A mock drill exercise being carried out in Zunheboto on March 13.
NDMA Senior Specialist makes suggestions for strengthening programme
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 13
A Mega Mock Exercise (MME) was conducted in five districts of Nagaland by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), under the supervision of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
As part of the Mega Mock Exercise in the Northeast, Kohima participated in the mock exercise, amidst confused public, many of whom were not aware of the mock exercise.
However, Observer, RK Dave, Senior Specialist, NDMA, was of the view that the exercise performed in Nagaland was “outstanding.” He said, “They have done very well in preparation. It was more than satisfactory.”
RK Dave stated that the search rescue team and plan implementation were commendable. He however pointed out that planning and logistics needs improvement and review and public awareness programme needs more strengthening.
Dave said the objective of the MME is to review the adequacy and efficacy of the state disaster management plans as well as highlight roles and responsibilities of various emergency support functionaries.
Pointing out that the effective response of authorities in mobilizing resources, working of emergency communications, community response etc would be evaluated through the exercise, he said this would also identify gaps in participating organizations in resources such as manpower, equipment, materials and communication systems.
Observers stated that there is need for strong procedure for the participation of every head of department in the district and that more discipline and strengthening of communication network are required and wireless towers and wireless systems need to be installed in all areas. Further suggestions were made for more frequency with multiple channels, wireless system in towns, alert system or sirens, which can reach the whole town, and activation of satellite phones.
Further plans are made to cover the districts which have not been covered, where village guards will be trained. The trainings are also being focused on the youth, where youth and colony organizations have been trained.
The MME is being conducted keeping in mind the earthquake with magnitude of 8.7 in the Richter scale at Shillong in 1897. The exercise was carried out in Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Zunheboto and Kiphire districts.
With PTI inputs
