Hundreds join #BidaAngHanda Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill

Hundreds of mall employees, tenants and shoppers joined the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Thursday.

As sirens wailed exactly at 2 p.m. at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, employees and mall-goers evacuated the building.

Thousands of mall employees and shoppers evacuate as sirens wailed at exactly 2PM. pic.twitter.com/pGposLB5B2

— Marlly Bondoc (@marllybondoc) June 29, 2017

All tents were set up at 2:05 p.m which included the following teams: Fire fighting rescue team, Evacuation team, Clearing engineering team, Security and crowd control team, first aid, medical and supplies team, and communication team.

Tents are being set up. pic.twitter.com/vQNs2EJ53I

— Marlly Bondoc (@marllybondoc) June 29, 2017

"This drill is about the preparation for the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill. This is nationwide. The main thing... is being held in Davao. For NCR [National Capital Region], we choose SM Megamall for the business sector para alam namin ang reaksyon ng mga commercial establishment," Romula Cabantac, Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense - National Capital Region, told reporters.

"Nakita namin okay naman pero of course practice pa rin 'yan. Since this is quarterly, we will be encouraging more," Cabantac added.

The NSED is held quarterly in preparation for the “Big One,” or the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that could kill and displace millions especially those who are living in the cities and nearby provinces that lie on top of the West Valley Fault.

Meanwhile, the first "injured" victim was found near the elevator. The bloodied man was put on a stretcher and was immediately brought to the nearest hospital, VRP Medical Center.

First "injured" victim being rescued. pic.twitter.com/JAhdGhgl1E

— Marlly Bondoc (@marllybondoc) June 29, 2017

Another victim who "sustained minor injuries" was quickly assisted and was also provided with a wheelchair.

Cabantac said that overall, the management of SM Megamall received a 7 to 8 rating out 10, as some mall-goers did not participate.

"Sa akin naman, okay na sila. I gave them a rate of 7 or 8. Ang shortcomings or nakita kong scene hindi gaano na-encourage 'yung mall goers," he said.

"It's up to them to participate or not pero ituturo, i-e-encourage sila sumama para malaman din nila mismo na kung mangyari man ito, dito tayo pupunta at nandito tayo sa lugar. 'Yun ang kulang," he added.

"Kasi makikita niyo sa tigas ng ulo ng Pilipino, talagang nanonood lang, usisero. May nangyayari na, nanood pa rin sila," he said. —KG/KVD, GMA News