OCD plans nighttime earthquake scenario

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is planning to simulate a nighttime earthquake scenario for the second Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) this June.

Atty. Chris Noel Bendijo, OCD spokesperson, said during a recent forum that the agency aims to develop more realistic scenarios to better prepare Filipinos in case a major earthquake occurs at night.

“We are planning to explore different scenarios, so that we can learn from it, identify the gaps and eventually, we can do something about it,” Bendijo added, noting that earthquake drills target muscle memory to enhance disaster response.

The OCD also leads the Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) program, which recognizes local government units (LGUs) that comply with national contingency planning standards.

Bendijo underscored the critical role of LGUs in disaster response, noting their proximity and knowledge of immediate community needs.

“The immediate response of the local government unit is the primary lifeline for our people during disasters. They are also responsible for relaying the immediate needs on the ground to the national government,” he said.

With the rainy season underway, the OCD also stressed the importance of rapid information dissemination.

“The role of the OCD is to alert mobile providers. Information from Phivolcs and PAGASA is relayed to the OCD, which then disseminates it through early warning system messages sent via mobile carriers to affected areas,” Bendijo explained.

A study by Phivolcs estimates that at least 33,000 people could die and more than 168,000 buildings could collapse if the “Big One” — a projected magnitude 7.2 earthquake along the West Valley Fault — strikes.