Manila conducts earthquake drill to prepare for 'The Big One'

LocalEnvironment
30 Jan 2026 • 11:31 AM MYT
The Manila Times
The Manila Times

One of the longest-running English broadsheets in the Philippines

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MANILA, Philippines —Manila conducted an earthquake drill in Intramuros on Friday to strengthen the city’s response to the 'The Big One,' or a major earthquake.

Mayor Isko Moreno led the initiative, signaling the start of the drill by activating the city’s emergency siren.

He said this initiative marked the beginning of a series of earthquake drills aimed at building "muscle memory" among citizens and responders to ensure readiness in the event of a major earthquake.

“Through practice and muscle memory, we may limit the possibility of casualties by being prepared,” he said.

During the drill, thermal imaging, drone technology, and real-time communication systems were also tested to demonstrate how these tools can be used to locate individuals trapped in collapsed buildings or hard-to-reach areas.