Nuñez: Most localities lack proper equipment, training

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Following the 6.5-magnitude earthquake that struck Eastern Samar last Tuesday, the Office of the Civil Defense-Region 6 said the entire Western Visayas is “ill-prepared” if a massive quake strikes the region.

Jose Roberto Nuñez, who leads the regional agency, said a majority of the local government units in the region lack proper equipment if a large-scale earthquake occurred.

He added, most rescue units do not have the proper training to handle emergencies including how to properly extract injured and trapped individuals from collapsed buildings.

The regional director said he plans on releasing a memorandum ordering all Western Visayas localities to conduct immediate and strict inspections of all buildings.

Nuñez also advised the public to always take earthquake drills seriously in order to avoid possible harm should a real event occur./DGB, WDJ