Philippines Earthquake: Preparedness Drills Credited with Mitigating Casualties

Years of consistent disaster preparedness drills are being credited with saving lives and preventing a higher death toll after a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines earlier this week. The offshore quake, which hit Monday off Sarangani province, has so far resulted in 55 confirmed deaths, with 31 people still missing. Approximately 1,120 individuals were injured, and over 45,000 people have been displaced, with many still residing in emergency shelters.

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This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness and the value of regular disaster response drills.

Officials noted that the drills helped people anticipate and react to the extreme event. Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, stated that the preparedness education paid off. He also highlighted the fortunate timing of the quake, which struck at 7:37 a.m., just before work and classes were scheduled to begin indoors, potentially preventing more severe consequences.

Videos circulating on social media captured the chaotic moments, showing crowds witnessing building collapses and ceremonies disrupted by the shaking. However, in educational settings, students were observed following instructions to remain calm and seated, guided by teachers. The Mahayahay elementary school, for instance, reported no injuries among its students, attributing this to the preparedness protocols.

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It’s good that our efforts to educate people on what to do when earthquakes hit somehow paid off.

Despite the positive impact of the drills, concerns persist regarding structural integrity. Ednar Dayanghirang, director of the Office of Civil Defense, expressed worry over the collapse of some buildings that should have withstood such a powerful quake if construction standards and the country's building code were properly followed. Regular drills have been instrumental in reducing casualties, including preventing deadly stampedes, by equipping school principals and teachers with incident management skills and establishing disaster-response teams.

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We required all school principals to take one-day courses on incident management, then they appointed disaster-response teams among teachers to deal with earthquakes, tsunamis.