THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Cordillera is pushing for high intensity and citywide earthquake drill in Baguio City for the 1st Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on March 31.
Dubbed as Baguio Shake Drill, the activity aims to focus on the proper execution of the “Drop, Cover and Hold” earthquake response, practice of proper and orderly evacuation schemes of all sectors -- from academic institutions, business establishment, barangay and community folks.
OCD Regional Director Andrew Alex Uy said the NSED is a regular activity spearheaded by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). It aims to promote a culture of safety among the people and to impart knowledge on disaster risk reduction especially proper action and response, as well as other related safety tips during earthquake.
Uy, also the Cordillera regional DRRMC chairperson, stressed the importance of preparing for a worst case scenario given the vulnerability of Baguio as experienced during the July 16, 1990 Luzon earthquake.
“For the Baguio shake drill, our scenario will be based on a 7.2-magnitude Tubao fault earthquake simulation, which based on the Phivolcs Earthquake Intensity Scale can bring very strong and highly damaging effect in Baguio–Benguet area,” Uy added.
Through NSED, the Baguio City DRRM Council can test the implementation of its Incident Command System, while CRDRRMC preparedness and response cluster members and private and volunteer emergency rescue groups can also practice and demonstrate their respective search and rescue skills. (Carlito Dar/Abegail Sampilo)