Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno convened a critical meeting on Sunday to discuss and enhance the contingency plan in response to the recent series of earthquakes that struck Ilocos Sur, raising concerns about a potential tsunami event.
According to the OCD, the meeting brought together various government agencies to focus on preparing for the worst-case scenario.
Undersecretary Nepomuceno emphasized the urgent need to intensify the dissemination of early warning systems.
He stressed the importance of communicating tsunami risks in layman’s terms to ensure public comprehension.
“We must create a system where, when there is a final warning, the message is clear: run to higher ground, not to evacuation centers. This is crucial for effective response,” he stated.
“We need to rethink our approach. When a tsunami warning is issued, the instinctive action should be to seek higher ground. Many existing evacuation centers may not be safe in this context, and we cannot afford any confusion. Our community must understand this critical directive,” he added.
Director Agnes Palacio echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of effective information dissemination.
“It is essential that people understand the risks, regardless of whether they felt the earthquake,” she said. “We must communicate this information in a way that is accessible and understandable to everyone, ensuring that there is no ambiguity about where to evacuate.”
In a proactive move to enhance disaster readiness, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs) outlined key strategies for tsunami preparedness.
The plan emphasizes rapid evacuation, risk assessment, and public awareness to mitigate potential threats.
The councils plan to utilize hazard maps and collaborate with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to assess risks and refine evacuation protocols.
Communities will be educated on tsunami risks through information campaigns, drills, and emergency communication tests.
The councils also aim to map optimal escape paths, test systems like the Tsunami Incident Command System (ICS), and ensure safe zones are located on higher ground or in sturdy buildings.
Special attention will also be given to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled, and children, ensuring that evacuation plans address their specific needs.
Meanwhile, evacuation centers will be assessed to accommodate affected populations effectively.
The councils will conduct comprehensive risk analyses, modeling worst-case scenarios such as a magnitude 8.2 earthquake along the Manila Trench. These studies will guide the identification of safe zones and shelters.
Timely and effective early warning systems are central to the plan. Protocols for disseminating warnings, combating misinformation, and ensuring community readiness will be strengthened. Public address systems, signage, and dedicated spokespersons will play key roles.
Evacuation maps will clearly mark high-ground shelters and safe zones. Efforts will also focus on equipping these locations with solar-powered lights and other emergency provisions.
Regular community drills, training sessions, and communication campaigns will ensure residents are familiar with evacuation routes and procedures.
Councils will work with local radio stations and maintain a robust communication network to spread vital information.
Tsunami evacuation plans will remain dynamic, with regular updates based on new data and lessons from drills or real events. The councils will also establish partnerships with local government units to support recovery efforts.
