The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) is set to stage the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake, Tsunami Drill that will be held in the municipalities of Lian and Talisay, Batangas, and Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro today, December 3.

The quarterly earthquake drill aims to increase public awareness on disaster preparedness as well as assess the capabilities of government agencies and the local governments units (LGUs) in responding to such calamity.

According to the NDRRMC, the scenario is that of a 7.9 magnitude earthquake which occurs due to the movement of the Manila Trench creating tsunami affecting Barangay Binubusan in Lian and a seiche, (term used for tsunami in lakes) in Taal Lake also affecting Barangay Poblacion in Talisay, Batangas.

People in Lian, Batangas will practice their tsunami evacuation plan wherein residents living near the coast will evacuate to a pre-identified higher grounds located in Mount Tikbalang.

In Talisay, Batangas, a multi-hazard scenario will be showcased by the local government units. Residents from Barangay Poblacion will evacuate to higher grounds, also to be showcased is the fire suppression capabilities and collapsed structure extraction capabilities of the Bureau of Fire (BFP).

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will also showcase their Water Search and Rescue Capabilities (WASAR).

Earlier, a team composed of representatives from Phivolcs, Philippine Information Agency, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and provincial/municipal DRRRMC held an orientation on the importance and mechanics of the drill to barangay residents.

NDRMMC Usec Benito Ramos spearheads the earthquake drill that is also expected to be graced by Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr., Governor Vilma Santos-Recto and Talisay Mayor Zenaida Mendoza .

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