MANILA, Philippines — In a bid to prepare residents for a strong earthquake hitting the metropolis, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to hold its fifth “shake drill” at 4 a.m. on July 27, an official said yesterday.
MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia said they decided to hold the drill before dawn and on a weekend to to determine the people’s reaction when an earthquake occurs in the wee hours.
Garcia also said they decided to announce the time of the shake drill this year, unlike last year, so that they will be able to assess the capabilities and the preparedness of the public, the private sector and the local government units.
“Lahat ng scenario ay gusto naming gawin for us to check the travel time of the ambulances and if ever mayroong traffic,” Garcia said.
He said the public will be notified about the drill through an alarm on their cell phones.
Garcia said that the same quadrants will also be opened during the drill, which include the Veterans Memorial Medical Center for the north; Villamor Airbase for the south; Intramuros Golf Course for the west; and Light Rail Transit Line 2 depot in Santolan for the east.