Manila Conducts Major Earthquake Drill to Boost Disaster Preparedness
Manila conducts major earthquake preparedness drill, simulating emergency responses for the feared 'Big One'. MMDA leads comprehensive exercise to strengthen public safety protocols and disaster readiness.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) led a comprehensive citywide earthquake preparedness drill on Thursday, marking a significant step in the capital's disaster readiness initiatives, similar to recent national security preparedness efforts.
Coordinated Response Exercise
MMDA Chairman Don Artes personally participated in the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, which commenced at 4 p.m. at Camp Aguinaldo. The exercise, coordinated with the Office of Civil Defense, demonstrated the city's commitment to emergency preparedness, following recent improvements in Manila's urban governance protocols.
Emergency Response Protocols
Participants executed the essential "duck, cover, and hold" maneuver before engaging in a comprehensive exercise that included:
- Building evacuation procedures
- Structural integrity assessments
- First responder deployment simulations
- Victim assistance scenarios
Preparing for 'The Big One'
The drill serves as crucial preparation for the anticipated 7.2-magnitude earthquake experts warn could strike Metro Manila. This infrastructure readiness initiative aligns with the government's broader focus on national infrastructure development and resilience planning.
MMDA Headquarters Operation
At the MMDA headquarters, employees demonstrated emergency protocols by:
- Executing immediate evacuation procedures
- Gathering at designated assembly points
- Conducting thorough building inspections
- Testing emergency communication systems
The exercise reinforced the critical importance of public preparedness and swift response capabilities in the face of natural disasters, emphasizing the need for continued disaster readiness training across the metropolitan area.
Manny Pacquiao
Independent Filipino journalist covering democracy, civil rights, and government accountability across Southeast Asia.