SHILLONG, March 18: In a noteworthy step towards disaster preparedness, a State-Level Mock Exercise on Earthquake Disaster was conducted by the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday. The exercise, held at the State Convention Centre here, aimed to assess response strategies, identify gaps, and enhance coordination for effective disaster management.
Commissioner and Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management department and Executive Director of MSDMA, M War Nongbri, inaugurated the session as she emphasised the importance of readiness in a region prone to seismic activity. She spoke about the need for proactive measures and strategic planning to mitigate risks and ensure a swift response to natural calamities.
Additionally, Commissioner and Secretary of the same department, Sanjay Goyal, in his address, spoke about the importance of the exercise in identifying gaps in resources and infrastructure. “This is a crucial opportunity to assess our preparedness, optimise available resources, and strengthen coordination mechanisms to ensure an efficient disaster response system,” he said.
Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.), Member of NDMA, New Delhi, who was also present, mentioned the role of such mock drills in disaster mitigation and resilience-building. He urged officials to integrate NDMA’s 10-point agenda, into their planning. Key focus areas included community-driven response mechanisms, the SACHET early warning app, and safety programmes for schools and hospitals. He also highlighted the pivotal role of seamless communication in managing disaster situations effectively.
Adding an interactive dimension, officials from all 11 districts presented their disaster preparedness initiatives through online platforms, showcasing localised strategies to tackle potential calamities. The mock exercise was followed by a high-level Table Top Exercise chaired by Lt. Gen. Hasnain and Sanjay Goyal, with Maj. Gen. Sudhir Bahl (Retd.), Lead Consultant (ME & IRS) at NDMA, as co-chair. This simulation allowed key officials to engage in scenario-based discussions, refining their response strategies in a controlled environment to ensure efficiency during real-life emergencies.
