Mock exercises simulating earthquake and cyclone were conducted in four districts of the State by the Meghalaya Civil Defence & Home Guards Department today.
Organised as part of the yearlong celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Statehood, the mock exercises were conducted through the district level offices of the Deputy Controller of Civil Defence and the District Home Guards Commandant.
The mock exercises saw the active participation of the community and created awareness about the importance of disaster preparedness.
In East Khasi Hills, the mock exercise was conducted at Mawkasiang village with the active participation of the Dorbar and local residents, apart from the SDRF. The mock exercise in South West Khasi Hills was conducted in Mawten village and Nongstoiñ in West Khasi Hills. In East Jaiñtia Hills, the mock exercise was conducted at Khliehriat and Ladthalaboh in West Jaintia Hills district.
The department aims to highlight the importance of the safety and welfare of the citizens of the State in times of disasters and war by building disaster resilience in the community and empowering them with lifesaving skills, incident response and planning since they are the first responder in any disaster.
Improving community-based disaster preparedness will also contribute in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal no.13 i.e Climate Action where disaster preparedness is one of the parameters for scoring. Conduct of such exercise not only builds the capacity of the community but also creates awareness amongst the general public about the importance of Disaster Preparedness.
Similar mock exercises in Garo Hills will be conducted on February 25. A host of training programmes and mock exercises has been scheduled for the yearlong celebrations.
