HILLONG: As the State is set to conduct a mock drill on earthquake of the magnitude of 8.7 on a Ritcher scale simulating the Shillong 1897 earthquake on Monday, many rumours have started creeping in Tura about a perceived earthquake.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi informed that many people are spreading rumours that a big earthquake of the magnitude of 8.7 on a Ritcher scale would hit Tura on Monday.
The rumours have spread to such an extent that people are calling up the authorities to find out if the SSLC exams scheduled for Monday has been postponed.
Meanwhile, Tura the second largest town of Meghalaya is all set to undergo the mock drill as various steps have been taken to ensure the successful conduct of the mock drill.
The mock drill in Tura will be held in five location including Bedarpara, Rishipara,DC office complex ,Tura Super Market and Tura Civil Hospital and each location has to look after twenty casualties. Observers of National Disaster Management Authority have also arrived in Tura for the smooth conduct of the mock drill and the mock drill will help the authorities to know the adequacy of response in such situations.
Meanwhile, Shillong city is also all set for the mock drill and selected disaster sites where mock exercise will be conducted are Nongrimmaw, Laitumkhrah, MUDA shopping complex, Police Bazar, petrol pump, Polo, NEEPCO Office and Shillong Public School.
Nazareth Hospital, Civil Hospital and Military Hospital will be the designated hospitals for the treatment of injured victims, adding schools not being examination centre for Board Exams and other hospitals will conduct evacuation drill on their own within their campuses.