150,000 join Marikina’s earthquake drill
MANILA, Philippines — Around 150,000 residents participated in Marikina City’s simultaneous earthquake drill yesterday to prepare for a possible major temblor or the “Big One.”
Mayor Marjorie Ann Teodoro said the drill aims to promote a “family- and community-based” approach to disaster readiness, with about 100,000 participants from schools and 50,000 from communities and the private sector.
“The safety of everyone is a shared responsibility. This whole-of-community approach ensures we are united in protecting lives,” Teodoro said.
The citywide drill simulated the effects of a magnitude 7.2 earthquake along the West Valley Fault, which passes through Marikina.
Teodoro inspected disaster response equipment, including ambulances, fire trucks as well as urban search and rescue tools such as vibroscopes for locating trapped victims.
The city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) identified open spaces across 16 barangays as designated safe zones during calamities.
DRRMO chief Dave David urged families to determine nearby open spaces as part of their own preparedness plans.
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