HILLONG: In order to test the level of preparedness of the Disaster Management Authority, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is going to organize a mega mock exercise at Shillong and Tura on March 10, recreating the 8.7 magnitude Shillong 1897 Earthquake Scenario.
The Mega Mock Exercise would held in five different locations each in both Shillong and Tura with the expectation of more than 500 people taking part in the exercise.
“The mock exercise is scheduled for March 10 and 13 in eight NE states and we want more people to know about the consequences of an earthquake, things to be done to overcome the crisis early. This effort will increase awareness. It will help us learn about what more needs to be done to meet the need in the hour of emergency,” NDMA media consultant Tripti Parule said while addressing newsmen here on Saturday.
She recalled that the earthquake of 1897 which had recorded 8.7 on the Richter scale, highest in the region till date, had killed 1,500 people. The NE region, which is regarded as earth quake prone zone, has witnessed 8.84 lakh earthquake related deaths over the years.
Parule said that by revisiting the 1897 Shillong earthquake project, NDMA aims at coordinated preparedness, mitigation and response besides creating mass awareness.
Meanwhile, the NDMA media consultant also informed that a strong team of the National Disaster Response Force, army observers, Govt officials and a team from National Disaster Management Authority would participate in the mock drill exercise,
Saying that the mock drill would benefit the people in the event of natural disaster, Tripti appealed to all concerned to ensure participation in the exercise.
She further said that mega mock exercise which would be held in two phases in various North Eastern States including Sikkim in 80+ location and 16 cities.
She further appealed to the mass media to co-operate and help in spreading the awareness amongst the people.
When asked about the total amount allocated for this earthquake mock exercise, she said that the Centre has allocated a total amount of Rs 6 crore for whole region which include organising of this mock exercise, holding of awareness programmes, school sensitation programmes among many others.
“This mock exercise is one particular component,” Parule said.
Meanwhile, State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) HB Marak said that more than 400 people are expected to take part in the mock exercise.
He said that they have also set up a State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) with the toll free helpline number 1070 where people can call during disaster emergency.