OCD-ARMM, Lamitan City LGU hold successful 'tsunami drill'

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=891393
• Thursday, June 2, 2016

(PNA), LAP/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, June 2 (PNA) -- Residents of coastal villages in Lamitan City are now well equipped with knowledge and techniques on what to do during a tsunami, the Office of Civil Defense in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) based here said Thursday.

Myrna J. Angot, OIC of the OCD-ARMM, said her office and the local government of Lamitan City in Basilan have organized a training dubbed as "tsunami drill," aimed at preparing the public for calamities like tidal waves.

The program was designed for only 250 individuals but more than 1,000 persons showed up to participate, Angot said.

The organizers, she said, quickly adjusted to the number and all graduated after the one-day event Wednesday.

“Let me take this opportunity to thank our partners and the rest of actors who made this event possible and successful," Lamitan City Mayor Rosita Furigay said.

"In addition, our deepest thanks to our more than a thousand constituents who took part in the activity. Let me extend my warmest gratitude also to the Office of Civil Defense-ARMM for assisting us,” said Furigay.

In her speech, Furigay reiterated the importance of tsunami early warning system for it provides initial immediate warning to communities on the potentials of tsunami after an earthquake had occurred.

“It is the task of the local government to ensure proper dissemination of disaster warnings to communities, so the community acts accordingly, and there is increasing community preparedness," she said.

Angot said the drill serves a reminder to those who might not have a plan an emergency plan in case a tsunami hits the coastal towns of ARMM.

“Should a tsunami hit your community, you must identify an area on high ground where you can safely relocate. Make sure also there are no potential hazards that may prevent you from using the evacuation route safely," Angot told the participants. "In the event you feel a strong earthquake, do not stay in low-lying coastal areas.”

During an orientation on understanding hazard with Barangay Bato community in Lamitan City, Security Risk Office for Baslan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi (BASULTA) Dionisio Mondejar, said that a tsunami may not be necessarily a single wave, but could possibly be a series of waves.

“In this instance, do not return to your respective areas until there is clear notification from local authorities,” said Mondejar.

Lamitan City DRRMO chief Engr. Jay Dompol said there is a reason to be cautious and responsible in using warning signals in order to prevent confusion among the local populace.

“That's where education takes place and everyone in the community needs to be informed of the signals and signs disaster officials will be using to avoid confusion," Dompol said.

Angot said more similar activities are already in the pipeline for several coastal communities in the region this year.

ARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.