Reported by Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: A state-level mock drill on earthquake and extreme weather disaster management was held across districts in Nagaland on Thursday.
The mock drill was organised by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority and District Disaster Management Agencies, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
During a press conference after the mock drill, Nagaland Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha said the exercise was conducted to test the efficiency of departments and the public in managing disasters in the state.
He added that the drill aimed to create awareness, improve management, and help officials understand the actual scenario of a major earthquake and extreme weather disaster, as well as how to handle such situations.
Lead Consultant (Mock Exercise & Incident Response Systems), NDMA, Maj. Gen. Sudhir Bahl stated that disasters can never be managed with 100 per cent efficiency, but response systems can always be improved.
He appealed to the telecom department and other service providers to coordinate and work as a team, noting that communication is one of the most critical aspects during a disaster.
Bahl also spoke about the safety of petrol pumps, saying that adequate fire safety materials and equipment should be provided to them.
“School safety was another important area where maximum exercises should be taken up,” he added.
Bahl said medical teams should always be prepared to provide additional medical equipment and maintain coordination with neighbouring states during emergencies.
He added that the PWD, NHIDCL, and BRO should be ready to restore emergency surface communication routes in case of landslides and damage to roads and bridges.
He stressed that uniformed volunteers, including NCC and other agencies, are an asset during disasters and should be properly trained.
Bahl also mentioned that participation and coordination are the most important factors.