By Azer N. Parrocha
MANILA, July 30 (PNA) — A series of text blasts were sent to mobile users before and after the Metro Manila-wide earthquake drill on Thursday in anticipation of a potential 7.2 magnitude earthquake hitting the metropolis.
To recall, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has required telecommunication companies, particularly Smart Communications and Globe Telecom, to send alerts in case of calamities.
NTC said that during actual calamities, the text blasts will contain information on evacuation centers as well as guidance on what to do.
For the earthquake drill, however, the text blast contained the “drop, cover, and hold for 45 seconds” public service advisory from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), which spearheaded the shake drill.
The morning drill, which covered 16 cities and one town in Metro Manila, began at 10:30 a.m. and lasted for a full hour.
A night drill would also be held at the Ortigas Business District in Pasig City at 8 p.m., the text blast advised.
MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino described the conduct of the drill as “historical” and “successful,” noting that Metro Manila’s preparedness has significantly been upgraded.
Tolentino is planning on conducting the drill yearly and covering more regions for comparison. (PNA)