PHOTOS Earthquake fears: South Korea holds nationwide response exercise
Chuncheon City officials take cover under their desks during the earthquake response drill on Wednesday. Thousands of public buildings and schools were included in the exercise. / Yonhap
By Park Si-soo
South Korea held a nationwide earthquake response exercise on Wednesday amid growing fears after the 5.8-magnitude quake that struck the southeastern city of Gyeongju on Sept. 12, 2016.
Thousands of public buildings and schools took part in the drill that started at 2 p.m. Among them was the nation’s tallest building, the 123-story, 555-meter Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, southeastern Seoul.
The drill began with a quake alarm triggered by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Participants reacted quickly, thrusting themselves under desks, tables or sturdy furniture and taking other measures to ensure their safety. They also learned how to use fire extinguishers and other life-saving skills.
It was the culmination of a nationwide three-day natural disaster response drill that ended Wednesday.
“This drill is crucial to minimize damage and casualties (in the event of an earthquake,” said Ryu Hue-in, a ministry director. “Korea is not a safe zone (from earthquakes).
People walk out of the government building in downtown Seoul on Wednesday, covering their heads with helmets, clothes or cushions during a nationwide earthquake response drill. / Yonhap