Shillong, March 20: The Department of Revenue & Disaster Management and the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, conducted a mock exercise in Shillong on March 20, 2025. The aim was to raise public awareness on how to respond in the event of an earthquake in the state.
After the mock exercise, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District, Smt. R. M. Kurbah, addressed the media, explaining that the drill was designed to prepare and educate the public on how to protect themselves during a disaster, particularly natural calamities like earthquakes, which can strike without warning.
She further noted that the State-Level Mock Exercise 2025 was part of the state’s disaster preparedness efforts for earthquakes, with activities conducted across all districts and sub-divisions. In Shillong, the drill saw participation from various agencies, including SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, the Police Department, DM&HO, and others.
The mock exercise took place at several locations, including Buddha Vidya Niketan Secondary School in Polo, the Soil and Water Conservation Office in Lawmali, Polo Hills residential area, Market Complex in Polo, Office of the Soil and Water conservation, Lawmali, Polo hills residential area, Market Complex Polo, Pynthorumkhrah Approach bridge near B.K. Bajoria school, Wahingdoh locality and Police Quarter Reserve.
The DC emphasized the importance of public preparedness for natural disasters, noting that a lack of readiness could lead to severe consequences. She pointed out incidents such as the fire at the Church of God (M&A) in Qualapatty, which resulted in two fatalities, and the fire at KJP Higher Secondary School in Mission Compound. She also highlighted how firefighting efforts were hindered due to vehicle congestion, which obstructed access to fire emergencies vehicles.
She further stressed the need for coordination with Rangbah Shnong, as they are the first to learn of any incident and can alert the district authorities. Earthquakes do not wait for anyone, and it is crucial for local Dorbar Shnong and the public to cooperate and be prepared to work together in the event of such emergencies.
