1st battalion NDRF mobilizes 18 teams across Northeast in massive monsoon preparedness drill

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 28, 2025

In a major readiness exercise ahead of the monsoon season, the 1st Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), based in Patgaon, Guwahati, conducted a large-scale mobilization and flood rescue drill across Assam, Tripura, and Mizoram.

Following directives from NDRF Headquarters, the 18-team mobilization drill was carried out under the close supervision of Commandant HP S Kandari. Over 550 rescuers, including Mahila rescuers and members of the canine squad, participated in the two-day exercise, which started on April 26 and concluded on April 27, 2025.

Teams were rapidly mobilized and deployed within the stipulated time to three key locations Mini Stadium, Sonapur, Kamrup Metro (Assam). near the Bank of Gomati River, District Gomati (Tripura) and Village Chungtlang, Mamit (Mizoram).

Simulated floodwater rescue scenarios were created to mirror real emergencies frequently faced in the Northeast. The exercises focused on rapid mobilization, search and rescue operations, evacuation of affected individuals, and the provision of pre-hospital emergency care in both rural and urban settings.

The primary objective of the drill was to evaluate the operational readiness, response efficiency, and inter-agency coordination capabilities of the teams. It also aimed to strengthen the battalion’s preparedness for a range of emergencies, including floods, landslides, and earthquakes.

The 1st Battalion NDRF has a proven track record of frontline disaster response in the Northeast, playing critical roles during major floods, seismic events, and landslides in past years. With this intensive preparedness drill, the battalion reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and ensuring swift, effective disaster response across the region.