In preparation for the upcoming National Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx), a series of Tabletop Exercises (TTEx) were conducted across various districts in Nagaland on October 22, 2024. The exercises aimed to enhance coordination and assess readiness among stakeholders in the event of an earthquake, which is critical given the state’s vulnerability to seismic activities.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in Dimapur, in collaboration with the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) and the Home Department, organized the exercise at the DC’s Conference Hall. The session was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner and Incident Commander, Zakabo V. Rotokha, who emphasized the importance of preparedness and cooperation among participants. He welcomed attendees and encouraged them to maintain close communication with the DDMA for any clarifications.
During the exercise, SDO (Civil) and Deputy Incident Commander, Yanthungbemo Kikon, provided an overview of the incident response structure, detailing the finalized incident sites and the roles of the Incident Response Teams (IRTs). Seven key locations in Dimapur were identified for simulation scenarios, including structural damage and evacuations at educational institutions, commercial establishments, and public health centers.
Similar tabletop exercises were conducted in other districts, including Longleng, Peren, Wokha, Tseminyu, Mokokchung, Chumoukedima, Noklak, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Mon, and Niuland. Each session was tailored to ensure that all departments and stakeholders understood their roles and responsibilities during the upcoming mock drill on October 24.
In Longleng, Deputy Commissioner W Manpai Phom urged all departments and civil societies to take the exercise seriously, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for natural calamities. Meanwhile, in Peren, Deputy Commissioner Hiazu Meru highlighted the need for community awareness regarding disaster response mechanisms.
Across various districts, District Project Associates provided presentations on the Incident Response System (IRS) and its significance in reducing ad-hoc responses to disasters. In Wokha, District Project Associate Mercy Kithan presented the sequence of activities for the upcoming exercise, while in Mokokchung, Assistant Commissioner Shreyansee Jain shared insights into resource mobilization.
As part of the overall strategy, Deputy Commissioner Rahul Bhanudas Mali of Zunheboto informed the public about the planned sirens during the mock drill to prevent panic among citizens. Similarly, in Mon, Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma stressed the necessity of departmental accountability during disaster situations.
The exercises are part of a comprehensive effort by the state government to improve disaster management capabilities and ensure that communities are better prepared for emergencies. As stakeholders across Nagaland prepare for the simulated earthquake scenario, the emphasis remains on active participation and collaboration to enhance overall readiness.
