Itanagar: In a bid to enhance disaster preparedness, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with the state’s department of disaster management and Capital district disaster management authority (DDMA) is all set to conduct a mock exercise simulating an earthquake scenario.
Scheduled for November 23 (Thursday), the drill will take place from 09:03 am to 01:30 pm at various “incident” locations across Itanagar, officials said.
The (affected) structures and buildings where the exercise would take place include Kingcup Public School in Niti Vihar, the office of the tax and excise commissioner of in C-Sector, Itafort Upper Primary Health Centre in C-Sector, Alexander House in Niti-Vihar, and the Division-IV link bridge in F-Sector.
As part of the simulation, a siren will be sounded at 09:03 am at the incident sites, triggering the response of emergency vehicles. Traffic regulation will be implemented from 09:03 am to 01:30 pm, redirecting movement between the incident sites, IG Park and R K Mission Hospital.
The general public and residents are urged to cooperate during this period, with a reminder that the exercise is a drill and not a real emergency.
During the mock earthquake exercise, residents are encouraged to perform the “duck-cover-hold” maneuver in their respective locations. This precautionary action aims to raise awareness about safety measures during seismic events.
Itanagar Capital Region deputy commissioner and DDMA chairman, Talo Potom, has also urged the denizens to cooperate with the authority and bear with any inconveniences caused during the brief period of the exercise.
The appeal extends to the public to actively participate and contribute to the success of the mock drill, ultimately strengthening the community’s resilience in the face of potential disasters, officials added.
Meanwhile, the department of disaster management, in collaboration with the NDMA organized a table top exercise aimed at facilitating the training and coordination of key disaster managers. This exercise, conducted through simulated scenarios, involved the active participation of various entities, including the DDMAs, national and state disaster response forces, BRO, CRPF, and ITBP personnel and other stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, advisor to the chief minister on disaster management, Tanpho Wangnaw, highlighted Arunachalh’s status as a multi-hazard state due to its fragile topography. He stressed the importance of regular mock exercises at both the state and district levels, asserting that effective preparedness is the key to mitigating the impact of potential disasters and minimizing loss of lives and properties.
NDMA member Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain emphasized the significance of coordination among various line departments and stakeholders for enhanced disaster preparedness and management.
Chief Secretary Dharmendra underlined the vulnerability of Arunachal to earthquakes, being in seismic zone 5. He emphasized the need for all departments and stakeholders to remain prepared for such events, stating that the goal of mock drills is to test and improve the overall capability of organizations and communities by strengthening relevant policies, plans, and protocols.
NDMA coordinator, Major General (Retired) Sudhir Bahl, conducted the table-top exercise and urged the DDMAs to address identified gaps.
Disaster management director, Komar Dulom, also shared his insights.
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