In an incident this Friday, the 17th of November, fear and anxiety gripped shoppers and staff at SM Lanang in Davao City after a strong earthquake jolted the area. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.2, was recorded in Sarangani, Davao Occidental, around 4:14 in the afternoon, according to the report from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The people of Davao felt a tremor as they walked through the corridors of SM Lanang. There was an immediate sense of vulnerability and concern in the surroundings. Under the leadership of SM management, the emergency evacuation protocol was swiftly implemented, instructing everyone to exit safely and move to a secure location.
While this event was brief, it served as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for any calamity. SM Lanang, a well-known shopping center in Davao City, succeeded in implementing safety measures to ensure the well-being of both customers and staff.
In the photos taken during this incident, one can see people helping each other to exit smoothly, along with the reopening of doors for emergency exits. Faces of fear and concern seem to envelop everyone, but amidst this, there is also evidence of solidarity and unity within the community in times of need.
As this article is being written, news continues to pour in about the effects of the earthquake on Davao City. Details about the damages caused by the earthquake, especially to infrastructure, are still being investigated. Local government officials, together with personnel from Phivolcs and other related agencies, are collaborating early to extend immediate aid and support to the affected communities.
This incident serves as a reminder that preparedness and cooperation from each individual are crucial in times of calamity. Despite the fear and anxiety, the spirit of ‘bayanihan’ and unity among the people serves as a guide towards recovery and success after such challenges.
