MMDA prepares for second ‘shake drill’

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is preparing to hold the second Metro Manila “shake drill” or earthquake scenario simulation drill on June 22.

According to the MMDA, the second shake drill, which will start at 9 a.m., will simulate the aftermath of a 7.2 magnitude tremor.

One of the scenarios will feature a collapsed Guadalupe Bridge in Makati City. 

MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos said traffic on the outermost northbound lane of EDSA would be at a standstill for approximately an hour during the drill.

“So this early, we are appealing to motorists and the riding public to please bear with us. This drill is meant to save lives in the event of the ‘Big One,’” he said.

Carlos added that the Metro shake drill will be staged at the same time as the nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill.

“With the success of the first Metro Manila Shake Drill last year, we would like to challenge ourselves to do better and be better prepared in the event of a catastrophic earthquake,” he said.

Carlos said the drill would also be an opportunity for different government agencies and private rescue groups to fine-tune the protocols in the disaster response plan.

The MMDA will place 20-foot shipping containers in the four quadrants of the metropolis. These containers will house command and control centers that will facilitate the deployment of resources and rescue personnel.

The containers will be set up at the Light Rail Transit Line 2’s train depot in Santolan, Pasig City; Veterans’ Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City; Villamor Airbase in Pasay City and the Intramuros Golf Club in Manila.

The MMDA said it will stock the containers with medicine, rescue equipment, tents and other materials needed for rescue and emergency response.

Carlos clarified that the quadrants are staging points or command centers for rescue operations and are not evacuation sites.

 “Last year, we were overwhelmed because many flocked to the command centers, thinking these were evacuation centers,” he said.