Kohima, Dimapur, Chumoukedima and Longleng on April 22 held virtual capacity building and coordination programmes as part of preparations for the 8th edition of the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx), scheduled for April 30. The statewide exercise aims to strengthen earthquake response systems, inter-agency coordination, and overall disaster readiness.
In Kohima, the programme was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office with DC and DDMA Chairman B. Henok Buchem, SP Krodi Rhetso, and officials from police, medical, municipal and emergency services in attendance. The mock drill will simulate a 7.7 magnitude earthquake causing large-scale infrastructure damage, fire outbreaks and landslides. Critical installations such as fuel and gas storage units will also be part of the scenario. Hospitals will be placed on alert for mass casualty management, while relief camps and Incident Command Posts will be activated.
In Dimapur, the session was conducted at the NIC Video Conference Hall under the DC Office. It was chaired by Major General (Retd.) Sudhir Bahl, Consultant, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), who stressed the importance of preparedness, coordination and timely response in earthquake emergencies. He also highlighted the role of technology, including the Google Android Earthquake Alert System, for early warning and communication. ADC Dimapur Dr. Diana Patton urged all departments to actively participate in the upcoming exercise.
In Chumoukedima, DC Polan John announced that a Tabletop Exercise will be held on April 29, followed by a full-scale mock drill on April 30. He said disaster management is a collective responsibility involving all departments under the Incident Response System, not only police and fire services. He noted that engineering, transport and health departments would be vital in rescue, logistics and medical response. He also cautioned that the simulated earthquake could disrupt communication networks, making alternative systems such as wireless communication essential.
In Longleng, members of the District Level Incident Response Structure attended the coordination meeting at DPDB Hall under DC and DDMA Chairman W. Manpai Phom, who urged all members to attend the April 29 tabletop exercise.
The NEPEx exercise is being organised by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority with support from NDMA and the Ministry of Home Affairs to enhance preparedness for earthquakes and extreme weather emergencies across Nagaland.