Kohima, April 30 (MExN): Nagaland on Thursday conducted large-scale disaster preparedness mock drills across multiple districts under the NEPEx 2026 statewide initiative, organised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), and respective District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs).
The exercises, simulating a 7.7-magnitude earthquake along with fires, structural collapses, and landslides, tested emergency response systems, inter-departmental coordination, and community readiness across the state, which lies in the high-risk Seismic Zone V, stated a DIPR report.
Chümoukedima: As part of a coordinated statewide initiative, Chümoukedima district conducted a large-scale disaster preparedness mock drill on April 30, 2026, under the NEPEx 2026. Organised by NSDMA, the Home Department, NDMA, and DDMA Chümoukedima, the exercise took place at four locations to assess the district’s emergency readiness. Incident Response Teams, including SDRF, Home Guards & Civil Defence, Health & Family Welfare, and other line departments, actively participated.
Dimapur: Dimapur conducted a mock drill under “Operation Night Guard/Air Raid,” simulating multiple incident sites. Immediate response included activating emergency plans, evacuations, restoring essential services (electricity, water, communication), and setting up relief camps and medical facilities at the DC Office. SDRF and F&ES teams were mobilized, with Planning and Logistics Sections established. Police officials Aotula T Imchen and Meren Chenth praised the drill. DC Dr Tinojongshi Chang said the exercise aimed to build disaster response awareness, particularly for earthquakes, as Nagaland falls under Seismic Zone V.
Jalukie: The Jalukie Sub-Division under Peren District conducted the 8th NEPEx mock drill simulating a 7.7 magnitude earthquake with fire and structural damage. ADC Jalukie, as RO, activated the Incident Response System and switched all communication to wireless. EAC Jalukie served as Incident Commander, while SDPO Jalukie managed security and traffic. Rescue operations took place at four sites, GHSS Jalukie, CHC Jalukie, Rangkau Petrol Pump and New Jalukie. The drill ended at 10:30 AM, followed by a debriefing. The ADC praised the coordination between teams and thanked student volunteers from GHSS Jalukie and St. Xavier College. He stressed the need for community participation, noting that proper training can save many lives during real disasters.
Kiphire: As part of NEPEx, a mock drill was conducted in Kiphire town. Organized by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Kiphire in collaboration with the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), the exercise began with a siren at 8:00 AM. Stakeholders assembled at the staging area, and upon receiving messages from simulated incident sites, search and rescue teams were deployed. The four sites were the bazaar area, DC office complex, Kiphire gas filling station, and Agape Higher Secondary School. The strike team successfully completed all tasks in accordance with safety operating procedures. In his closing remarks, DC Kiphire, Temsuwati Longkumer, noted that while the exercise was planned, a real disaster would be no different in terms of response requirements.
Kohima: The DDMA Kohima, along with line departments, actively participated in the NEPEx mock exercise simulating a 7.7-magnitude earthquake. Key operational locations included the staging area and Incident Command Post at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, and the safety zone at Ruzhükhrie Ground. Mock incident sites were activated across the district: Sanuorü Bridge (below NBCC Hall), NH-2 Kohima–Wokha Road at Tsiesema Basa, areas near TIR Station Phezoucha, KL Market Themezie, Mewi Higher Secondary School at Khikha Rüleizou, and the Directorate of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on IG Stadium Road. Additionally, a Civil Defence air raid and blackout exercise, “Operation Night Guard,” was conducted. It began with a pre-blackout warning siren, followed by a 15-minute blackout where residents switched off all lights and stayed indoors. An all-clear signal marked the end of the drill. DC & Chairman, DDMA Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, praised the preparedness of Community First Responders and government agencies but noted communication gaps and recommended upgrading radio handsets for better coordination.
Longleng: In Longleng Town, four locations were identified for the mock drill exercise: Phom Lempong Higher Secondary School, District Hospital Longleng, the DC office, and the market area. The main staging area was set up at the Public Ground, where police, Home Guards, line departments, and stakeholders gathered after the siren to respond to the disaster. During the debriefing, DC & Chairman of DDMA Longleng, W Manpai Phom, NCS, thanked all personnel, line department officers, stakeholders, and volunteers for making the exercise successful.
Meluri: The DDMA Meluri conducted NEPEx 2026 to enhance disaster preparedness and emergency response coordination across all concerned departments. The two-day programme began on April 29 with a Table Top Exercise at DB’s Court, Meluri, featuring scenario-based discussions on disaster response mechanisms, communication systems, and departmental roles. The second phase on April 30 included a mock drill at the Local Ground, Meluri, demonstrating practical response measures such as evacuation, rescue operations, first aid, and coordination among line departments, security forces, health teams, and volunteers. Officials stated the exercise aimed to assess preparedness, identify response gaps, and improve inter-departmental coordination. ADC Meluri, Shelly Katiry, thanked all participants for their contribution.
Mokokchung: DDMA Mokokchung, in partnership with NSDMA, conducted the NEPEx statewide mock drill. DC & RO, Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, immediately activated the IRS and summoned command staff to the District Emergency Operation Centre. Search and rescue operations took place at Government High School (Dilong), the IMDH Building, and the DC’s Office Building. A landslide clearance operation was simulated at Mokokchung Village, and the Imkongmeren Sports Complex served as the Central Staging Area. Under the DC and Sr. SP, an Incident Action Plan (IAP) was developed, and communication switched to wireless radio systems to manage the simulated blackout. Incident Response Teams comprising the SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services, and Medical teams conducted search and rescue and administered first aid to mock casualties. The operation was managed by a core leadership team including the SDO (C) as Incident Commander, the District Commandant as Operations Section Chief, and the AEO as Staging Area Manager. NSDMA live-streamed the Dilong school site at 10:00 AM to provide real-time updates. By 11:30 AM, after all scenarios were completed, the IRT was demobilised at the Staging Area. The day concluded with an official debriefing by the NDMA via video conference. Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma thanked the participating departments, noting that these exercises are vital for identifying gaps before a real disaster strikes.
Mon: During a mock drill held in Mon, DC Wennyei Konyak, NCS, served as the Responsible Officer, while ADC Hq. Mon, Pakon Phom, was the Incident Commander. Key officials included Nodal Officer Wangkom Konyak, Dy. Incident Commander Nchumthung Ezung, Liaison Officer Shekhozo Vero, Inf & Media Officer Meyesusu Jamir, Safety Officer Kanchan Kumar Kandpal, IPS, Planning Section Chief Imlongchaba Chang, and Logistic Section Chief T Ado Yanlem. Three vulnerable sites were identified: PWD (R&B) Office Building, District Hospital, and Papong Colony (HN-702) near GREF Camp. The Staging Area was at the Local Ground, where the Incident Command Post, Operation Section, Planning Section, Relief Camp, and Logistic Section were also located. The SDRF team responded to each site. At District Hospital Mon: 1 dead, 2 seriously injured, 4 with minor injuries. At PWD (R&B) office (severely damaged and on fire): 2 dead, 1 seriously injured, 5 minor injuries (live streaming conducted). At the landslide site in Papong Colony: 10 dead (including women, an infant, elderly, and a differently abled person), 20 seriously injured, 50 minor injuries. The exercise concluded with briefings from observers at the three sites—Pangkha W., Km. Teihom Mercy, and Lalit Kumar—along with Chief Observer Colonel Imliakum Keitzar, SC, 42 AR Commanding Officer. They reviewed the rescue operations and identified gaps to address in future drills for improved disaster preparedness.
Niuland: Niuland district conducted NEPEx simulating a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Niuland Town, with three seriously affected incident sites: Shepherd School, CHC Niuland, and the DC office. Following the earthquake siren, the Incident Response Team reported to the DEOC, and the Deputy Commissioner (also Responsible Officer) activated the IRS. Immediate responses included the activation of onsite/off-site emergency plans, evacuation, restoration of electricity, water supply, and communication, setting up relief camps and temporary medical aid at the public ground, and mobilizing SDRF, F&ES, Planning, and Logistics sections. Observers—Asst Commandant Y I Lotha (22 AR), Vitoka Yepthomi (EAC Aghunaqa), and C Apong Yimchunger (ADCP Niuland)—offered valuable suggestions and congratulated the team. The drill concluded with a debriefing by DC Niuland, T L Kiusumong Tikhir, who stated that the exercise aimed to raise awareness and establish effective response mechanisms for earthquakes, especially since Nagaland lies in Seismic Zone V.
Noklak: In Noklak, five incident sites were identified for the mock drill: Local Bazaar, Guest House, District Hospital, Kiamngan Kiamong (landslide site), and Christian High School. DC Noklak, P Mono Khiamniungan, who also served as the Responsible Officer, briefed the incident response team and activated rescue operations. At the bazaar, a fire caused structural damage, trapping two persons—both were safely rescued after the fire was extinguished. At the guest house, two victims were rescued. The team then moved to the District Hospital to assist one seriously injured and one minor injured. At the Kiamong landslide, one seriously injured person was transported to a relief camp, while a search continued for one missing person. At Christian High School, two students trapped inside a severely damaged classroom were safely rescued.
Peren: The mock drill in Peren district simulating fire outbreaks, structural collapse, and landslides began at 8:00 AM with emergency sirens by Fire & Emergency Services, signaling a mock seismic strike. The District Emergency Operation Centre was activated immediately, and all response agencies switched to wireless communication for seamless coordination. The Deputy Commissioner (as RO) briefed the Incident Response Teams and activated the Incident Response System (IRS). The ADC (Incident Commander) deployed teams to staging areas, while the SP (Safety Officer) managed traffic and security across simulated impact zones. Key locations featured varied emergency situations. Strike Teams conducted search, rescue, and systematic evacuation. Medical teams provided on-site first aid and transported injured individuals to the District Hospital. Staging areas were set up to coordinate relief efforts. The District Public Relations Office led media coverage to raise public awareness.
Phek: In Phek, the Exercise took place in five earmarked locations: Christian Mission Hr Secondary School, ADC Quarter, District Hospital, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection and Phek Town Council Office. DC Phek, Rhosietho Nguori, as the Responsible Officer of Mock Drill Exercise, commanded the various sections of all designated officers and team in the District Level Incident Response System (IRS) Structure during the entire Mock drill Exercises beginning from Table Top Exercise held on April 29.
Shamator: A district-level mock drill was conducted at Shamator, with active participation from the District Administration, response teams, and allied departments. The exercise was carried out in coordination with a rescue team from the 12th National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and involved all line departments in Shamator district, demonstrating a unified approach to disaster preparedness. Four strategic locations were identified for the drill, a school, a fuel station, a market area, and the Community Health Centre, each simulating scenarios such as evacuations, fire safety, crowd management, medical emergencies, and coordinated rescue operations. The drill aimed to enhance inter-departmental coordination, assess preparedness levels, and sensitize stakeholders to their roles during emergencies. Officials emphasized that in a real disaster, all government institutions and personnel function as stakeholders in response and mitigation efforts. The exercise saw strong involvement from various departments, emergency responders, and community members, reflecting a commitment to building a resilient district. The programme concluded with a debriefing session, where observations were shared and areas for improvement identified to strengthen future disaster preparedness mechanisms.
The drill focused on testing communication systems, inter-departmental coordination, search and rescue operations, and medical assistance. Officials reported that the chain of command—from site-level teams to the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and Incident Commander—functioned smoothly. Following the exercise, RO & DC, Polan John, NCS, noted key adjustments made during execution. The incident response system maintained proper coordination across all levels. A secondary hazard simulation—a fire at the Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC) office—was also carried out. Observers monitored drills at St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School, Zudio Mall, and the LPG bottling plant. The DC stressed the need for better resource mapping and a dedicated communication channel for improved emergency coordination.
Tuensang: Tuensang District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), in collaboration with the NSDMA conducted the NEPEx 2026 mock drill. Following the simulated incident, the Responsible Officer (RO) directed all command staff to assemble at the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) and activated the Incident Response System (IRS). Emergency Response Teams from SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services, Medical, and Police were mobilized for search and rescue operations. The incident sites were the Old DC Office, Daily Market, and GHSS, while the Parade Ground in Tuensang served as the staging area. SDRF and Fire & Emergency personnel were deployed to the affected zones. During the debriefing, DC and RO, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, congratulated all participants on the successful drill and emphasized that such exercises focus on preparedness and response time during disasters. The drill saw active participation from the District Administration, SDRF, Medical Team, Fire & Emergency Services, IPR, 29 Assam Rifles, and NCC cadets from GHSS Tuensang.
