Shillong, Apr 21: A civil defence mock exercise simulating an air raid and blackout will be held across Meghalaya on April 24 as part of a national preparedness initiative.
The exercise, titled “ARMEX-I 2026,” will be conducted across all districts under the direction of the Ministry of Home Affairs, involving multiple agencies including the Army, Air Force, Police, SDRF, Home Guards, Fire and Emergency Services, Health Department, and local bodies.
The drill will be carried out in two phases:
Stage I (3 PM – 4 PM): Simulations of search and rescue, firefighting, evacuation, and medical response. Sirens will sound at 3 PM to signal a mock air raid and again at 4 PM to indicate the “all clear.”
Stage II (6:59 PM – 7:02 PM): A brief blackout exercise during which sirens will mark the beginning and end. Residents have been requested to switch off all lights and power sources for the duration.
Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate and follow instructions, particularly during the blackout phase. Community leaders, village bodies, and local institutions are also expected to assist in ensuring smooth conduct of the exercise.
Officials said the drill aims to enhance public awareness and emergency preparedness, adding that such exercises will be conducted twice a year to strengthen civil defence readiness.
