Baler MDRRMO gears up for ‘Big One’

He said the public should be aware of the possible impacts and effects of the “Big One.”

BALER, Aurora— The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) here has heightened its disaster awareness campaign in preparation for the “Big One,” a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that could possibly be generated by the West Valley Fault, which is ripe for movement.

“This will be the most devastating disaster that may happen in Metro Manila. Baler is about 231 kilometers away from the City. We are all surrounded by the ring of fire and we should be prepared at all times,” said MDRRO chief Gabriel C. Llave, during his lecture over the weekend to students from different schools, Philippine Army and reservists in this province.

He said the public should be aware of the possible impacts and effects of the “Big One.”

“Falling objects may also cause injuries. If the public is aware, the damaging effects of earthquake can be minimized. Thus, we should prepare ourselves for such scenario,” Llave said.

He told the residents that based on their study the safest place they may go to for refuge is in Sitio Hiwalayan, Barangay Bacong, San Luis, this province.

“It is safe there even from the occurrence of tsunami,” he said.

Llave also explained the importance of the Incident Command System (ICS) which is designed to develop a standard response and operational procedures to all types of disasters and complexities as a result of climate change or terrorism.

“It is now a law under Republic Act 10121 as part of the country’s existing on-scene disaster response system that is now being implemented,” he added.

Aside from lectures, the Baler MDRRMO is also regularly conducting earthquake and tsunami drills.