NDRRMC holds 2nd face-to-face nationwide earthquake drill

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Thursday held its 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED).

According to Oscar Oida's report on Balitanghali, the drill was held at Paranaque City's Fisherman's Wharf to test its Tsunami Contingency Plan and evacuation procedures in case of a magnitude 8.3 earthquake.

The drill involved rescuing fishermen during an earthquake situation until they were brought to safe places. It also involved aerial rescue with the use of a chopper

"By simulating a tsunami scenario based on a hypothetical Magnitude 8.3 earthquake, we shall be able to assess our preparedness and capability to mount a coordinated and effective response to minimize potential losses in lives and properties in such an eventuality." Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez said in an NDRRMC statement.

The combined efforts for Water Search and Rescue and Air Rescue Capabilities of the Philippine National Police MARIG, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Air Force were showcased. 

Other participating agencies are the Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and Paranaque City government.

NDRRMC Executive Director and Undersecretary Raymundo Ferrer called on the public to participate continuously in preparedness training.

"Patuloy ko kayong pinapaaalalahanan na makiisa palagi sa mga pambansang mga pagsasanay pati rin sa mga aktibidad sa inyong komunidad na layong palakasin ang inyong katatagan at kahandaan," he said.

Meanwhile, students at Isabelo Delos Reyes Elementary School in Tondo, Manila, also actively participated in the drill by doing the "duck, cover, hold" method, according to Super Radyo dzBB's Manny Vargas' report on Balitanghali.

The school's evacuation plan also includes using its four gates for the students' fast and safe exit. The school has a student population of over 6,600.

The day's NSED was the second face-to-face earthquake drill conducted by the NDRRMC. The first was held on September 8, 2022, in Makati City. —Sherylin Untalan/KBK, GMA Integrated News