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ERJHS Earthquakes: Ready or not?
By MARIAN OPAO
Students rush down the stairs in panic as a powerful earthquake ensues, amidst the heat and chaos. What would happen to our beloved school when an earthquake as striking as the one that happened in Turkey and Syria last February 2023, were to happen here?
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A magnitude 7.8 earthquake happened in Southern Turkey near the border of Syria last February 8, 2023. Which was followed by an aftershock of magnitude 7.5 located 95 kilometers to the Southwest.
4,300 residents were killed and more than 15,800 were injured after the devastating quake. Centered in southcentral Turkey—where thousands of Syrian refugees stay as well as the aid organizations based around that area.
“If it were to happen here, I don’t think the school would survive, there’s so many cracks [by] just looking at the buildings.” Said Alyza Doctolero, A grade 9 student from E. Rodriguez Jr. High School, stated.
If an earthquake that powerful hits our school, would our school be destroyed or would it just add bigger cracks in the school?
The school was built in the 1950s, formerly known as La Loma Annex of Quezon City High School, making its architecture outdated and not ready for powerful earthquakes that we may experience in the future—visible cracks, large or small, were found around the building from past disasters. developed with the aim of promoting the health and academic achievements of students by establishing a school-based wash program.
In the meantime, E. Rodriguez Jr. High School conducted an Earthquake drill last March 28, 2023, held at the school’s quadrangle. This was conducted by Mr. Andy Regala, who encouraged everyone to participate.
Apart from the needed enhancement of the school, earthquake drills are important to ensure the safety of the students and the staff. Mr. Regala emphasized the importance of being alert in a possible disaster such as an earthquake.
At E. Rodriguez Jr. High School, ongoing efforts are being made to continually enhance the facilities and maintain cleanliness to create a safe environment for the students.
