TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) – Secretary Renato U. Solidum of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has witnessed the conduct of the 4th Quarter Nationwide Earthquake Drill (NSED) in Taloban City on Thursday, November 9.

The drill, spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) - Eastern Visayas, was held at the city hall and its grounds as the main ceremonial site of the simulated exercise.

Mayor Alfred Romualdez of Tacloban, together with Secretary Solidum and OCD-8 Regional Director Lord Byron Torrecarion, led the ceremonial pressing of the button to signal the start of the conduct of the 4th Quarter NSED which was followed by the demonstration of the evacuation procedure by the responders.

The drill aimed at intensifying awareness of the importance of disaster preparedness among the residents, the local government units, and other stakeholders.

The 4th quarter NSED was centered on geological hazards.

The scenario used in the drill was the possible movement of the Philippine trench that can generate a 7.9 magnitude earthquake resulting to a tsunami in the city as high as 5 meters.  

Solidum gave a positive reaction on how the drill was executed by the participants to include the teachers, pupils of Rizal Central Elementary School, and employees of the Tacloban City Hall.

In his short message, the official emphasized the importance of having strong and durable buildings, houses and infrastructures based on standards and building code that can withstand strong earthquakes.

“Strong shaking on the ground does not kill people. It is the collapsed houses, building and infrastructures that kill. Therefore, we make sure that our buildings, houses and infrastructures will withstand a strong earthquake,” Solidum said.

He enjoined all local government executives to conduct regular inspection on houses, buildings and infrastructure in their localities to mitigate the effects of any disaster, urging them to use applications and devices developed by the Department of Science and Technology to better prepare as well as respond for possible threats.

Since the city of Tacloban is one of the cities of the Philippines that can be affected by tsunami if a strong earthquake occurs, Solidum advised residents to be prepared especially that the city is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.

Romualdez, on the other hand, has underscored the need to be proactive in order to be prepared whenever disaster occurs.

“Kaya ako I urged everyone, know where you live, yung surroundings nyo, pag-aralan ninyo, para pagdating ng disasters nakahanda kayo,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez also mentioned the new apps, devices, and innovations introduced by DOST which are helpful to everyone.

The earthquake drill was also participated in by member-agencies of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in the region. (MMP/CBA/PIA-8)