Manila: As part of its efforts to boost Filipinos' disaster preparedness, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will hold a three-hour webinar on tsunami awareness on Friday. In a statement Thursday, the OCD said its "Shake, Drop, and Roar: A Tsunami Awareness and Preparedness Webinar" will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Feb. 7.According to Philippines News Agency, the webinar is a direct response to the urgent need to inform and remind the public about potential tsunami hazards. Key discussion points during the webinar will include several critical areas. Participants will explore understanding tsunami science, covering the fundamental scientific principles behind tsunamis, including their causes -- such as tectonic plate movements and underwater disturbances -- along with their characteristics like wave height, speed, and inundation.Experts will explain the specific threat posed by the Manila Trench and its potential to generate significant tsunamis affecting the Philippine archipelago. The session wi ll also provide an overview of early warning systems and their limitations in the Philippines. This will include discussions on the role of seismic monitoring, sea-level gauges, and dissemination mechanisms, while addressing the limitations of these systems, such as the time required to detect and issue warnings and the challenges in reaching all vulnerable communities.Another focus will be on effective evacuation procedures, where participants will learn practical steps for identifying safe evacuation routes, designated assembly points, and evacuation centers in their areas. The importance of community-based evacuation drills and the role of local government units in facilitating evacuations will be emphasized. In the segment on personal preparedness strategies, participants will be empowered to take responsibility for their safety.This will include guidance on developing comprehensive family emergency plans, assembling disaster supply kits, and regularly practicing evacuation drills. The OCD said the we binar will also showcase best practices and lessons learned from countries like Japan, which has extensive experience in tsunami preparedness. Experts will share valuable lessons learned from past tsunami events and discuss strategies for improving community resilience.The webinar will be conducted in a hybrid format, with presentations via Zoom and live streaming on the OCD's official Facebook page, allowing participants to engage with experts in real time.