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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider OCD postpones nat'l earthquake drill due to 'Ulysses'

OCD postpones nat'l earthquake drill due to 'Ulysses'

Published Nov 12, 2020 10:48 am

By Martin Sadongdong and Jeffrey Damicog

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has decided to postpone the scheduled fourth quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Thursday due to the devastation wrought by typhoon "Ulysses" in some parts of the country.

(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

In a statement, the OCD said the heavy rainfall and strong winds caused by "Ulysses" resulted in a large-scale power interruption and loss of internet connection in areas that were directly hit by Ulysses, particularly in Bicol (Region 5), Calabarzon (Region 4A), and some parts of Metro Manila.

"Due to the impacts of the severe weather disturbance - Typhoon Ulysses - which resulted in a massive power interruption and disruption of internet connection, we would like to inform you that we will be postponing the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill until further notice," the OCD said.

"We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience. At this time, we want to ensure the safety of our participants and viewers," it added.

The OCD said it will give an update on the progress of the rescheduling of the quarterly earthquake drill which has been done virtually due to the limitations brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The earthquake drill was supposed to be scheduled at 9 a.m. on Thursday. 

The drill was regularly done as part of the continuous efforts to promote earthquake preparedness along with awareness of tsunami emergencies in time for the observation of the World Tsunami Day every November 5. 

Although the occurrence of an earthquake cannot be predicted, experts have consistently warned against the "Big One" or the possible magnitude-7.2 earthquake which is feared to emanate from the 100-kilometer long West Valley Fault that cuts through six cities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) also announced the postponement of the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) scheduled on Thursday.

“Due to the severe weather situation brought by Typhoon Ulysses resulting to limitations in conducting the event, we would like to inform you that the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) is postponed until further notice,” said DOST Sec. Fortunato dela Pena said in a statement. 

“We apologize for the inconvenience it may have caused you. We will update you on the rescheduling of the event,” he said.

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