Nagaland will conduct a multi-phase disaster preparedness exercise, NEPEx 2026, along with a newly introduced Civil Defence drill titled “Operation Night Guard,” as part of efforts to strengthen emergency response systems, coordination mechanisms and public readiness across the state.
The announcement was made during a press briefing held at the NSDMA Conference Hall, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima on April 24, 2026.
Secretary NSDMA, Sentiwapang Aier, said NEPEx 2026 marks the eighth edition of the state level preparedness exercise, organised by the NSDMA under the Home Department, with support from the National Emergency Preparedness Exercise. The exercise will simulate scenarios involving sudden and extreme weather related disasters to test preparedness and inter-agency coordination.
He informed that the exercise will be conducted in phases.
A capacity building programme was held on April 2 via video conferencing with experts from Delhi. This will be followed by a Table Top Exercise on April 29 at the State Emergency Operations Centre, Kohima, with participation from district level emergency operation centres to review disaster management plans and coordination mechanisms.
The main state level mock exercise will be conducted on April 30 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon across Nagaland, involving activation of response teams and coordinated actions such as search and rescue, evacuation and medical response.
Aier also announced “Operation Night Guard,” to be conducted on April 30 from 6:30 PM. The Civil Defence exercise will involve siren activation and temporary blackout measures in designated towns to test emergency alert systems and public response.
He said the exercises reflect the State Government’s commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and ensuring the safety and resilience of communities. Emphasising public awareness, he noted that disasters often occur without warning, making preparedness essential, and said the drills aim to simulate real life scenarios so that citizens are better equipped to respond effectively in times of crisis.
For the first time, helicopter services from Thumby Aviation Pvt Ltd will be incorporated into the exercise to provide aerial support, with facilitation from the Ministry of Home Affairs. A consultant team led by a retired Major General will oversee the exercise, with observers deployed at state and district levels. Technical agencies including the Geological Survey of India and the India Meteorological Department will participate in the April 29 Table Top Exercise. “Preparedness is crucial, as disasters can strike unexpectedly,” he said, urging citizens to remain vigilant and responsive.
Joint CEO NSDMA, Dr Johnny Ruangmei, said the exercise will simulate a 7.7 magnitude earthquake with its epicentre at Piphema. He said it will assess large scale damage, casualties, landslides, fire incidents and communication breakdown, while testing response systems including rescue, medical aid and relief management. He added that all departments, agencies, NGOs and volunteers will participate, with alternative communication systems such as ham radio to be used.
Ruangmei clarified that the exercise is only a simulation and not a prediction, urging the public to remain calm and be aware without panic.
Deputy Commandant General Medozhalie Pienyu said Operation Night Guard will be conducted in 10 districts, simulating a drone attack scenario with fire incidents, structural damage and casualties. A 15-minute blackout will be observed from 6:30 PM to 6:45 PM, during which citizens will be required to switch off all non-essential lights.
He said the drill aims to test emergency response systems, public coordination and communication networks, with participation from various departments and trained Civil Defence volunteers. (With DIPR inputs)