QC government hosts quake drill

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s primary disaster agency launched yesterday the first nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill as part of the government’s preparations for the “Big One” or a magnitude-7.2 quake.

The drill, spearheaded by the  National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), was hosted by the Quezon City government.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, acting Interior and Local Government chief Eduardo Año, Mayor Herbert Bautista, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology director Renato Solidum and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Danilo Lim participated in the drill at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.

The simulation exercise tested the city’s capabilities in disaster response such as fire suppression, clearing and relief operations, management of the dead and missing, peace and order, as well as rapid disaster and needs analysis.

Employees of the Quezon City hall evacuated their offices during the simulation exercise.

The NDRRMC is conducting nationwide drills in preparation for a magnitude-7.2 earthquake, which may be generated by the 100-kilometer West Valley Fault.

In Manila, police officers joined the earthquake drill at around 2 p.m.

Members of the Manila Police District, firefighters and medics rescued mock victims during the drill, MPD directorial staff chief Superintendent Danilo Macerin said.

A massive evacuation was also conducted during the drill. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Rey Galupo