Doctor Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), told the media during the Kapihan sa Baywalk in Mati City that when a person observes these natural signs of tsunami in their area, he or she should not hesitate to run towards the higher ground.
“If there is a strong shaking na halos hindi ka na makatayo, if there is a sudden drop of sea level, and there is a roaring sound coming from the sea, kahit isa lang dito ma-observe mo, then you have to move to a higher place kasi baka magkaroon ng tsunami,” Director Bacolcol emphasized.
(If there is a strong shaking that you can barely stand, if there is a sudden drop in the sea level, and there is a roaring sound coming from the sea, even if you just observe one of these, then you have to move to a higher place due to the possibility of a tsunami.)
Bacolcol stressed that the public should not wait for advisories from their agency or to any government offices during this time because the tsunami will hit the shore three to five minutes after a locally generated strong shake.
“If galing yan ng ibang bansa like Japan, then monitor our advisories, it will take around 24 hours before the tsunami will hit us,” he said.
Director Bacolcol and his PHIVOLCS team led the country’s celebration of the 2024 World Tsunami Awareness Day (WTAD), in time also for the centennial anniversary of the magnitude 8.3 Mati Earthquake and Tsunami, on November 5 in Mati City, Davao Oriental.
During the Kapihan, Bacolcol and Mayor Michelle Rabat represented by city administrator Alan Andrada signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the intensification of tsunami awareness and preparedness.
Mayor Rabat affirmed the city’s commitment to the partnership, emphasizing its dedication to creating a resilient community well-prepared for natural hazards.
“This ongoing dedication to safety and preparedness serves as a model for proactive disaster resilience, ensuring that Mati City and its citizens are well-prepared to confront potential risks,” the Mayor said.
Aside from the Kapihan, the celebration was also highlighted with a Tsunami! Run for Safety, a five-kilometer fun run, which was participated in by more than 1,600 runners.
“Hindi lang ito just an ordinary exercise na tatakbo; it’s also a way kung ano ‘yong gagawin mo kapag nagkaroon ng tsunami. So you really have to run if there is a tsunami,” Dr. Bacolcol said.
Different agencies also showcased their capabilities on disasters in an exhibit at the Mayor FGR Park and Baywalk. The exhibit included educational activities and simulations to engage the public and promote disaster preparedness.
Meanwhile, a tsunami drill will also be conducted in Mati City as part of the 4th quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on November 14. (PIA Davao Oriental/MLU)
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