At the sound of the alarm, employees of the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) performed the Duck, Cover, and Hold technique and evacuated the building as they participate in the 2nd quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED).
NSED is a quarterly activity organized by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) that seeks to heighten public awareness and to educate the public on the importance of preparedness against earthquake hazards.
The 2nd quarter NSED ceremonial venue was held in Davao City at Bolton Street along University of Mindanao on June 29, 2017, Thursday at 2:00 PM. DOST Usec. Renato Solidum, Department of National Defense (DND) Usec. Ricardo Jalad, and Davao City Administrator Zulieka Lopez led the ceremonial pressing of the button to indicate the start of the earthquake drill. The drill in Davao City simulated a Magnitude 7.0 earthquake generated by the Central Davao Fault Zone (CDFZ) with the Intensity of PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS) VIII [Very Destructive]. Barangay residents, students, and owners of business establishments participated in the community-based drill. Different scenarios were performed to showcase response during a strong destructive earthquake.
As the agency mandated to monitor and study earthquakes, DOST-PHIVOLCS pushes for the continued promotion of earthquake awareness and preparedness since it introduced the conduct of earthquake drills in schools way back 2002.
Philippines is a seismically active country with approximately 90 destructive earthquakes and 40 tsunamis recorded in the past 400 years. Strong earthquakes may result to earthquake hazards such as ground shaking, ground rupture, liquefaction, tsunamis, and earthquake-induced landslide. Awareness and preparedness will increase our chances against natural hazards and disasters.