Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx), a statewide mock drill focused on earthquake scenarios. Organized by the Nagaland Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the drill took place on Thursday morning across multiple locations. In Kohima, the drill was conducted at five key sites: GMS School, Bayavü, the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Miachieo Lhithochii High School, and the Sanuorü bridge. The exercise aimed to assess and enhance the state’s preparedness for potential earthquake emergencies, specifically simulating a 6.9 magnitude earthquake originating near Changtongya town in Mokokchung district. NSDMA adviser Z Nyusietho Nyuthe expressed gratitude to all participants for their enthusiastic involvement during the drill, which commenced at precisely 9:45 AM. “This exercise allows us to evaluate our preparedness and responses in the event of a real earthquake,” he stated.
Maj Gen (retd) Sudhir Bahl, lead consultant for NDMA, commended the professionalism displayed during the exercise, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in integrating community responses and developing coordinated municipal and military disaster management plans. “Regular training and awareness programs for civil engineers would enhance our disaster response capabilities significantly,” Bahl noted. NSDMA joint CEO Johnny Raungmei highlighted improved coordination efforts among various departments but acknowledged challenges, particularly in communication during adverse weather conditions. “This mock drill has provided valuable insights into the contributions of different stakeholders in disaster management,” he said. Meanwhile, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of Dimapur conducted a comprehensive mock drill across seven strategic locations, including the Dimapur Government College and Pantaloons shopping complex. The drill involved real-time simulations of disaster response operations, with participants responding to scenarios like fires and building collapses.
The Dimapur Government College scenario included a fire and partial building collapse, while the Pantaloons shopping complex faced simulated structural damage compounded by heavy traffic congestion. The exercise concluded with the ADC of Dimapur, Zakabo V Rotokha, acknowledging the importance of such drills in refining emergency response strategies. However, the drill was not without its challenges. During a demonstration at the Indian Oil Corporation’s depot, a jammed water pipe hindered fire response efforts, raising concerns about the potential consequences during a real emergency.
