Shillong, Feb 9: Meghalaya on Monday witnessed a statewide earthquake disaster as part of a multi-state level exercise to test the institutional preparedness and response mechanisms.
Organized by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), the exercise, coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ministry of Home Affairs, was carried out simultaneously in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.
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 & 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.
Commissioner and Secretary in-charge Revenue and Disaster Management Department Matsiewdor War in her concluding remarks, reflected on lessons learned 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 & Central Governments, the NDRF, armed forces and all stakeholders for their active and constructive participation.
