THE Boholano populace in general must be watchful and careful as some 27 tremors rocked at least three towns in the past 60 days, according to the post of a Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office’s facebook post.
“In Bohol, there has been a notable series of earthquakes during September and October 2024, excluding the five recent tremors recorded this day in Loay area,” it said.
There were 12 seismic events occurred in the town of Anda; 11 in Loay-Lila area; and 4 in Sierra-Bullones.
DMDRRMO advises for a simplified guide to prepare for an earthquake: (1) Create an Emergency Kit: Include water (1 gallon per person per day for three days), non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, and a first aid kit. (2) Make a Communication Plan: Decide how to contact family members and where to meet after an earthquake. (3) Secure Your Home: Fasten heavy furniture to walls and keep heavy items on lower shelves. (4) Practice Safety Drills: Teach everyone to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” during an earthquake; and (5) Know Local Resources: Familiarize yourself with emergency services, evacuation routes, and shelters in your area.
The provincial government initiated a mass casualty management simulation exercise (Simex) that took place on October 25, 2024 at the New Bohol Provincial Capitol Grounds from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
The simulation is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Bohol’s disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities, given the province’s vulnerability to both natural disasters and man-made emergencies such as typhoons, earthquakes, and flooding, and possible natural threats, which may include bombings, fires, and vehicular incidents that pose serious risks to public safety.
Recognizing these dangers, the provincial government of Bohol, under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado, conducted a simulation to address the gaps identified in the province’s emergency management system.
This initiative aims to improve coordination among responders, in line with the Capitol’s Strategic Agenda on environmental sustainability, resiliency, and disaster preparedness.
The exercise simulated large-scale emergencies, including a bombing and fire, with participants from various agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
Other organizations, including the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), and the City and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (CDRRMO and MDRRMO) of Corella and Dauis, also took part. (rvo w/ PIMO)
