Due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is faced with the threat of earthquakes and tsunamis. In the northern parts of the country, residents are urged to take precautions for a massive earthquake that might occur anytime.
Meanwhile, here in Region 8, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is also taking the necessary steps to prepare for a massive earthquake.
Recently, these partner agencies conducted an earthquake and tsunami drill at Arteche, Eastern Samar as part of the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill. During the drill, which simulated a 7.2 magnitude earthquake and a tsunami, DSWD was able to set up and use its satellite equipment, including satellite phones, the MCD-4800 (“Football”), a Cobham Explorer 5075GX and a Cobham Explorer 710 Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) terminal. (read about it here: https://fo8.dswd.gov.ph/2018/03/better-communication-for-better-disaster-response-2/) These equipment enable wi-fi connectivity, voice and text communications even without the availability of commercial networks. Using these, DSWD was able to send updated information in real-time. This field test demonstrated the capability of the equipment even in inclement weather.
Aside from government agencies, the search and rescue units from various municipalities also took part in the drill. These municipalities include Catbalogan City, Borongan City, Dolores, Taft, San Julian, San Policarpio, Can-Avid, Palapag, Jipapad and Arteche. Other agencies were also present, such as the DOST, DILG, BFP, DTI, DPWH, the Coast Guard and the 14th IB of the 8th Infantry Division.
According to Arteche Mayor Roland Evardone, the drill proved to be a success. It highlighted and emphasized the cooperation between the national agencies and the responders on the ground. This cooperation would be critical in the event of an actual disaster.
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