NSDMA conducts statewide emergency preparedness exercise

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 17 (EMN): The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) conducted the ‘Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx)’ on Thursday to test the preparedness of the state during disasters of severe magnitude.

Briefing the media at State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) Keziekie in Kohima, Home Commissioner and CEO, NSDMA, Abhijit Sinha, said the siren was first sounded from Police Headquarters (PHQ) and the Fire and Emergency Services started the exercise.

He informed that according to the laid down SOP, the officials of the state government led by the chief secretary rushed to the SEOC and all steps were taken in the event of any disaster. Subsequently, another staging area at Secretariat Plaza was also being arranged to meet the needs of the disaster, while reports and communication with the districts were received and communicated with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for requirements and other operations.

During the exercise, Sinha said the government also tried to come up with a ‘learning experience’ for incorporation of its plans, adding that the communication network needs to be more robust while information has to come to the SEOC more quickly. Coordination with the Army and Air Force also need to be looked upon by a nodal officer, while more officers from other department need to be roped in to have better response.

He maintained that the overall exercise was successful but the state could do better and improve from the learnings.

Kiphire, Wokha and Nuiland districts responded the earliest to the SEOC, he informed.

Meanwhile, observer for Kohima district, Abdul Patel, Assistant Commandant, NDRF Arunachal Pradesh observed that communication, some SOPs and tabulations needed to improve in the state.

Nawal Prakesh, Joint Advisor (Ops), NDMA, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) highlighted the objective of the mock-drill exercise as Nagaland is in seismic zone-5 (high vulnerability), to check the level of preparedness of the state.

He observed that the state is ‘prepared’ but needs to improve its communication network and medical system.

He also stressed on the need to strengthen the manpower and not only depend on outside sources such as NDRF, Army and others; and the need for training first-community responders.

Johnny Raungmei, Joint CEO of NSDMA, also shared safety tips to respond to earthquakes.