GOV’T AGENCIES HOLD FLOOD DRILL IN DAVNOR

RESIDENT of Barangay Mabaus, Carmen, Davao del Norte were awakened by the flood warning sirens in the early morning of Sunday, January 29, 2023, due to a flood simulation drill exercise carried out by the Department of Science and Technology-Davao Region (DOST-Davao), Office of the Civil Defense-Davao with the Municipality of Carmen Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

During the simulation exercise, residents participated in the evacuation drill to test their ability to respond to any po- tential flooding in the area and for the responders to properly assess coordination challenges during the evacuation process.

The flood drill also assessed the facilities of the newly launched Regional Permanent Evacuation Center of Carmen equipped with modular tents, comfort rooms, a health center, an animal rescue area, a breastfeeding room, a prayer room, and a playroom for children.

DOST-Davao Assistant Regional Director Mirasol Domingo highlighted the importance of the activity for the community because disaster preparations require clear plans and it is more effective if taken with a top-to-bottom approach.

“We cannot prevent flooding from happening, but the way we approach it can ease its catastrophic impacts on the community and it will definitely save lives if the community knows how to respond to these calamities,” she added.

After the flood simulation drill, the disaster managers, responders, evacuation center officers, and community members gathered for a debriefing and post-evaluation of the conducted drill.

Nicanor Sombilon Bajeyo, barangay chairman of Mabaus, extended gratitude to the participating government agencies for conducting the drill and for reinforcing the importance of community participation in responding to natural disasters.

The flood simulation drill is part of the Scaling Up Community Resilience Building to Disasters in the Davao Region of DOST targeted to enhance the capabilities of local government units and communities in the Davao Region to reduce risks and impact of natural hazards. /