Shillong, February 9 : Meghalaya on Monday carried out a comprehensive statewide earthquake preparedness exercise as part of a multi-state mock drill coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ministry of Home Affairs .
The exercise, held simultaneously in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, tested the readiness of institutional response mechanisms across all districts . Sirens were sounded at the State and District Emergency Operation Centres to simulate an earthquake scenario, followed by “Drop-Cover-Hold” safety protocols, evacuation drills and rapid building damage assessments .
Authorities activated radio and satellite communication systems, mobilised Emergency Support Function quick response teams, deployed UAVs and carried out digital mapping of simulated damage . Real-time information sharing was maintained between the SEOC, DEOCs and Incident Response Teams .
Maj. Gen. Sudhir Bahl (Retd.), Lead Consultant, NDMA, inspected arrangements on the ground, visiting the staging area at Seng Khasi Secondary School, Marbisu, the medical aid post at Mawngap Market and a landslide simulation site to review operational readiness
Commissioner & Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management, M. War Nongbri stressed the need for constant refinement of response systems, noting that Meghalaya lies in a high-risk seismic zone . “We need to be ready with responses at the right time and efficiently,” she said .
Addressing the debriefing, Maj. Gen. Bahl said the objective was to ensure that correct resources reach the right place on priority . He emphasised systematic use of information technology for documentation and commended the participation of SDMA, DDMAs, NDRF, armed forces and other agencies .
The session was chaired by Commissioner & Secretary M. War Nongbri and moderated by Joint Secretary M. Chandra, IAS .
