Mock exercise under the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise conducted in Zunheboto on April 30. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | April 30
A large-scale mock exercise under the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) was conducted in Zunheboto district to assess disaster response readiness in the event of a major earthquake on April 30.
The simulation was based on a hypothetical 7.7 magnitude earthquake striking the district triggering massive landslides, fires, and widespread building collapses. The scenario depicted a severe humanitarian crisis, with around 450 houses damaged and more than 1,000 families affected.
As part of the exercise, 16 fatalities were reported, including men, women, infants, and elderly persons. Around 50 people were shown as injured, with at least 10 in critical condition requiring urgent medical attention. Authorities also simulated nearly 100 individuals missing under debris.
The mock situation further highlighted the collapse of district hospitals, leading to a shortage of medical supplies and manpower. Key road connectivity, including NH-702A linking Zunheboto with Kohima and Mokokchung, was assumed to be completely cut off due to landslides, with restoration expected to take more than a week.
The exercise also simulated disruption of drinking water supply due to damaged pipelines and indicated that essential commodities and food stocks would last only a week following the disaster.
In response, district authorities activated the Incident Response System (IRS), initiating search and rescue operations under the supervision of the On-Scene Commander. Efforts to restore electricity, water supply, and communication systems were undertaken by line departments.
Relief camps were set up for displaced families, while a field hospital was established at a designated staging area to provide immediate treatment to the injured. Ambulances and rescue teams were mobilized for evacuation, and the Chief Medical Officer was tasked with arranging additional medical staff and supplies.
Key locations were designated for emergency operations, including the District Sports Council ground as a staging area, Olympic Higher Secondary School as the incident site, the Deputy Commissioner’s office for coordination, and the District Hospital for medical response.
