SIMULATION. Responders attend to a mock casualty during the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Sept. 8, 2023. The NDRRMC said the NSED for the first quarter of 2024 is scheduled for March 25. (PNA file photo by Ben Briones)
MANILA – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has announced that the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) for the first quarter of this year will be held on March 25.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday night, the agency called on the public to join the drill set at 9 a.m. by performing the "duck, cover and hold.
It has yet to announce the venue and earthquake scenario for this quarter's NSED.
The NSED is a quarterly exercise to promote earthquake awareness and preparedness of the general public.
"It also aims to strengthen the preparedness of local government units in the event of a strong ground shaking and its secondary hazards like fire, tsunami, and liquefaction," the OCD said.
Earlier, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chair, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., urged the public to take the NSED seriously.
He emphasized the importance of preparedness to save more lives and respond quickly to the needs of communities. (PNA)
