Shillong, March 17 : Shillong is set to conduct a large-scale, state-level mock exercise on March 20, 2025, simulating an earthquake scenario. The exercise, organized by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), aims to test and improve the city’s preparedness and response to such a catastrophic event.
The mock drill will involve a wide range of government agencies, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Department of Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO), Meghalaya Public Relations Office (MPRO), Public Works Department (PWD), District School Education Officer (DSEO), Soil and Water Conservation, Meghalaya Urban Development Agency (MUDA), Water Resources, and the Indian Red Cross Society. Volunteers from Aapda Mitra, NCC, NSS, and NYK will also participate.
Several major hospitals in Shillong, including Civil Hospital, Ganesh Das MCH Hospital, Bethany Hospital, Nazareth Hospital, Woodland Hospital, Dr. H. Gordon Hospital, Super Care Hospital, and NEIGRIHMS, will play a crucial role in the exercise.
The mock exercise will take place at various locations across Shillong, simulating different scenarios:
- Buddha Vidya Niketan Secondary School, Polo
- Office of the Soil and Water Conservation, Lawmali
- Polo Hills residential area
- Market Complex, Polo
- Longkmie Gas Agency, Nongmensong
- Star Service Station, Mawpat Wahheh
- Pynthorumkhrah approach Bridge near B.K. Bajoria School
- Wahingdoh locality
- Police Quarter Reserve
The Incident Command Post and Planning Section will be located at the entrance of SRGT parking lot in Polo. The SRGT parking lot will also serve as the Staging Area, Camp, and Logistic Section. Medical Posts will be established at SRGT parking lot and Polo Market Taxi Stand, while a Relief Camp will be set up at Shillong Secondary School, Polo.
The Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of the DDMA, East Khasi Hills District, has urged the public to cooperate with the arrangements made for the mock exercise. Residents are requested to give priority to ambulances, fire tenders, and rescue teams during the drill.
“This mock exercise is crucial for enhancing our preparedness for earthquakes,” said the Deputy Commissioner. “We request the public’s full cooperation to ensure the success of this important drill.”
