MMDA eyes 5-hour Metro-wide drill ahead of ‘Big One’

Metro Manila plans a five-hour shutdown to simulate the destructive effects of a big earthquake, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Francis Tolentino told the House of Representatives on Monday.

During the hearing of the House committee on Metro Manila development, Tolentino said he has drafted an executive order for the President’s approval for an earthquake simulation before the end of July from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Under the drill, all electricity, water and communications services will be shut down to simulate the destructive effects of the so-called Big One.

“I just submitted a draft executive order for an earthquake drill which should happen before the end of July this year. It calls for a simultaneous experience… It will have a daytime and a nighttime scenario,” Tolentino said.

“The purpose is to acquaint the citizens of Metro Manila….Hindi ito para takutin (ang tao) kundi para paghandaan (ang malakas na lindol),” he added.

After the hearing, Tolentino explained to reporters that the considerations for the survival of residents in the event of an earthquake supersede the impact of the shutdown on Metro businesses.

“Ang kita, puwedeng mabawi, ang buhay hindi na,” Tolentino said.

He said the Metro Manila-wide drill will enable residents to experience the simulation at the same time.

“Ang maganda sa drill, mararanasan natin ang disruption nang sabay-sabay,” Tolentino said.

The MMDA made the plan days after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology released a new handbook with large-scale maps that identify areas traversed by the Valley Fault System in Metro Manila and surrounding areas. -Marc Jayson Cayabyab