Earthquake, tsunami drills in Lobo, Batangas

LOBO, Batangas - The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region IV-A through the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council spearheaded the observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day and nationwide simultaenous earthquake drill for the fourth quarter this year on Monday in Barangay Malabrigo here.

The tsunami and earthquake drills were participated in by some 400 community residents, students and teachers of Malabrigo National High School which was designated as the evacuation center in the said barangay.

OCD training officer Kelvin John Reyes said they are conducting community mobilization to inform residents in coastal and non coastal barangays about what to do, where to go and whom to ask assistance from in case of an earthquake and / or tsunami and to establish a community- based early warning system.

He said it is important to observe the gap between the warning and the response of the people with the aid of government agencies in all levels.

One of the participants, Cecile Cay, a high school teacher, said the activity was a great opportunity for everyone to be familiar with emergency responses.

She cited some barangays in Lobo were affected by flash floods in 2012 when the town was placed under state of calamity.

Malabrigo resident Susan Patag, 55, said being alone in the house, she needs to be alert and ready to go thus she carried her plastic gallon packed with foods and personal things.

The activity was supported by the Region 4A and Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army, Philippine Red Cross and municipal and barangay based disaster committees.