Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh has been conducting regular mock drills and simulation exercises based on a projected 7.8-magnitude earthquake to bolster disaster preparedness, response capability and inter-departmental coordination, State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) Secretary Dani Sulu said on February 6.
Speaking at a tabletop exercise focused on a multi-state earthquake scenario, Sulu underlined the importance of empowering state and district disaster management authorities to lead response efforts at the local level. He noted that Arunachal Pradesh lies in a high seismic risk zone, making sustained preparedness, capacity-building and institutional strengthening essential for effective disaster management.
The exercise was organised by the State Disaster Management Department in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). It aimed to assess existing preparedness levels, identify gaps in coordination among departments, and strengthen response mechanisms in the event of a major seismic event.
NDMA senior consultant Col Nadeem Arshad (Retd) said the multi-state exercise was designed to enhance coordination and readiness across states, stressing that disasters do not adhere to administrative boundaries and therefore demand joint planning and coordinated action.
During the session, NDMA officials presented a detailed earthquake scenario, highlighting the critical role of timely decision-making, clear communication and synchronised action among all stakeholders during emergencies.
Officials said the multi-state drill is being conducted simultaneously in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Meghalaya. A full-scale mock exercise involving field-level response teams is scheduled for February 9, which will further test on-ground preparedness and operational coordination.