DIMAPUR — Highlighting that disasters could strike unexpectedly, Nagaland Chief Secretary, J Alam, has emphasised on the critical need for comprehensive disaster preparedness, while he added that being fully prepared for all types of disasters is an ideal approach to deal with such situations.
Alam, who is also the chairman of the State Executive Committee (SEC), stated this in his keynote address during a capacity building development programme organised by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) under the Home Department at the ATI complex in Kohima on Tuesday.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Alam mentioned the need to develop capabilities such as setting up field hospitals within the NSDMA in the event of a disaster, as it could significantly save lives. He also released the first report on Nagaland Disaster Statistics for 2023, produced by the department of Economics and Statistics.
He further expressed gratitude for the presence of various institutions with expertise in disaster management saying that their knowledge and resources are invaluable during emergencies. He also stressed the importance of mapping the available capacities and resources to enhance coordination, stated a DIPR report.
Abhijit Sinha, Home Commissioner and CEO of NSDMA, has emphasised on the importance of creating awareness about disaster management saying that disasters, especially earthquakes, occur without warning. He mentioned that annual tabletop exercises are organised to enhance awareness and preparedness.
Maj. Gen. (retired) Sudir Bahl, senior consultant (ME & IRS) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), highlighted the need for preparedness and capacity building among organisations responding to disasters. He stressed the importance of real-time simulations involving all stakeholders.
The programme was chaired by Johnny Ruangmei, NSDMA joint chief executive officer, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Khrolou Koza Lohe, NSDMA assistant manager of training and education.
Districts hold tabletop exercise
As a precursor to the upcoming statewide mock drill on earthquake, various districts in Nagaland conducted tabletop exercise on Tuesday.
The tabletop exercises were conducted as part of preparedness for the statewide mega mock drill on earthquake disaster organised by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) scheduled on November 2.
During the exercise, facilitators guided the participants on procedures, plans, and policies to be followed during dangerous scenarios with a focus on handling emergencies in a stress-free environment. The exercise emphasised on familiarisation with rules, guidelines, and responsibilities during earthquakes.
All the officers involved in the incident response system (IRS) are asked to be prepared mentally and perform their assigned responsibilities flawlessly during the mega mock drill exercise.
The tabletop exercises were held in Dimapur, Longleng, Phek, Kiphire, Chümoukedima, and Tseminyu.