Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill to be held online on Sept. 10

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Thursday said it will hold online the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) for the third quarter on Thursday, September 10.

The NSED, 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 public is encouraged to watch the live stream and do the duck, cover, and hold in their houses,” it 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.

On Sept. 8, a webinar on earthquake preparedness and response in the New Normal will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

“The OCD is also set to update the National and Regional Public Service Continuity Plans as well as its Contingency Plans to integrate COVID-19 health measures,” the NDRRMC said.

“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. —KG, GMA News