Our Bureau
SHILLONG/TURA, Feb 9: The Revenue and Disaster Management Department, along with the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) and District authorities, on Monday conducted a statewide earthquake mock exercise. The drill was part of a multi-state initiative coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) involving Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram.
The exercise simulated an 8.2 magnitude earthquake to test institutional preparedness and response mechanisms across all participating districts. The drill commenced with sirens at the State and District Emergency Operation Centres (SEOC and DEOCs), prompting participants to follow “Drop-Cover-Hold” protocols, followed by evacuation drills and building damage assessments.
The simulation required a shift to radio and satellite-based communication, the mobilisation of Quick Response Teams, and the deployment of UAVs for digital mapping of damage. These measures enabled real-time information sharing between the SEOC, DEOCs, and Incident Response Teams (IRTs).
Maj. Gen. Sudhir Bahl (Retd.), Lead Consultant at the NDMA, conducted on-ground inspections at the staging area at Seng Khasi Secondary School, Marbisu, and a landslide simulation site to evaluate operational readiness.
Addressing the debriefing session, M War Nongbri, Commissioner and Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management department, stressed the importance of refining response protocols. Reflecting on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, she noted that a major earthquake would require a more immediate response. “We are in a very precarious zone, and we need to be ready with responses at the right time and efficiently,” she said.
Maj. Gen. Bahl stated that the exercise aimed to ensure the correct resources reach the correct locations based on priority. He highlighted the need for using information technology for systematic documentation and commended the participation of the NDRF, armed forces, and state departments.
Garo Hills regional drills
In West Garo Hills, the exercise took place at the 2nd Battalion MLP Quarters in Goeragre, the Rongram Horticulture Hub, and Chibra Agal village. Operations focused on search and rescue, evacuation, and emergency medical response. Relief camps were activated at Alagre Field and Chibra Agal Government LP School.
In Dadenggre, the drill was held in collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), specifically targeting the readiness of first responders in a high-risk Zone V seismic area. SDO Richa Kulkarni and ADC Rajkumar Hajong evaluated the performance of the Incident Response Teams following the exercise.
In South West Garo Hills, Deputy Commissioner Anendya Raajsshre and Superintendent of Police Vikash Varma supervised simulations of multiple incidents, including the simulated collapse of Blue Horizon Secondary School in Chengkompara and a wing of the Civil Hospital in Ampati. Additional scenarios included a fire at the Betasing Farmers’ Market and a building collapse at the Betasing Block Development Office.
The simulations allowed responders to practice standard operating procedures in a controlled environment, ensuring a more effective response to potential real-world disasters in the region.
