By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is seeking the inclusion of a tsunami scenario in the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill to ensure public preparedness, following a series of earthquakes offshore of Ilocos Sur.
“The integration of tsunami drills into the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill is recommended to enhance community preparedness for potential tsunami threats,” OCD chief Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said in a statement after convening an emergency preparedness meeting on Tuesday.
Nepomuceno noted that as of Tuesday, a total of 186 earthquakes have been recorded offshore Ilocos Sur, ranging from magnitudes of 1.8 to 5.0 at various depths.
Nepomuceno said there is a possibility that a tsunami might occur, particularly from offshore earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.5 or greater along the Manila Trench.
He said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) continues developing tsunami modeling to inform communities about possible inundation and wave height expectations.
There would be a briefing from Phivolcs in January 2025 regarding six significant trenches around the Philippines.
Nepomuceno said all OCD regional offices have been instructed to inform local government units on how to utilize available maps through HazardHunterPH and review relevant contingency plans to prepare for possible emergencies.
He issued the directive amid anticipated heavy to intense rains in the Eastern Visayas, Bicol, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA regions.
Moderate to heavy rains are likewise expected in Metro Manila and nearby regions.
Citing the latest weather bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Nepomuceno said the shearline is affecting Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas, while the northeast monsoon influences the rest of Luzon.
“Communities are urged to stay informed and comply with safety directives to mitigate risks associated with these ongoing calamities and weather disturbances,” Nepomuceno said.