(DC file photo)
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will conduct the fourth-quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on November 5 in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, featuring a simulated magnitude 8.5 earthquake and tsunami to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities.
The exercise will coincide with World Tsunami Awareness Day, highlighting the importance of public awareness and readiness for earthquakes and tsunami hazards.
According to the OCD, the drill will begin at 8 a.m. at the Country Inn in Sta. Ana, with the participation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), government agencies, emergency responders, local government units and community representatives.
The simulation will involve a powerful earthquake triggered by movement along the East Luzon Trough, followed by a tsunami scenario to assess the preparedness and coordination of participating agencies.
“The event will feature a ceremonial pressing of the button, followed by the ‘Over Coffee Dialogue: Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness’ forum, where experts and government officials will discuss earthquake and tsunami risks and preparedness measures,” the OCD said in a statement Monday.
The full-scale exercise aims to evaluate emergency response procedures, strengthen coordination among disaster management agencies and improve the ability of local communities to respond to major seismic events.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) defines a tsunami as a series of sea waves, often exceeding five meters, “generated by a shallow, strong undersea earthquake that displaces the seabed and the water mass above it.”
Such events can pose serious threats to coastal communities, particularly those near active undersea earthquake sources.
The OCD emphasized that earthquake and tsunami preparedness requires public participation, including familiarity with evacuation procedures and the identification of safe areas.
“The public is encouraged to learn earthquake and tsunami hazards, identify evacuation routes and safe areas, and prepare family emergency plans to help protect lives during emergencies and disasters,” the agency said.
The nationwide earthquake drill forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to improve disaster awareness and readiness through regular simulation exercises.
Authorities said the November 5 activity will provide an opportunity for participating agencies and communities to practice coordinated emergency responses and identify areas for improvement in their disaster preparedness measures.
