Shillong, Feb 09:The Revenue and Disaster Management Department,
Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) and District Disaster
Management Authorities (DDMAs), conducted a statewide earthquake disaster as part of a
multi-state level exercise coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA), Ministry of Home Affairs.
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 and 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. Sudhir Bahl (Retd.), Lead Consultant (ME & IRS), NDMA, New Delhi, 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.
Smti.M.War Nongbri, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Government of Meghalaya, in her concluding remarks, reflected on lessonslearned 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. Sudhir Bahl (Retd.) 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 and Central Governments, the NDRF, armed forces and all stakeholders for their active and constructive participation.
The debriefing session by chaired by Smti Matsiewdor War Nongbri, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Government of Meghalaya and co-chaired by Maj. Gen.
Sudhir Bahl (Retd.), Lead Consultant (ME & IRS), NDMA, New Delhi and moderated by M.Chandra, IAS, Joint Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department and Executive Director, State Disaster Management Authority.
