related system of faults throughout the archipelago primarily caused by tectonic forces compressing the Philippines into what geophysicists call the Philippine Mobile Belt.
The nationwide earthquake drill dubbed “Duck, Cover and Hold” called on all participants to familiarize and practice taking cover as if there was an earthquake and learn the safest places in their work place.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines officials and employees participated in the drill which was started at the sound of alarm at 2 p.m., declaring all participating employees must duck or drop down simultaneously on the floor, take cover under a study desk, table or other furniture and hold on to it until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move.
The Metro Manila Development Authority also conducted its own drill started by a siren ordering all personnel to leave the main building along Orense Street in Barangay Guadalupe Nievo, Makati City.
Participants were briefed and given tips on how to protect themselves during an earthquake.
These were:
1) When in a high-rise building, move against an interior wall if you are not near a desk or table. Protect your head and neck with your arms. Do not use elevator.
2) When outdoors, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, or downed electrical wires and poles.
3) When on a sidewalk near buildings, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster and other debris.
4) When driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay inside your vehicle until shaking stops.
5) When in a crowded store or other public place, move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall. Do not rush for the exit.
6) When in a stadium or theater, stay in your seat, get below the level of the back of the seat and cover your head and neck with your arms.
Last year’s shake drill was initiated by the MMDA which was participated in by 6.5 million people all over Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
The MMDA noted that several scenarios made during shake drills were based on a simulated 7.2-magnitude tremor with Intensity 8 rumbling underneath Metro Manila.
Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said with an Intensity 8 earthquake, the scenarios of fire incidents, collapsed structures and hazardous traffic incidents would occur.
“You will not be able to move during such strong quake,” said Solidum, whose office made a warning that a massive quake would occur if the Valley Fault System moved.