Earthquake Preparedness: Annual Shakeout drill held

Gilgit, October 16: Officials, students and others participated in large numbers in the Annual Shakeout Drill, as part of the efforts to raise awareness about earthquake safety and response.

The annual shakeout drill is based on three steps, i.e. Drop (to the ground), Cover (yourself) and Hold (on to something stable). According to many experts these three steps can help reduce the damages caused by flying and falling objects during an earthquake emergency.

Some critics argue that this exercise may not be very appropriate for the mountain communities, because there are no high rise buildings and complicated constructions in the villages and valleys.

The Shakeout drill is being held in schools, offices, hospitals and community centers.

The shakeout drill is regularly being held in the institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network for the last many years in Pakistan.