Metro Manila ShakedrillThe metrowide Shake Drill spearheaded by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will start at exactly 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, July 30, 2015. All local government units in Metro Manila will participate in the drill to prepare residents of the anticipated 7.2-magnitude earthquake that will hit Metro Manila and its environs.

The MMDA has provided answers to the following frequently asked questions:

What is the Metro Manila Shakedrill?
The Metro Manila Shakedrill is the first metro-wide earthquake drill which aims to promote a culture of preparedness among Metro Manilans in the event of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake due to the movement of the West Valley Fault.

When will the Shakedrill be conducted?
The Shakedrill will start on July 30, 2015 (Thursday) 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM in the whole Metro Manila. Pasig City will also be conducting its own Nighttime Drill in the Ortigas Business District from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

Who should participate in the Shakedrill?
Everyone in Metro Manila is encouraged to participate in the drill, whether they are at home, at work, in school, or even on the road. Since the Shakedrill is designed to simulate an unexpected 7.2 magnitude earthquake, everyone will be “affected” wherever they are.
The Metro Manila Shakedrill has been coordinated with the barangays, government agencies, hospitals, businesses, schools, BPOs, mall operators, and the religious sectors in order to ensure multi-sector participation.

How do we know if the drill is starting?
At 10:30 AM, the radio stations will be sounding off the earthquake sounds which will signal the start of the drill. Depending on where you are, your company, school, or institution may also sound off their own sounds and bells through their Public Announcement (PA) Systems.

What should we do at 10:30 AM?
If you are at the office, school or other buildings, once the signal starts at 10:30 AM, perform the Drop, Cover, and Hold position for forty five (45) seconds. After that, evacuate your building and make sure to clear any obstructions in your pathway. Follow the protocols as prescribed by the Earthquake Preparedness Guideline pamphlets (available at www.metromanilashakedrill.com) for each type of sector. The specific procedures should be implemented by your office, school, place of worship, etc.
If you are in a vehicle, avoid structures likely to fall, like billboards and power lines.

What if we’re at home at 10:30 AM?
If you are at home, we encourage you to perform the Drop, Cover, and Hold position for forty five (45) seconds as well. You don’t have to evacuate your house. Just know where the nearest barangay evacuation center is located. Have your emergency bag on hand with whistles. Prepare your family evacuation procedure. Check possible causes of fires like LPG tanks. Monitor the ongoing Shakedrill within your neighborhood. Visualize and know where your family members are, and check your house surroundings for cracks and structural defects.

Where should we go after we Duck, Cover, and Hold?
If you’re at home, you don’t need to evacuate. For members of schools, offices, and institutions, carefully evacuate building and proceed to the evacuation areas as prescribed by your local barangays.

What if I’m on the road at 10:30 AM?
The MMDA traffic constables will signal the start of the Shakedrill on our major roads by holding up EARTHQUAKE DRILL signs. All vehicles will be expected to stop for forty five (45) seconds, except for those vehicles on and below flyovers and tunnels which need to keep moving to avoid the structures.
Traffic lights along the major roads will be in FLASHING MODE for forty five seconds as well.

Are public services going to be disrupted on July 30?
No, all public services will be operational on July 30. The point of the Shakedrill is to simulate the earthquake on a normal day where the people will be where they normally are. Only the 10:30 to 11:30 window hour will be dedicated to the Shakedrill.

How about the trains?
The MRT and LRT lines will be operational during the Shakedrill.

Will the power and telephone lines be cut off?
No. There will be no metro-wide disruption of power or communication lines. It is upon the discretion of your individual companies, schools, or barangays if they will simulate these circumstances in your respective areas.

What will be the organizers be doing during the Shakedrill?
A composite team of MMDA, MMDRRMC, PNP, AFP, and the local DRRMOs of LGUs will be setting up the following evacuation sites and staging simulated earthquake response scenarios at the following areas:

10:30 AM to 11:30 AM (July 30, 2015) Main Evacuation Areas:
A. Veterans Golf Course – Hospital / Medical Triage
B. Intramuros Golf Course – Fire Suppression
C. LRT 2 / Santolan Depot – Collapsed Structure
D. Villamor Golf Course – Debris Clearing

Pocket Drills
A. Eastwood Center – Medical Evacuation
B. Ayala Center, Makati – High Ladder Evacuation
C. Roxas Blvd., Rajah Sulayman Arena – Seaborne Evacuation
D. Megamall Area – Medical Evacuation
E. Pasig River Ferry System – Medical Evacuation (to Intramuros Golf Course)

An integrated Field Command Center (FCC) will be set up along the ASEANA Macapagal Blvd. Area (Pasay City) where there will also be Management of the Dead (MOD) activities. This will be linked up with with Camp Aguinaldo in the AFP Headquarters to monitor all activities.

Do we need to proceed to the evacuation areas?
You don’t have to proceed to our quadrant evacuation areas. Just know their locations on how to get there in case there are fires and strong aftershocks during a real earthquake.
For the Shakedrill, it is recommended to first proceed to your local barangay’s evacuation area.

Can I volunteer in the evacuation areas?
Yes. Registration areas will be designated at each sector for volunteers and assignment of responsibilities.

How can I encourage others to participate in the Shakedrill? You can promote the Shakedrill through your social media accounts by using #MMShakeDrill and sharing your preparations and experiences.