Shillong (Meghalaya), Oct 12: The Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) today conducted a State Level Mock Exercise in all the Districts of Meghalaya.
In East Khasi Hills District the Mock Exercise was conducted at the identified locations within the capital city.
The Mock Exercise is a simulation of the 1897 earthquake and was participated by District officials, Armed Forces, Paramilitary forces, NDRF, SDRF, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Hospitals, Schools, Colleges, NGOs, Community Members, Volunteers from various organization like Bharat Scouts and Guides, Indian Red Cross Society, NSS, Aapda Mitra Volunteers and various other agencies.
Members of the National Disaster Management Authority attended in overseeing the conduct of Mock Exercise by State and District level officials and other agencies.
Following the completion of the Mock Exercise, a Debriefing session was held at the State Convention Centre wherein Chief Secretary, D P Wahlang attended as the Chief Guest.
Wahlang congratulated all the stakeholders for the successful conduct of the Mock Exercise and informed that after a gap of 9 years Meghalaya was able to conduct a large-scale Mock Exercise, he called upon the MSDMA to conduct such exercise on a regular interval emphasizing more on localized mock drills, also by involving schools and colleges so as to be fully prepared when any eventualities occur.
Recalling the number of disasters happening around the world at regular intervals, which leads to significant loss of precious lives, he urged all the stakeholders to be ready and use the knowledge gained through the mock exercise to the best of their abilities, should any disaster take place.
During the Debriefing Session observations, views, opinions and suggestions were also shared by all the Deputy Commissioner’s and District observers of the Mock Exercise.