The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will stage a nationwide earthquake and tsunami preparedness exercise on Nov. 5, using a magnitude 8.5 earthquake and a possible tsunami as its disaster scenarios.
The 4th Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) will be held in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, coinciding with World Tsunami Awareness Day to highlight the importance of preparing for both earthquakes and tsunami threats.
The OCD said the exercise will begin at 8 a.m. at the Country Inn, with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council joining the activity.
The program will open with a ceremonial pressing of the button, followed by an “Over Coffee Dialogue: Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness” forum, where experts and government officials will discuss related hazards and safety measures.
The full-scale simulation will recreate a major earthquake triggered by movement along the East Luzon Trough.
Government agencies, emergency responders, local government units and communities will participate in the exercise to assess and strengthen their disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology defines a tsunami as a series of sea waves, often exceeding five meters, generated by a strong, shallow undersea earthquake that displaces the seabed and the water above it.
The OCD urged the public to familiarize themselves with earthquake and tsunami hazards, identify evacuation routes and safe areas, and prepare emergency plans with their families.
These measures, the agency said, can help protect lives during emergencies and disasters.
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