HIGHLIGHTS: Metro Manila prepares for #QuakePH

MANILA, Philippines – How prepared is Metro Manila in case a strong earthquake strikes? 

On Wednesday, July 2, Manila will conduct a city-wide earthquake drill to prepare for the ‘worst possible natural hazard’ that could hit the country. The exercise is part of a government-mandated nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill.

The drill will test local and national government response to two earthquake scenarios, as determined by the 2004 Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS).

The first scenario involves a simulated 7.2-magnitude earthquake caused by a movement in the West Valley Fault. According to the study, about 40% of the residential buildings in Metro Manila will be heavily or partially damaged by the tremor. 

Manila will also run another scenario which involves responding to a tsunami caused by the movement of the Manila trench. 

“We’re creating a worst case scenario using our disaster imagination. We have imagined the worse that can happen. If we’re ready for the worst, we’ll be prepared no matter what calamity (hits) us,” said Johnny Yu, Manila DRRM officer-in-charge.

Drill 

Various hotels, schools, hospitals, and government offices are expected to take part in the activity.  (READ: Know what to do before, during, and after an earthquake) 

For the tsunami scenario, participants will be given an hour to evacuate and move to higher ground once the alert is issued.  Majority of the exercise will be held along Roxas Boulevard, from TM Kalaw to Quirino Avenue.  (READ: What will you do if a quake strikes?) 

The drill aims to test the overall coordination among private establishments, local government units, and national agencies during an earthquake emergency. 

Move with us

Will you be participating in an earthquake drill on July 2? Send us your photos and tell us what happened. You can email move.ph@rappler.com or tweet us @moveph. 

Rappler reporters David Lozada and Raisa Serafica will be in Manila on July 2 to cover the earthquake drill. 

Follow Move’s coverage of the nationwide earthquake drill below starting 7 a.m. of July 2, Philippine Standard Time (PST): 

– Rappler.com