CDRRMC adopts earthquake contingency plan

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) chaired by Mayor Benjamin Magalong adopted the Summer Capital’s Contingency Plan on Earthquake during its 1st Quarter Meeting on February 18 presided by CDRRM Office head Antonette Anaban and Engr. Felipe Puzon, CDRRMO action officer and City Mayor’s Office chief of staff.

An earthquake is a weak to violent shaking of the ground produced by the sudden movement of rock materials below the earth’s surface.

Anaban said the plan was adopted by CDRRMC members with the agreement that suggestions given during the meeting will be incorporated into the plan which will then be presented to the city council for its approval.

The contingency plan’s goal is to provide effective, efficient, immediate and well-coordinated response mechanisms in the event of a disaster triggered by an earthquake in the city.

She said these actions shall help to protect lives, properties and the environment and provide immediate needs of the affected communities and vulnerable sectors.

Its objectives include the conduct of rapid damage assessment and needs analysis in the affected areas; conduct immediate evacuation operations to preserve lives in all affected areas; ensure proper camp coordination and camp management and provision of food and non-food items.

Conduct immediate search and rescue in all areas with suspected trapped individuals; provide medical intervention to all injured; ensure law and order in all affected areas; activation of the Emergency Operations Center, Incident Management Team, response clusters and ensuring coordination and interoperability are the plan’s other objectives.

The plan also has response arrangements including activation, deactivation and inactivation protocols, Anaban said.

The city’s contingency plan on earthquake was formulated by CDRRMC members during a week-long seminar workshop conducted by the CDRRMO last year. – Gaby B. Keith