Brace for heavy traffic, telecom and power disruptions, public told

Traffic is stopped on Edsa as part of the earthquake drill. FILE PHOTO

Motorists and commuters were told to brace for traffic jams, mobile signal and power interruption in some areas in Metro Manila starting 4 p.m. Friday.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) will conduct the third metro-wide shake drill on Friday afternoon.

READ: MMDA: 4-day quake drill starts Friday afternoon

NDRRMC spokesperson Mina Marasigan asked for the public’s cooperation as the drill will cause traffic jams and a few minutes of disruption in cellphone signals and electricity in certain areas in Metro Manila.

“This initiative is in line with the NDRRMC’s thrust to build resilience. We are requesting the participation of everyone in this campaign,” Marasigan said in a text message.

“While the drill may result (in) traffic, a few minutes of disruption in cellphone signals & electricity, we appeal to the public that this exercise is vital to ensure preparedness for earthquakes not only for the local government but the entire citizenry,” Marasigan said.

At 3:30 p.m., a ceremonial program will be held at the MMDA office in Makati City. This will be attended by MMDA Chairman Danny Lim, Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Tim Orbos, and  Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) director Renato Solidum.

At exactly 4 p.m., traffic will be stopped in some major thoroughfares, including EDSA. The public will be advised to do duck, cover, and hold for 45 seconds.

The MMDA has assigned four quadrants. There will be a simulation of various disaster scenarios in the following areas:

North quadrant – Veterans Hospital in Quezon City

South quadrant – Villamor Airbase in Pasay City

East quadrant – LRT Depot in Santolan, Pasig

West quadrant – Intramuros Golf Course in Manila

– By: Julliane Love De Jesus