Manila Water holds earthquake drill

MANILA, Philippines - East Zone concessionaire Manila Water Co, recently held a quadrant-based earthquake drill based on the assumptions of the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS) should an earthquake of 7.2 or stronger hit Metro Manila.  The drill was meant to simulate potential damages on the water and used water provider’s facilities and how it will respond to ensure that impact to service provision for the 6.3 residents of the East Zone is mitigated. Based on the MMEIRS report, the East Zone service area will be divided into four quadrants which assume that key lifelines of the metro will be unavailable in the event of a major quake. The quadrants are bounded by Marikina River, Pasig River, Manggahan floodway and East Zone-West Zone boundaries. Manila Water has established six command posts within the quadrants, as well as logistical hubs and contingency resources. Employees troop to their nearest command posts.  The drill is also participated in by several of its partners which included the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Bureau of Fire Protection and the company’s contractors and service providers. “The destruction that can be wrought by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake is unimaginable and at this point, what we can do is prepare to mitigate the possible impacts to ensure that service to our customers will continue to be available,” said Geodino V. Carpio, Manila Water group director for operations.