Amid continuing aftershocks from two powerful earthquakes that struck several areas in Cebu and Davao Oriental recently, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday ordered local chief executives to strictly enforce critical earthquake and tsunami preparedness measures.
The DILG said local government units (LGUs) must act urgently and consistently to protect lives and infrastructure.
Local officials must regularly update emergency protocols, evacuation plans and response systems and disseminate these to the public, the DILG said.
Residents in coastal areas have been advised to observe tsunami warning signs such as strong ground shaking, sudden change in the level of seawater and unusual sound coming from the ocean.
Preemptive evacuation of residents from coastal and low-lying areas must be carried out when a distant tsunami warning is hoisted, and forced evacuation when sea waves become unusually high.
The DILG said local engineering teams must inspect critical infrastructure and prevent people from reoccupying damaged structures after a quake.
‘The public must refrain from spreading unverified information and must rely solely on official updates,’ it said.
Meanwhile, the Canadian government is providing P26.9 million in humanitarian assistance for victims of calamities in the Philippines including the recent earthquakes and typhoons.
Aside from financial assistance, Canada also offered to send relief supplies to quake victims in Cebu and Davao.
The Canadian government will allocate $250,000 for the Philippine Red Cross’ relief operations in Cebu, and $350,000 to World Vision Canada, a member of a humanitarian coalition that provides emergency shelter and other services.