IN THE wake of many disasters occurring around the globe, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Council (RDRRMC) has urged the public to participate in a drill on one of the worst disasters in the world, earthquake.
RDRRMC chairperson Ana Cañeda said the people should give the drill importance to develop the culture of safety.
"Dili dapat formalan lang ang drill or compliance, it should be more than, it should be about being prepared especially for disasters that are unpredictable. We have to really practice the expected reaction during earthquake: the dock, cover, and hold," Cañeda said.
The earthquake drill will take place on June 22, at 9 a.m. in selected schools in the city.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) chief in Northern Mindanao Marcial Labininay disclosed that tectonic earthquake, not volcanic, most likely occurs in the region.
Labininay said this is because of the several faults are present in areas in Gingoog, Balingasag, Claveria, Malitbug, Tagoloan river, and Lanao fault.
"Actually, the region experiences three to seven tremors daily, dili lang nato mapansin kay hinay lang, pero mao na ang average na number nga gakahitabo nga earthquakes every day," Labininay said.
Labininay added that the city was hit with 7.8 magnitude earthquake on August 16, 1976, the strongest ever recorded.
"Ang ato gyud advise sa mga tao is iwasan na ang pagpuyo sa mga hazard areas nga mga balay," Labininay said.
In terms of readiness, Cañeda said the region is 'fairly ready' if hospitals won't be severely affected.
Cañeda also urged local government units to coordinate with its barangay disaster risk reduction council for information when disaster happens.