Philippines: Manila intensifies disaster-preparedness campaign following Taiwan killer quake

The Manila City government is tapping its 7,000 disaster managers to help train people in every barangay on disaster preparedness following a killer quake that hit Taiwan on Sunday, reports the Business Mirror. In an interview with reporters, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said he called for a heightened city-wide disaster readiness, as he joined the international community in grieving over the casualties of the magnitude-6.4 quake that hit Taiwan.

“As we extend our deepest sympathies for the victims in this tragedy, I, likewise call on all officials and personnel of our local government, as well as on all sectors and the people in general in our city, to heighten awareness on and preparedness for earthquakes and other disasters,” Estrada said.