The local government of Odiongan, through the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), spearheaded an earthquake drill in Barangay Tuburan on Thursday as part of its commitment to disaster preparedness and resilience.
The drill was attended by teachers, students, and personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard, Highway Patrol Group (HPG), and the Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC).
The exercise simulated a magnitude 5 earthquake with its epicenter at Tuburan Elementary School, testing the readiness and coordination of emergency responders and the local community in the event of a real earthquake.
At the sound of the emergency alarm, students and teachers promptly performed the standard Duck, Cover, and Hold technique before proceeding to the designated evacuation areas. Rescuers then conducted search and rescue operations for individuals who were presumed injured or unable to evacuate on their own.
Following the drill, an assessment was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of response protocols and identify areas for improvement. Participants expressed confidence in their preparedness, with many highlighting the importance of such drills in ensuring that communities know how to react in real-life emergency situations.
The earthquake drill holds particular significance for Odiongan, as the municipality experienced a magnitude 4.8 earthquake in 2023. The tremor was felt at Intensity 5, classified as strong in the area. While no damages were reported, the event served as a reminder of the need for continuous preparedness efforts.
Odiongan MDRRMO said that the drill was part of the municipality's participation in the 1st Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED).
