In a first of its kind, the Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute (MATI), Shillong and the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), East Khasi Hills District, yesterday jointly conducted a mock drill on cave evacuation during disaster at Mawmluh Cave, Sohra, the world acclaimed IUGS geological site.
The drill was aimed at ensuring prompt response by the various teams and rescuers during disastrous events such as rescuing trapped people, checking response and functionality of equipment, communication sets, etc and to establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Cave Evacuation.
The main trainers were the members of the Meghalaya Adventurers Association, who were trained in cave evacuation and rescue in the UK and Ireland.
Prior to the day of the exercise, a session was held at the DRDA Hall, Shillong among all stakeholders and participants, whereby the Meghalaya Adventurers Association (MAA) briefed on the roles and techniques of rescue teams in the event of disasters like earthquake, etc in caves.
The program was enthusiastically participated by officials from DDMA, MATI, Sub-Divisional Office (Civil) Sohra along with teams from Police Department, Fire & Emergency Services, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), MPRO, Medical Team, Meghalaya Adventurers Association, Meghalaya Sport Climbing and Mountaineering Association, village volunteers, INI Design Studio Pvt Ltd etc.
