Simulated earthquake victims arrive at an outdoor triage center during an earthquake drill at the University California San Diego Medial Center in San Diego, California November 13, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Millions of people took part in a massive earthquake drill in Southern California on Thursday, assuming that the area was hit with a magnitude-7.8 temblor that killed nearly 2,000 people and overwhelmed emergency responders.

    The Great Southern California Shake Out drill, involving more than 5.3 million people and billed as the largest ever undertaken in the United States, is intended to show Californians what they need to do to prepare for a major disaster and to test the capabilities of local and state agencies, organizers said.

    In the scenario, 1,800 people will die, 53,000 people will be injured, 1,500 buildings will collapse and 213 billion dollars in damage will be done by the quake, which would be 50 times more intense than the Northridge earthquake that hit the area in 1994.

    The Northridge quake struck with a magnitude of 6.7, killing 57people and causing 20 billion dollars in damages.

    At Thursday's drill, students at schools across the region evacuated classrooms and gathered on athletic fields. Many businesses had their employees take cover and evacuate in recognition of the mock temblor.

A simulated earthquake victim is consoled by a Chaplain at an outdoor triage center during an earthquake drill at the University California San Diego Medial Center in San Diego, California November 13, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    The simulation assumed that there would be 1,600 fires. Los Angeles County fire Chief P. Michael Freeman said fire departments throughout the region participated in response drills, including simulated events in which multiple people are injured, a building has collapsed, a hazardous materials situation has developed and fires have broken out in areas where responders have little or no water.

    "We clearly understand, given the predictability and magnitude of this earthquake, that public safety, fire service, law enforcement, emergency medical services and government will be overwhelmed," Freeman said.

    "We're doing our very best to test and evaluate and modify our procedures as necessary."

    "If you are prepared, it gives you an automatic sense of calmness because you have the tools and equipment necessary to function," said Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Steve Ruda.

    Ruda said his home was damaged in the Northridge quake, and his level of preparedness helped him ensure the safety of his own family and then allowed him to go on to help others.

    "What are we missing here today? The trauma of the earth moving. But everything else we can simulate," he said.

A simulated victim arrives at an outdoor triage center during an earthquake drill at the University California San Diego Medial Center in San Diego, California November 13, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    The drill tested not only emergency responders but also the region's social fabric, according to earthquake experts.

    "What makes a natural disaster become a catastrophe?" said Lucy Jones with the California Geological Survey. "It's going to depend on how much our social system can hold together. When you get to the worst events you see the whole community fall apart."

    Californians should be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hours following an earthquake or other major disaster. That includes having a First Aid kit, medications, food and enough water for each member of a household to drink one gallon per day for at least 72 hours, according to local and state officials.

    Homeowners and renters should also know how to turn off the gas in their house or apartment, and keep sturdy shoes near their bed or in their car.

    "I can say without a doubt, Los Angeles is the best prepared city in America. That doesn't mean there isn't much more we can do," said city Councilman Greig Smith.