Shillong and Jaintia Hills conduct large-scale earthquake mock exercise

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 21, 2025

The Department of Revenue & Disaster Management, along with the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA), conducted a state-level mock exercise on March 20 in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The exercise aimed to enhance public awareness and preparedness for earthquake scenarios across the state.

Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, RM Kurbah, highlighted the importance of the drill in educating the public on effective disaster response. She emphasized the need for preparedness, citing past incidents such as the fire at the Church of God (M&A) in Qualapatty and KJP Higher Secondary School, where firefighting efforts were hindered due to vehicle congestion. The DC also stressed the role of Rangbah Shnong in promptly alerting district authorities during emergencies.

The Shillong drill involved multiple agencies, including SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, and DM&HO. Exercises were conducted at locations such as Buddha Vidya Niketan Secondary School in Polo, the Soil and Water Conservation Office in Lawmali, Polo Hills residential area, the Market Complex in Polo, Pynthorumkhrah Approach Bridge, Wahingdoh locality, and Police Quarter Reserve.

Simulated earthquake response in Jowai and surrounding areas
The West Jaintia Hills District Administration, in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and other departments, actively participated in the statewide mock drill. Simulating an earthquake of magnitude 8.7 on the Richter scale, the exercise covered Jowai, Amlarem Civil Sub-division, Thadlaskein Block, and Laskein Block.

Key simulated incidents included a fire breakout at Dowel Fuels in Ladthalaboh, a landslide at Raitsasim bypass road, and the collapse of the western portion of Ladthadlaboh Secondary School. Emergency response teams, including first responders and rescue personnel, swiftly conducted search and rescue operations, provided medical aid, and ensured public safety.

Earthquake scenario exercise in East Jaintia Hills
The East Jaintia Hills District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) successfully executed a mock drill simulating an 8.3-magnitude earthquake. The exercise covered affected sites such as residential areas in Dkhiah West and Dkhiah East, Dkhiah East Secondary School, Khliehriat Civil Hospital, 1 India Family Mart, Dkhiah Service Station, Green Valley Industries Limited, and National Highway-6 at Kuliang. The staging area was set up at the playground of Dkhiah East Village.

Incident Response Teams (IRT) performed evacuation, search and rescue, and first aid operations, engaging key stakeholders, including Police, Fire & Emergency Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards, medical personnel, community members, volunteers, and students.

Deputy Commissioner and DDMA Chairman Shivansh Awasthi emphasized the significance of community involvement in disaster response. He noted that such exercises not only prepare government agencies but also empower local communities to respond effectively in real emergencies.

Following the drill, a debriefing session was held via video conferencing to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement in future exercises.