Meghalaya: State-Level Earthquake Mock Exercise Held in Shillong

Correspondent

Shillong: As Shillong sits atop the seismically volatile Shillong Plateau, classified under Seismic Zone V, the looming threat of a high-magnitude earthquake is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ Against this backdrop, a State-Level Earthquake Mock Exercise was conducted to assess Meghalaya’s disaster response capabilities.

Organized by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department and the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, the drill aimed to simulate real-time earthquake scenarios and test the efficiency of emergency response teams.

After the mock exercise, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District,   R. M. Kurbah, addressed the media, explaining that the drill was designed to prepare and educate the public on how to protect themselves during a disaster, particularly natural calamities like earthquakes, which can strike without warning.

She further noted, “The State-Level Mock Exercise 2025 was part of the state's disaster preparedness efforts for earthquakes, with activities conducted across all districts and sub-divisions. In Shillong, the drill saw participation from various agencies, including SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, the Police Department, DM&HO, and others.”

The DC emphasized the importance of public preparedness for natural disasters, noting that a lack of readiness could lead to severe consequences. She pointed out incidents such as the fire at the Church of God (M&A) in Qualapatty, which resulted in two fatalities, and the fire at KJP Higher Secondary School in Mission Compound. She also highlighted how firefighting efforts were hindered due to vehicle congestion, which obstructed access to fire emergencies vehicles.

She further stressed the need for coordination with Rangbah Shnong, as they are the first to learn of any incident and can alert the district authorities. Earthquakes do not wait for anyone, and it is crucial for local Dorbar Shnong and the public to cooperate and be prepared to work together in the event of such emergencies.

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