The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), through its Disaster Preparedness Service led by Director Caesar Agnir, Jr., is pleased to announce the “Shake, Drop, and Roar: A Tsunami Awareness and Preparedness Webinar” on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This initiative aims to enhance public awareness and preparedness for potential tsunamis, particularly those triggered by the Manila Trench.
As a nation situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is highly vulnerable to seismic activity, including tsunamis. The recent earthquakes felt in Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur, and surrounding areas serve as a stark reminder of this vulnerability and underscore the critical need for continuous efforts to strengthen public awareness and preparedness, especially regarding potential tsunamis triggered by the Manila Trench. This webinar is a direct response to the urgent need to inform and remind the general public about the potential tsunami hazard.
Key discussion points during the webinar will include several critical areas. Participants will explore understanding tsunami science, covering the fundamental scientific principles behind tsunamis, including their causes—such as tectonic plate movements and underwater disturbances—along with their characteristics like wave height, speed, and inundation. Experts will explain the specific threat posed by the Manila Trench and its potential to generate significant tsunamis affecting the Philippine archipelago.
The session will also provide an overview of early warning systems and their limitations in the Philippines. This will include discussions on the role of seismic monitoring, sea-level gauges, and dissemination mechanisms, while addressing the limitations of these systems, such as the time required to detect and issue warnings and the challenges in reaching all vulnerable communities.
Another focus will be on effective evacuation procedures, where participants will learn practical steps for identifying safe evacuation routes, designated assembly points, and evacuation centers in their areas. The importance of community-based evacuation drills and the role of local government units in facilitating evacuations will be emphasized.
In the segment on personal preparedness strategies, participants will be empowered to take responsibility for their safety. This will include guidance on developing comprehensive family emergency plans, assembling disaster supply kits, and regularly practicing evacuation drills.
The webinar will also showcase best practices and lessons learned from countries like Japan, which has extensive experience in tsunami preparedness. Experts will share valuable lessons learned from past tsunami events and discuss strategies for improving community resilience.
Resource persons from various agencies will contribute to the discussion. PHIVOLCS will present on tsunami hazards in the Philippines, covering facts about the recent Manila Trench movement, the HazardHunterPH platform, the Tsunami Ready Recognition program, and the existing early warning systems in the country. A resource person from DILG will discuss the Operation Listong Pamayanan Tsunami Toolkit.
Additionally, Professor Satoru Nishikawa, Senior Advisor from JICA, will focus on tsunami hazard preparedness and best practices in Japan, sharing practical tips for the general public and local government units.
This informative session is open to a diverse audience, including NDRRMC and MMDRRMC member agencies, coastal communities, local government units, educators, students, and civil society organizations.
The webinar will be conducted in a hybrid format, with presentations via Zoom and live streaming on the OCD’s official Facebook page, allowing participants to engage with experts in real time.
To register, scan the QR code in the announcement graphics. All OCD officials and employees are encouraged to attend, while the public can access the webinar through the Zoom link on the OCD website or via the Civil Defense PH Facebook page.
