Iloilo: The Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has launched a strategic initiative to enhance the preparedness of coastal communities for potential earthquakes and tsunamis. This effort included an evacuation drill on Thursday afternoon aimed at improving the readiness of vulnerable areas.
According to Philippines News Agency, the series of drills is designed to increase public awareness, improve local response mechanisms, and promote a culture of safety and preparedness. PDRRMO head Cornelio Salinas highlighted Barangay Talokgangan in Banate, a coastal area, as the chosen site for the regionwide simultaneous earthquake and tsunami drill. Banate features nine coastal villages with homes primarily constructed from light materials.
Salinas noted that the coastal area lacks infrastructure such as embankments, wave breakers, or dikes. He emphasized the importance of training residents to be resilient and knowledgeable about appropriate actions during disasters. The drill commenced with the sounding of an initial alarm for the earthquake scenario, followed by a second alarm that triggered the tsunami alert shortly after. The local church bell was also utilized as a key component of the community-based tsunami warning system, providing an effective alert signal for residents across the municipality.
Salinas stated that this drill serves as a pilot project, with plans to replicate it in other barangays based on the lessons learned. He stressed the necessity for all coastal municipalities to understand the potential impact of tsunamis and earthquakes. Data indicates that the Negros Trench could produce a tsunami as high as a three-story building in Iloilo City, potentially affecting the fourth district.
The drill was mandated by the Office of the Civil Defense and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council following recent strong earthquakes in Cebu and Davao. It was conducted simultaneously in Iloilo City and Antique, with a second day of activities scheduled for Friday, involving Aklan, Capiz, and Guimaras.
