By Francis A. Nacua
TALISAY CITY, CEBU, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- Talisay City in Cebu was picked as this year's pilot area in the region for the simulation of the earthquake drill in line with the 4th quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Nov. 14, 2019 in line with efforts to prepare the public when the “Big One” strikes in the archipelago.
Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management head Neil Sanchez led the simultaneous pressing of button at exactly 9:00 a.m. to trigger the start of the quake drill.
The pilot simulation was joined by the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Department of Works and Highways, Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Central Command Task Group Cebu, Talisay District Hospital and Talisay City Government’s Disaster Risk Reduction Manage Office.
Around 50,000 students including the faculty members, staff and parents in eight schools in the Poblacion area of the city performed the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” practice.
The scenario of the drill is based on an intensity 7 level earthquake.
NSED aims to engage the participation of the government and private sector in disaster preparedness in the possible scenario of a strong earthquake.
This tests the consciousness and responsiveness of the citizens and agencies in possible effects and situations in the earthquake’s aftermath such as damaged structures, fire, severe medical situations, search and rescue, and other dreadful effects of the earthquake. (fan/pia7)