MARAWI
CITY, Lanao del Sur, Aug. 2 (PIA) --- Disaster and emergency
authorities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) recently
led the multi-hazard simulation drill, in Brgy. Kusiong, Datu Odin
Sinsuat, Maguindanao to test the regional and local government’s
preparedness in responding to emergency situations.
The
drill scenario is part of the observance of the National Disaster
Consciousness Month that carries the theme “Pamilya at Pamayanang Handa,
Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bansa.”
This also conforms with
the national government’s four-point plan on disaster preparedness
specifically on public information, education, communication and
disaster response. It was simultaneously done in government and
non-government offices, and selected schools and establishments around
the country.
Recently, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology
and Seismology said a magnitude 7.2 earthquake might hit the Philippines
anytime, particularly Metro Manila. "We are making our emergency
preparations geared towards what we can do for our neighboring
communities that's why the constituents must be ready for any natural
calamities,” said Atty. Rasol Mitmug Jr., ARMM's chief of staff.
The
drill aims at increasing and ensuring the safety of the people during
and after the earthquake; evacuation of the affected constituents, with
focus on women, children, elderly and persons with disabilities and in
providing medical assistance and relief; train participants on the
proper action and response during an earthquake; and assess various
elements of the response plan designed by the government’s disaster
management committee.
"Drills and exercises are part of
the government’s continuing efforts in enhancing preparedness and
awareness," said ARMM's Humanitarian Emergency and Action Response Team
(ARMM-HEART) Director Ramil Masukat.
ARMM-HEART has been
actively promoting public awareness on earthquakes. It also installed an
Earthquake Intensity Meter (EIM) to monitor 24/7 earthquakes occurring
in Cotabato City, Maguindanao, and nearby towns.
The same
equipment was also installed in the province of Tawi-Tawi. The EIM
measures and displays the seismic scale when an earthquake occurs. It
also records and stores various data that are associated with the
earthquake.
"I think it will be good and beneficial for all of
us to be trained as to how to respond to a situation like an
earthquake," said Masukat.
He also underscored the
importance of the people's readiness and vigilance that can increase
every individual's chances of surviving any disaster." (BPI/APB/PIA-10)
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