Cracks develop in the wall in one of the offices at the Philippine chancery in Doha after the second tremor. PICTURES: Joey Aguilar
By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter
The Philippine embassy has advised overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially those who are working in highrise buildings, to follow their company’s safety precautions during tremors or other natural calamities.
“All Filipinos in Qatar are advised to be mindful of the safety procedures of their companies, work places and also of the host country for emergency eventualities,” said vice consul Melvin Almonguera in a circular e-mailed to various Filipino organisations recently.
He stressed that OFWs should always be alert and prepared since earthquakes could happen anytime. After the recent earthquake in Iran, a powerful 6.6 magnitude quake in China left more than 200 people dead and at least 1,000 injured.
Many residents and employees rushed out of their houses and offices after two tremors were felt in various places in Doha in the gap of eight days. No damages or casualties were reported.
A number of people interviewed by Gulf Times said they immediately evacuated the building after hearing the fire alarm. They stayed outside for minutes before going home.
“The people did the right thing when they felt the tremor,” said engineer Rico Dela Rosa.
“That is a good precautionary measure and we should always follow the advice or directives of the Civil Defence,” he added.
Members of the Philippine Association of Safety Engineers (Phase) have expressed willingness to hold free awareness campaigns on safety measures during calamities.
“The organisation has the module and the capability to conduct such activity,” said Phase adviser Leo Dote.
Meanwhile, vice consul Kristine Bautista said the new Philippine embassy building had developed cracks after the recent tremors. She showed to Gulf Times yesterday the cracks on the wall of her office in the new chancery building which, according to her, were not present before the tremor.
“After checking other offices and walls in the chancery, I think these are the only cracks I saw,” she said.