Plaza Central did not receive any notification from the COE to participate in the event. However, its manager, Porfirio Rodríguez, indicated that they will take advantage of the current situation to update and review the establishment's protocols.
SANTO DOMINGO – Major shopping malls activated their emergency protocols and alarms yesterday and joined the national earthquake drill organized by the government, with the epicenter located in Santiago de los Caballeros. The drill simulated a 7.7 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale, and it is estimated that two million people participated indirectly.
“Everything went quickly and efficiently, and with our experience, things flow much better. We're used to doing this every year with our teams who guide the staff and customers,” explained Miosotis Rossi, Marketing Manager of Acrópolis.
At this commercial and corporate center, COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, established by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, were taken into account for the return of evacuees. Therefore, the return was carried out by company and floor.
At Sambil, it was left to the option of the stores that wished to do so, since their official drill is carried out in April of each year, according to what was explained by María Egleé Heredia, Marketing Manager.
“Following the request of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), we conducted an evacuation drill this morning of our entire building, with the aim of improving planning, coordination and communication for an effective response to possible events generated by different natural phenomena,” Blue Mall Santo Domingo posted.
Plaza Central did not receive any notification from the COE to participate in the event. However, its manager, Porfirio Rodríguez, indicated that they will take advantage of the current situation to update and review the establishment's protocols.
“We see the government’s effort to ensure people know their origins in case of an earthquake as a positive step,” Rodríguez added. He said that this shopping center has the advantage of being only three stories high and also has six exits on the first floor, which facilitates emergency procedures.
“Ágora Mall posted the call to join on its social media. “Today, October 20th, at 10:00 AM, we are joining the national earthquake evacuation drill to guide our community in the event of an earthquake.”.
