The Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), conducted a State-Level Mock Exercise on Earthquake Disaster at the State Convention Centre in Shillong today.
Smt. M. War Nongbri, Commissioner & Secretary, Revenue & Disaster Management Department and Executive Director of MSDMA, opened the session with an introductory speech, emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness in the state.
In his address, Shri Sanjay Goyal, Commissioner & Secretary, Revenue & Disaster Management Department, expressed hope that the exercise would provide valuable inputs and experience to enhance the state’s ability to cope with disasters. He emphasized that this is the best time to reassess resources and infrastructure, to ensure they are fully utilized, and to improve the speed and coordination of response efforts in the event of a disaster.
Addressing the event, Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.), Member of NDMA, New Delhi, spoke about the significance of such exercises in preparing for potential disasters. He urged officials to review the 10-point agenda available on the NDMA website and emphasized key areas such as community response, the SACHET early warning app, school and hospital safety programs, and the crucial role of communication during disasters. He also stressed the importance of professional understanding in disaster management.
The event also featured online presentations from 11 districts, showcasing their preparedness efforts. The exercise was attended by officials from various departments, reflecting a collective commitment to disaster preparedness and coordination.
The event was followed by a Table Top Exercise, chaired by Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.), Member of NDMA, New Delhi, and Shri Sanjay Goyal, Commissioner & Secretary, Revenue & Disaster Management Department. The exercise was co-chaired by Maj. Gen. Sudhir Bahl (Retd.), Lead Consultant (ME & IRS) of NDMA, New Delhi. This session provided an opportunity for key officials to simulate and discuss disaster response strategies in a controlled environment, further enhancing their preparedness and coordination in the face of emergencies.
