Got a tip? Send it to us at manila@coconuts.co.
If you’re on the road when the metro-wide earthquake drill happens in the morning of Jul 30, Thu next week, what should you do?
READ: What to expect during Metro Manila earthquake drill on Jul 30
In an interview on radio dzMM Tuesday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino said motorists and commuters should listen to the radio and wait for the playing of the recording of an earthquake sound that would signal the start of the drill at 10:30am.
Sirens and bells would also ring simultaneously throughout the metropolis for the quake drill, which is part of the government’s preparations for a magnitude 7.2 quake that may be generated by the West Valley Fault.
The 100-kilometer-long fault system passes through Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna.
According to Tolentino, motorists and commuters should make conscious efforts to stay away from materials which might fall or collapse in case of an earthquake for at least 45 seconds during the drill.
“Siguraduhin niyo po na walang bagay na babagsak sa inyo — power lines, transformers, billboards, malalaking puno, o yung mga naka-hang na crane sa ginagawang building — umiwas-iwas kayo dun. Itabi niyo muna ng 45 seconds [ang sasakyan niyo],” he said.
“After 45 seconds, go na ho kayo. Yun lang ho, yun lang ho yung participation niyo.”
He denied rumors that EDSA, the main thoroughfare in Metro Manila, would be a “parking lot” during the simultaneous quake drill.
“Hindi po [magiging parking lot ang EDSA],” he said. “Pero pag lumindol ho talaga baka ganun ho ang mangyari,” he warned.
‘DROP, COVER, HOLD’
For various participating institutions, the drill will last for an hour or until 11:30am, said Tolentino.
In participating malls and commercial establishments, not only the employees but also the customers should perform the “Drop, Cover and Hold” position.
Then once the ringing of bells stop to signal that the “shaking” has stopped, the people should proceed to move to a safer area based on the establishment’s evacuation plan.
In schools and barangays or communities, there should be a roll call before and after the drill to signify the accounting process in case of a real quake.
“Dapat may accounting sila kung ilan yung naninirahan sa barangay nila, saan nakatira si Mrs. Dela Cruz, bakit wala si Mrs. Dela Cruz… And after the drill meron ring roll call. Ganun din ang mangyayari sa tunay na lindol,” Tolentino said.
Communities as well as homeowners associations should also provide residents directions to the evacuation center, he added.
“Ang purpose ho talaga ng drill ay magbigay kasanayan sa lahat ng sektor kugn ano yung gagawin,” he said.
MEETING PLACE
The MMDA chairman also advised families to talk among themselves where they should meet, say 3, 6 or 9 hours after the quake, in case they are far from each other when the disaster strikes.
He pointed out that there would be no communication lines in time of a real earthquake.
The public should also know how to reach the following areas which will serve as evacuation camps or holding areas: for the north quadrant, the Veterans Memorial Golf Course; for the east quadrant, LRT-2 Santolan Depot; for the west quadrant, the Intramuros Golf Course; and for the south quadrant, the Villamor Air Base Golf Course.
HOSPITALS, FUNERAL PARLORS
Meanwhile, Tolentino said hospitals have been directed to dedicate 15 percent of their personnel to medical facilities in the field.
Hospitals have also been instructed to immediately provide medical aid to quake victims even without any down payment, he said.
As for the management of the dead, Tolentino said over 100 funeral parlors have promised to provide 500 cadaver bags each.
This, as over 35,000 individuals may die in case of a 7.2-magnitude quake in the metropolis.
He said Macapagal Avenue will serve as the temporary burial site.
‘BE SERIOUS’
After the morning drill, a night-time drill will also be conducted at the Ortigas business district in Pasig City from 8pm to 9pm.
Tolentino noted that the area is near the West Valley Fault, and has many high-rise condominium buildings, offices, schools and hospitals.
The MMDA chief urged the public to seriously participate in the drill, and also check the following websites to know what to do before, during and after a major earthquake: www.metromanilashakedrill.com, and www.bepreparedmetromanila.com.
“Iba na po yung handa tayo,” Tolentino said.
“Sa July 30 yun atin pong kahandaan na nilalatag ay para po sa ating lahat. Sana po ay seryosohin natin ito. One hour lang naman po yun. Kung indibidwal po ay 45 seconds lang. Hinihikayat po natin na lahat ay makilahok. Katungkulan po natin yun,” he said.
Text: Kathlyn dela Cruz, ABS-CBNnews.com
Photo: BePreparedManila.com
This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
