Shillong, Jowai, Khliehriat on high alert for statewide earthquake simulation

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 19, 2025

The State Level Mock Exercise 2025 on earthquake preparedness will be conducted on March 20, 2025, across all districts and sub-divisions of Meghalaya. The exercise, organized by the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), aims to assess disaster response capabilities.

In Shillong, the operation sites identified include Buddha Vidya Niketan Secondary School (Polo), Office of the Soil and Water Conservation (Lawmali), Polo Hills residential area, Market Complex (Polo), Longkmie Gas Agency (Nongmensong), Star Service Station (Mawpat Wahheh), Pynthorumkhrah approach bridge near B.K. Bajoria School, Wahingdoh locality, and Police Quarter Reserve.

The Incident Command Post and Planning Section will be stationed at Polo, with other logistical and medical facilities at SRGT parking lot and Polo Market Taxi Stand. A relief camp will be set up at Shillong Secondary School, Polo.

The mock drill will see the participation of the SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, DM&HO, MPRO, PWD, DSEO, Soil and Water Conservation, MUDA, Water Resources, Indian Red Cross Society, and volunteers from Aapda Mitra, NCC, NSS, and NYK. Hospitals such as Civil Hospital, Ganesh Das MCH Hospital, Bethany Hospital, Nazareth Hospital, Woodland Hospital, Dr. H. Gordon Hospital, Super Care Hospital, and NEIGRIHMS will also be involved.

Traffic Advisory

As part of the exercise, Km 32 of the Shillong-Dawki Road at Rngain village, Pynursla, will remain closed to traffic from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM on March 20, 2025.

Jowai and Khliehriat to Participate

In West Jaintia Hills, the mock exercise will take place in Jowai Town, Amlarem Civil Sub-Division, and Thadlaskein and Laskein C&RD Blocks. The drill will commence with a siren at 9:00 AM. The Deputy Commissioner has requested public cooperation to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.

Meanwhile, in East Jaintia Hills, the exercise will cover areas in Dkhiah West and East Localities, Dkhiah East Secondary School, Khliehriat Civil Hospital, and offices of the BDOs in Wapung, Saipung, and Lumshnong Blocks. Other identified locations include 1 India Family Mart and Dkhiah Service Station.

Authorities have assured that the exercise is a precautionary measure and urged citizens not to panic. The Deputy Commissioners have urged the public not to panic and to cooperate by allowing emergency responders, including ambulances, fire tenders, and rescue teams, to perform their duties efficiently.