Contingency plan ready for strong quake in NCR, nearby areas —NDRRMC

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday said a contingency plan has been prepared in case a strong earthquake will hit the National Capital Region and nearby regions.

“Meron po tayong (We have) national harmonized contingency plan for a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that might hit NCR and surrounding regions,” NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Timbal said at a public briefing.

According to Timbal, the NDRRMC already made arrangements with local government units and supporting regions on their response and relief activities.

He added that the assets that will be used for the emergency have been determined.

Timbal said some local government units have been identified to serve as “twin cities” to Metro Manila if the strong earthquake occurs.

He also advised the public to do their part by preparing a go-bag, practicing “duck, cover, and hold”, as well as planning their evacuation to open spaces.

On Wednesday, a magnitude 7 earthquake struck Abra. As Friday, the NDRRMC reported  six people dead, four missing, and 136 injured due to the quake.

A total of 1,583 homes were damaged by the quake — 1,535 partially and 48 totally — in Ilocos region and CAR, according to the NDRRMC.

It added that around P48.3 million worth of damage has been reported in Ilocos, Cagayan, and CAR.

The National Irrigation Administration has reported P4.5 million worth of damage, while the Department of Agriculture reported over P3.8 million worth of damage in CAR, the NDRRMC said. —LBG, GMA News