Shillong, Feb 9: Meghalaya today witnessed concerted mock earthquake drills to assess preparedness and spread awareness to the general public.
The exercise, carried out simultaneously in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, tested institutional preparedness and response mechanisms across districts within each participating state.
The exercise commenced with the sounding of sirens at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) and District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs), simulating an earthquake scenario. Participants followed standard “Drop-Cover-Hold” protocols, after which evacuation drills were undertaken, and rapid building damage assessments were carried out.
The simulated scenario required a shift to radio & satellite-based communication, mobilisation of ESF Quick Response Teams, deployment of UAVs, digital mapping of damage and response activities, strengthening of SEOC operations, and live situational updates from districts. These measures enabled real-time information sharing among the SEOC, DEOCs and Incident Response Teams (IRTs).
Maj Gen (retd) Sudhir Bahl, Lead Consultant of the NDMA, conducted on-ground inspections to review preparedness arrangements. The team visited the staging area at Seng Khasi Secondary School, Marbisu, assessed facilities at the medical aid post in Mawngap Market, and inspected the landslide simulation site to evaluate operational readiness.
Matsiewdor War Nongbri, Commissioner and Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Government of Meghalaya, in her concluding remarks, reflected on lessons learned from previous exercises and underscored the importance of continuously refining response protocols. She noted that while past emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic tested institutional systems, a major earthquake would require a more immediate and robust response. Emphasising the urgency of preparedness, she stated, “We are in a very precarious zone, and we need to be ready with responses at the right time and efficiently.”
Addressing the debriefing session, Maj Gen Bahl stated, “The aim of the mock exercise is to have the right sets of procedures and processes so that the correct resources reach the correct place at the correct time as per priority.” He emphasised the immediate use of information technology for systematic documentation and archiving, and commended the SDMA, District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), participating departments from State & Central Governments, the NDRF, armed forces and all stakeholders for their active and constructive participation.
In Nongstoin, the DDMA of West Khasi Hills conducted a mock drill on earthquake disaster at various locations across Nongstoin to raise awareness among the public.
The drill was supervised by Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak and Incident Commander S Marwein, the Additional Deputy Commissioner.
The mock exercise simulated responses at multiple locations, including Nongstoin Civil Hospital, NRL Refilling Station and Pyndengrei Bypass.
Incident response teams from various departments participated. A debriefing session followed, discussing observations and lessons learned to strengthen disaster preparedness.
In Ampati, the exercise was organised by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA), the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). A tabletop exercise was held on February 6, followed by the full-scale mock exercise today.
Deputy Commissioner Anendya Raajsshre and Superintendent of Police Vikash Varma along with senior district officials and line departments, supervised and monitored the exercise.
