ARMM holds quarterly nationwide shake drill

PREPAREDNESS --- Office of Civil Defense- ARMM Officer-in-Charge Myrna J. Angot cited in a recent press conference the importance of properly executing the duck-cover-hold during earthquakes. OCD-ARMM has participated last March 31, 2017 during the conduct of the first quarter “Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill” held at Mindanao State University- Maguindanao. (GILMHAR A. LAO–MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao ---The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao conducted its version of the  1^st Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) last March 31 held at the grounds of the Mindanao State University – Maguindanao in Dalican, Datu Odin Sinsuat with some 4,000individuals who participated in the simulated exercise spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-ARMM.

Myrna J. Angot, officer-in-charge of OCD-ARMM, said they simulated the occurrence of a Magnitude 7.2 earthquake generated by the Cotabato trench whose ground shaking could affect the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato and could cause heavy damages on buildings and other physical structures.

As simulated in the drill: “There was a one minute shaking, where a person cannot stand,” Angot narrated.

In the exercise, she highlighted the importance of the proper execution of the duck-cover-hold position. “In this drill, we emphasized to the students and to the participants that the proper execution of the duck-cover-hold position is a life-saving technique in the event of an earthquake.”

Angot extended her gratitude to the various agencies that took part in the success of the activity, mostly regional agencies or departments and other partner disaster responders.

Angot said that the students, faculty members, and staff of the Mindanao State University who accepted the #BidaAngHanda Challenge had their fair contributions in the conduct of the drill.“We are happy with the outcome of the activity. They were all participative.”

Angot also emphasized the importance of the advance warning of an earthquake, “so it is only a must take on serious security measures ahead of time and be able to learn how to properly respond.”

“We sincerely thank all actors which resulted to the success of this very significant event. Until the next quarter, let’s do the DUCK, COVER, and HOLD once more,” said Angot.

Engr. Amier Ashan Aplal, operations officer of OCD-ARMM, said it is essential to understand the procedures “so we can save more lives.”

“When you are situated indoor and a large earthquake occurs, you should avoid moving objects, objects that may fall from, and even broken glasses. If you are outside, find an open space and avoid buildings and trees. Keep a safe distance from man-made structures that are taller than you and do the duck and cover head at least with hands. For some who maybe driving along the streets, you should temporarily stop and seek in a safe place,” said Aplal.

Earthquakes are unique challenges to communities. Unlike other natural or man-made hazards, it occurs with no warning. But with proper training and advance proper planning, communities can be prepared to react appropriately during and after an earthquake, experts say.

Further, as compared to the new smartphones, the old yet reliable two-way handheld radios are still the best communication equipment in the field when responding to disasters.

Angot said VHF radios are preferred by rescuers and partners as they are more resilient to any weather condition.“VHF radios could withstand long hours of use during operations with lesser worries on battery depletion.”

During calamities, she said communication towers might be toppled down, but the VHF radios are proven to be worthy in the field when disasters strike.

PHIVOLCS Cotabato Chief Engr. Rainier Amilbahar said they are closely monitoring the 250-kilometer Cotabato trench in Mindanao that has a history of strong quake occurrence once every 30-40 years.

On August 17, 1976, an 8.0 magnitude temblor shook the Moro Gulf, causing catastrophic destruction to Maguindanao province and Cotabato City.

The theme of the NSED for the first quarter of 2017 was “Mag-Duck-Cover-Hold, Dahil Bida and Handa.”(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)