Why is a taxi hanging under the Guadalupe bridge?

Raisa Serafica

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Why is a taxi hanging under the Guadalupe bridge?
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is cooking something up in Guadalupe Bridge

MANILA, Philippines – Have you noticed the taxi hanging under the Guadalupe bridge along EDSA?

The vehicle was placed under the bridge by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in preparation for the 2nd Metro Manila ShakeDrill, scheduled on June 22. Dubbed as #MMShakeDrill online, the drill aims to test and assess the government’s response plan and public awareness in case a strong earthquake hits the capital region. 

The main scenario is the movement of the West Valley Fault – which is predicted to happen within our lifetime –  expected to trigger a 7.2-magnitude quake in Metro Manila and nearby regions. There are 57 subdivisions or residential villages that are transected by the 100-kilometer active fault.

Earthquake scenario 

Based on scientific studies, Metro Manila could be split into isolated areas if important bridges and roads are damaged by a major earthquake. 

The government has organized its response plan, Oplan Metro Yakal Plus, based on this separation. In the event of a major quake, Metro Manila will be divided into four quadrants: North, East, West, and South. Each quadrant should ideally be self-sufficient and can respond to emergencies in their immediate area of responsobility. (READ: FAQ: What’s the #MMShakeDrill and how can you participate?)

For the 2nd Metro Manila ShakeDrill, each quadrant will run simulated rescue drills. 

In the South quadrant where the Guadalupe bridge is located, the scenarios include the collapse of the MRT station and the collapse of the Guadalupe bridge.

On June 22, 2016 starting at 9:00 AM the MMDA will close certain lains in the Northbound section of EDSA Guadalupe. The agency warns commuters and drivers to expect heavy traffic in the area.

 

As of 2015, the Guadalupe bridge is among the 6 bridges that is scheduled to undergo retrofitting by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Along with Ayala, Lambingan, MacArthur, Quezon, and San Juan bridges, Guadalupe bridge is due for repair to ensure its structural integrity in case of a devastating earthquake. 

According to DPWH NCR assistant regional director Engineer Tiburcio Canlas, these six bridges are crucial for rescue operations in a disaster scenario. 

The South quadrant includes Makati, Pasay, Taguig, Paranaque, Las Pinas, and Muntinlupa. The response plan in the area indicated 6 possible evacuation areas: 

  • University of Makati complex, Makati City
  • Near Garden of Memories Cemetery, Bagong Kalsada, Pateros
  • Cayetano Science High School, Diego Silang St., Brgy. Ususan, Taguig City
  • Paranaque City Hall, San Martin de Porres St., Paranaque City
  • Sucat Posadas, Muntinlupa City,
  • Filinvest MTB Trail, Filinvest Avenue, Muntinlupa City
  • Sunken Garden at Gen. Paulino Santos Avenue, Muntinlupa City

When the West Valley moves, the potentially devastating earthquake is expected to result in an estimated 33,500 casualties and 113, 600 wounded. It would also isolate Metro Manila and surrounding areas for days, resulting in food and water shortage.

The first #MMShakeDrill in 2015, was commended by international observers as a “first good attempt,” reached over 2.1 billion impressions or views on Twitter, according to Rappler’s social listening tool, Reach. On Twitter, “impressions” mean “the times a user is served a Tweet in timeline or search results.”

The second quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill for 2016, known online as #Pagyanig, will also take place on June 22. (READ: #Pagyanig: NDRRMC holds nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill–  Rappler.com 

 For more details on the earthquake drill, visit mmshakedrill.ph

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!
Avatar photo

author

Raisa Serafica

Raisa Serafica is the Unit Head of Civic Engagement of Rappler. As the head of MovePH, Raisa leads the on ground engagements of Rappler aimed at building a strong community of action in the Philippines. Through her current and previous roles at Rappler, she has worked with different government agencies, collaborated with non-governmental organizations, and trained individuals mostly on using digital technologies for social good.