MMDA wants Metro Manila quake drill to be realistic

July 13, 2019

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) wants the 5th Metro Manila Shake Drill on July 27 to be as close to reality.

Michael Salalima, MMDA focal person to the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC), said they hope to elevate this year’s drill with realistic simulation of the agency’s earthquake preparedness plans and protocols if a massive quake hits.

“We want to stimulate how long it will take for us to get to designated emergency operations. For the first time, agency personnel and response teams will not come from the office but from their homes,” said Salalima.

The drill will start at 4 am with the pushing of ceremonial button at the MMDA headquarters while the public will be notified through an alarm on their mobile phones.

“We want to test everything time on target. Once the signal starts at 4 am, that’s the only time people will move, set up tents, etc.,” said Salalima.  

Salalima said utility companies have joined forces with the agency aimed to familiarize people with the duck, cover and hold routine and test how prepared Metro Manilans are if a tremor strikes.

“We requested the participation of Manila Water, Maynilad and Meralco by cutting their services for some close to life scenarios to be staged for the drill,” said Salalima.  

The scenarios are based on studies there will be more casualties during the evening where everyone is mostly home than daytime.

The MMDA is also coordinating with the National Telecommunications Commission and telecom firms Smart and Globe for short messaging service (SMS) to be sent to  the public informing them when the drill starts.  

During the drill, MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim,  concurrent head of the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC), will make rounds at city hall offices and establishments where scenarios will be staged and operation centers at four quadrants in the metro.

The northern quadrant will use the Veterans Memorial Medical Center Golf Course as evacuation camp while the western quadrant will use the Intramuros Golf Course.

The eastern quadrant will use the LRT 2 Santolan Depot while the southern quadrant will use the Villamor Golf Course. DMS