NEPEx to simulate earthquake scenario across Nagaland on Oct 24

October 18, 2024 7 Views No Comment

Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 18

The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) under Home Department, Govt of Nagaland is all set to conduct 7th Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) 2024 across Nagaland on October 24.

NEPEx is supported by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Home Ministry, Govt of India.

Addressing a press conference after holding orientation & coordination meeting here today in the presence of NSDMA advisor Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe in Kohima, Johnny Ruangmei, Joint Chief Executive Officer, NSDMA informed that this year’s exercise will simulate an earthquake scenario to evaluate the state’s readiness to respond to disaster situations effectively.

We will be simulating extreme disaster scenario, like collapse of telecom tower, collapse of power line, road blockages, disruption in commercial activities, said Ruangmei.

Participants, including schools, offices, and other institutions, will engage in a Drop, Cover, and Hold drill for two minutes, followed by an organized evacuation to pre-identified safe zones.

The Incident Response System (IRS) will be activated to ensure a coordinated approach to response and recovery efforts.
Key government officials, departments, and agencies, alongside civil society organizations and local communities, will actively participate in NEPEx 2024.

Observers from the Indian Army, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and other State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) have been invited to monitor the exercise.

Ask public not to panic
Mock Drill will take place on October 24 from 9:00 AM onwards across Nagaland. In Kohima, the mock drill will start by sounding of siren bell from PHQ. Local churches have also been requested ring church bell in their respective districts.

“This is only a mock drill,” Ruangmei said and asked the public not to panic out of this exercise.

He said that mock drill be carried out across market places, residential areas, offices and educational institutes.

Meanwhile, Tabletop Exercise as a prelude to NEPEx, aimed at sensitizing stakeholders, will take place on October 22 at 10:00 AM Capital Convention Centre, Kohima.

Participation will include DDMA chairpersons and relevant officers from line departments, alongside stakeholders such as NDRF, SDRF, and paramilitary forces.

Nagaland situated in Seismic Zone V
The NEPEx aims to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities across the state and ensure that all stakeholders are ready to effectively manage and respond to any potential disasters.

Stating that Nagaland is situated in Seismic Zone V and is highly vulnerable to natural calamities such as earthquakes, landslides, flash floods, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and forest fires, NSDMA stated “ Therefore, NEPEx serves as a vital platform to raise awareness, build capacity and strengthen coordination among various government agencies, civil society, and the general public.”

Meanwhile, Ruangmei stressed on the need to adopt the mindset of building resilient infrastructure and building disaster resilient community for Nagaland and safer Nagaland.

NEPEx 2024 is part of NSDMA’s ongoing efforts to make Nagaland a safer, more resilient state in the face of natural calamities.

Through this exercise, NSDMA aims to ensure that both the government and the public are better prepared to minimize risks, reduce damage, and safeguard lives during emergencies.

The NSDMA urged all citizens and stakeholders to actively participate and cooperate in this important exercise as “we work towards building a disaster-resilient Nagaland.”

Objectives of NEPEx 2024
•    Evaluate Disaster Response Capabilities: The exercise will test the state’s ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to a disaster.
•    Enhance Preparedness and Awareness: It will strengthen the preparedness plans at the community level while raising awareness about the importance of disaster management.
•    Capacity Building: NEPEx will focus on the capacity building of Emergency Support Functions (ESF) and ensure that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are practiced across all sectors.
•    Multi-Stakeholder Coordination: The exercise will foster stronger collaboration and communication between various stakeholders, including government departments, civil society organizations, and communities.