Be Prepared: National Drill Tests Response to Powerful Earthquake Threatening Metro Manila
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is putting plans into action! This year's second quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) will test a brand new Harmonized National Contingency Plan (HNCP) for a major e…
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is putting plans into action! This year's second quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) will test a brand new Harmonized National Contingency Plan (HNCP) for a major earthquake threat - a 7.2 magnitude quake caused by the West Valley Fault (WVF).
What's the Scenario?
The NSED, happening on June 28th at 2 pm, will simulate the aftermath of a powerful earthquake affecting Metro Manila and nearby areas in Central Luzon and Calabarzon. The scenario assumes an Intensity VIII quake, which could cause significant damage.
PNA File Photo
Who's Involved?
Here's where the new HNCP comes in: regional disaster response teams from surrounding areas will be stepping in to assist Metro Manila. This includes:
RDRRMC 1 (Ilocos) for North Sector RDRRMC 2 (Cagayan Valley) for East Sector RDRRMC Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) for West Sector RDRRMC V (Bicol) for South Sector These regional teams will be deployed to Metro Manila, setting up temporary emergency operations centers in designated zones. Each team brings crucial resources, including search and rescue teams, incident management units, and emergency response personnel.
Further Reads
The Vital Role of Schools and Educational Institutions in Earthquake Safety
The main NSED event will take place at the Rescue Emergency Disaster (RED) Training Center in Pasig City. Here, a realistic scenario will be played out, involving a collapsed structure with simulated victims. Specialised search and rescue teams from various agencies will be put to the test.
Meanwhile, communication and coordination exercises will be happening simultaneously at designated locations, involving incident management and emergency operations center teams.
File Photo: Peacemakers-DTC 2026
Planning for the "Big One"
The NDRRMC is taking extra precautions. An alternate command center will be activated at Fort Magsaysay, serving as a backup national operations center in case the primary NDRRMOC in Camp Aguinaldo is damaged during the earthquake.
The West Valley Fault Threat
The West Valley Fault is a serious concern. Experts estimate it has moved four times in the past 1400 years, with intervals between movements ranging from 400 to 600 years. The last major earthquake caused by this fault line occurred in 1658. The WVF runs right through Metro Manila areas like Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, and Muntinlupa, and also affects nearby provinces.
The Importance of Preparedness
The NSED is a crucial reminder for everyone to be prepared for earthquakes. Knowing what to do during an earthquake and participating in drills can save lives. Stay tuned for more information on how to participate in the NSED and ensure you and your family are prepared for any emergency.
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