Ink | Pen | Paper

I am going to sort of retract my earlier blog post that we can absolutely do nothing here in the Philippines in case an earthquake strikes. Actually, we can do something, and it's something that the government can even implement ASAP. It can prove to be a confusing, disorderly and routine-disrupting affair, but if perfected, it can help save lives.

It's a very simple, age-old concept, borrowed from another potential hazard catastrophe scenario--fires. Yes, if the Philippine government would make earthquake drills mandatory, I believe we have a serious chance at reducing the casualty rate, in case of a major earthquake in any major metropolitan area in this country.

This drill plan has to be studied well and tested out rigorously in order to ensure that it would provide an efficient and safe way to evacuate people out of high rise structures, out of "buildings-of-questionable stability/engineering". It should have a proper way of being delivered to the public so that it would coax the public to take it seriously, rather than end up being a "joke drill" etc, or the butt of "There's another (yawn) drill today." sort of comments.



Indeed, our government has spearheaded events like this in the past:
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/192152/n...ll-set-june-18
http://balita.ph/2009/05/13/tsunami-...tal-barangays/

but I think efforts in this direction need to be stepped up in light of the recent tragic events in Japan. It shouldn't be just some "one shot" affair highlighting the efforts of some local politician trying to "showcase" his efforts while in public service. And it has to focus efforts on urban areas too, not just the coastal areas (when was the last time your building held an earthquake drill?).

Some basic info links on earthquake drills can be found here:
http://www.essortment.com/planning-e...lls-61140.html
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...quakedrill.dtl

Again, we need to spread this information--drills, drills, and more drills for the public--we need to be prepared. We CAN save lives if we do this.

-RODION