Gov't employees, students join Metro Shake Drill 

Hundreds of people from all walks of life joined the Metro Manila Development Authority's (MMDA) Metro Shake Drill on Friday afternoon.

According to MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim, the earthquake drill is conducted to prepare the public for worst-case scenarios and to test how long it would take for all units to respond given the traffic and rush hour situation.

PHIVOLCS director Renato Solidum, in an interview on QRT, said this year's earthquake drill is different from previous drills.

"Mas kakaiba ngayon dahil ang drill ay tatlong araw at ang pagresponde ng mga tumulong ay mai-itetest using simulation exercises. Nagsimula na right after the earthquake at magtatapos hanggang Lunes ng umaga," Solidum said.

"Ang nakita ko don after the pressing of the button, drop cover and hold, para naman mailigtas ang sarili para sa mga posibleng bumabagsak o nahuhulog na mga bagay, at pagkatapos non ay pupunta na sa kanya-kanyang quadrant, kasama ang kanilang support staff," Solidum added.

3rd Metro Manila Shake Drill nagsimula na! @gmanews pic.twitter.com/pkfqiJMMWX

— Mark Zambrano (@markzambrano) July 14, 2017

Government employees went through the three steps: duck, cover and hold after he alarm sounded - signalling the onset of the drill on how to protect one's self during an earthquake and its aftershocks.

Malacañang employees join #MMShakeDrill pic.twitter.com/S6QTDJlkZ6

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) July 14, 2017

DPWH joins the nationwide 4-day #MMShakeDrill pic.twitter.com/dqmOfk7q4H

— DPWH Philippines (@DPWHph) July 14, 2017

 

DAR participates in the conduct of the  earthquake drill. Observations are shared by floor coordinators. #MMShakeDrill pic.twitter.com/PPLiAQLxRM

— DAR Philippines (@dargovph) July 14, 2017

DOTr Incident Management Team helps employees evacuate the Columbia Tower and leads them to an open area. #MMShakeDrill pic.twitter.com/6N2IN7mxFR

— DOTr (@DOTr_PH) July 14, 2017

Happening right now #MMShakeDrill pic.twitter.com/fST5eRlQJM

— MandaluyongPIO (@MandaluyongPIO) July 14, 2017

With books used to cover their heads, children also participated during the drill so they would know the importance of this kind of safety measures.

DENR Daycare pupils also participate in the #MMShakeDrill. pic.twitter.com/HDnOLbOTx3

— DENR (@DENR_Official) July 14, 2017

Mga bata sa isang day care center sa Brgy. Mintal, Davao City, nag-practice ng duck, cover, at hold para sa #MMShakeDrill. pic.twitter.com/gFmP0SiRH6

— YouScoop (@YouScoop) July 14, 2017

The Letran Community participates in the 3rd Metro Manila shake drill. #MMShakeDrill #TheKnightsInitiative pic.twitter.com/EMv96KvVIp

— Letran SC (@LetranSCManila) July 14, 2017

NOW: Students duck, cover and hold to participate in this year's Metro Manila earthquake drill. #MMShakeDrill pic.twitter.com/iWPYhS72ZD

— The Varsitarian (@varsitarianust) July 14, 2017

Mga estudyante sa Arellano University, nag-duck, cover, at hold para sa #MMShakeDrill. Nagkaroon rin sila ng evacuation drill. pic.twitter.com/MbpJZpkKnh

— YouScoop (@YouScoop) July 14, 2017

Before the start of the drill, the participants around the metro were oriented by MMDA personnel on what steps they should take if a big shaker catches them in a high-rise building, outdoors, or on the road.

Video: mga makikibahagi sa #MMShakeDrill Binibigyan ng final briefing @dzbb pic.twitter.com/nsi8AumYvg

— Rodil  Vega (@Rodveg72) July 14, 201

LOOK: Mga paghahanda sa North Quadrant sa VMMC sa Quezon City para sa ikatlong #MMShakeDrill mamayang 4pm. @dzbb pic.twitter.com/ZJwdv7Xrta

— James Agustin (@_jamesJA) July 14, 2017

To simulate a real-life situation, the MMDA even set-up communication centers and vehicles containing first-aid medicines.

TINGNAN: Nakapreposition sa labas ng Intramuros Golf Course ang MMDA communication center at container van na naglalaman ng mga gamot @dzbb pic.twitter.com/jD4cHIT1KM

— Cecille Villarosa (@CecilVillarosa) July 14, 2017

The Metro Shake Drill is in preparation for a possible movement by the West Valley Fault, which the Japan International Cooperation Agency in 2004 predicted will cause a 7.2 earthquake they're calling "The Big One" in Metro Manila.

According to their estimates, there big one will likely cause 35,000 casualties, 115,000 injuries, and level 170,000 buildings. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK/KVD, GMA News