No power outage during MMDA earthquake drill – Meralco

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) vowed to keep its power lines humming throughout the planned earthquake drill organized by the Metro Manila Development Authority on Thursday.

 

The power distributor will supply electricity to customers across the National Capital Region to ensure that businesses and public services continue operating during the MMDA Shake Drill, Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga said.  

 

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino was pushing for a five-hour shut down of power, communications and transportation for a more realistic earthquake drill in Metro Manila. 

 

While it will skip a power outage simulation during the drill, Meralco will participate in the government-led exercise aimed at preparing for the "Big One" that could emanate from active faults traversing Metro Manila. 

 

"We will participate in some areas and will also have a drill in our compound as well," Zaldarriaga told GMA News Online. 

 

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake will affect about 70 percent of Meralco facilities, including 82 substations and 5,000 sub-transmission poles, according to a primer on the company's earthquake preparedness plan.

 

Meralco has contingency measures outlining the restoration of power services and satellite communication devices, as well as the deployment of rescue teams should an earthquake devastate its franchise area.

 

"Iba na ang handa sa anumang sakuna. Dapat na preparado ka, more or less alam mo ang iyong gagawin," Zaldarriaga said. – VS, GMA News