MANILA -- The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Emergency Response and Safety teams immediately conducted an inspection of airport facilities after a Magnitude 7 earthquake struck Tayum, Abra and other northern provinces in the country, effects of which were also felt in Metro Manila.

The two runways of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were declared safe for flight operations after no damage was seen on the pavements. Inspection of the four (4) NAIA Terminals likewise yielded good results as no damage was also noted.

The MIAA Terminals and other buildings are equipped with accelerographs set at different thresholds based on the age and structural integrity of the edifice. The accelerographs recorded an Intensity IV earthquake at 0845H where an evacuation is not necessary. However at the International Cargo Terminal where said device is set at a lower threshold, registered a red alarm prompting mandatory evacuation of its occupants who were later allowed to go back to their offices after the building was declared safe. As a result of the evacuation, minimal disruption to processing of cargo was inevitable.

The MIAA Management assures the public that its emergency teams are always ready to react to any eventuality guided by its well-established Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) procedures. (DOTr)