Shillong, March 20: In an effort to strengthen disaster preparedness, the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), conducted the State Level Mock Exercise 2025 on Thursday.

The drill simulated an 8.3-magnitude earthquake and related disaster scenarios across all districts and sub-divisions of Meghalaya.

The exercise was designed to test the response capabilities of emergency teams, first responders, and local authorities in the event of a major seismic disaster. It commenced at 9:30 AM with the sounding of sirens, signaling the start of evacuation, search and rescue operations, and medical triage. Personnel from various departments, including Civil Defence, MPRO, Police, Health, Fire & Emergency Services and volunteers, actively participated in the drill.

In Shillong, several locations were identified for the simulation, including Buddha Vidya Niketan Secondary School (Polo), the Office of the Soil and Water Conservation (Lawmali), the Polo Hills residential area, and key public spaces such as the Market Complex in Polo and Wahingdoh locality. Emergency response teams worked on search and rescue operations in these areas, ensuring swift medical aid and evacuation.

Tura also witnessed extensive mock drills, with disaster scenarios staged at the District Council Office Building, Tura Civil Hospital, Tura Super Market, and St. Xavier’s Secondary School. The Incident Command Post (ICP) and Planning Section (PS) were stationed at Circuit House, while relief and staging operations were coordinated from Tura Government College.

In Jowai, the simulation included a fire breakout at Dowel Fuels Ladthalaboh, a landslide at Raitsasim bypass road, and the partial collapse of Ladthadlaboh Secondary School. Emergency scenarios were also staged at I India Family Mart (Loomsoiung) and Dr. Norman Tunnel Hospital (Moosalyngat), with response teams stationed at the Kiang Nangbah Government College Playground.

Meghalaya falls under Zone V, the highest earthquake risk category in India. The mock drill was not only aimed at improving coordination among emergency responders but also at raising public awareness on disaster preparedness, mitigation and response strategies.

Also Read: Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills at the heart of a major reptilian discovery

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