Manila – International observers called Metro Manila's first-ever metrowide earthquake drill on Thursday, July 30, a good first attempt, with all 17 local government units participating in the massive simulation of how disaster officials should respond in the event of a powerful quake striking the metropolis, reports the Rappler.
Millions of Metro Manila residents participated in the drill, which took two months to plan. Mark Bidder, head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), said the drill was a "chance for responders to come together, to coordinate their actions, and work out problems they can face."