To assess the disaster response mechanism and evaluate the readiness of the Incident Response System (IRS), the Jalukie Sub-Division under Peren District conducted the 8th edition of NEPEx 2026 mock exercise on 30th April 2026, simulating an earthquake of 7.7 magnitude on the Richter scale.
The exercise was based on a scenario involving fire and structural damage and commenced at 8:00 AM with the sounding of the emergency siren by the Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES). Immediately following the alert, the Sub-Division Emergency Operation Centre (SDEOC) was activated. The Responsible Officer, ADC Jalukie briefed the Incident Response Team (IRT) and officially activated the IRS, transitioning all departmental coordination to wireless communication channels.
The Incident Commander, EAC Jalukie spearheaded the mobilization of various strike teams and resources to pre-designated staging areas. The Safety Officer, SDPO Jalukie ensured site security and managed traffic flow to facilitate the smooth movement of emergency vehicles throughout the operation.
During the exercise, personnel from the Fire & Emergency Services, District Executive Force (DEF) Peren, medical teams from the CHC Jalukie and NCC Cadets actively participated in various search, rescue, and relief operations. The District Public Relations Officer (DPRO) and media teams were also on-site to manage information dissemination and documentation.
Rescue and response operations were carried out at four incident sites. At GHSS Jalukie, a building collapse resulted in 11 casualties, where rescue teams conducted search and rescue operations, accounting for 4 deaths, 5 seriously injured, and 2 with minor injuries.
At CHC Jalukie, medical teams managed 5 casualties, including 2 indoor patients, 2 seriously injured, and 2 with minor injuries, all of whom were provided emergency treatment.
At the gas station, Rangkau Petrol Pump, a fire and rescue situation involving six casualties was managed, including two deaths, two seriously injured, and two with minor injuries. Teams worked to control the fire and rescue the victims.
At New Jalukie, a bridge collapse scenario was handled, where damage was assessed and response measures were coordinated. No casualties were reported.
The operation concluded at 10:30 AM with the Incident Commander ordering the demobilization of all resources. Subsequently, a debriefing session was held at the SDEOC Jalukie to review the response, identify gaps, and improve coordination and preparedness for future emergencies.
In his closing remarks, the ADC expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the entire exercise. He commended the Incident Response Team and appreciated the support of various departments in mobilising resources and manpower.
He lauded the coordination between uniformed personnel and medical teams as professional and realistic, and thanked GHSS Jalukie and St. Xavier College, Jalukie for providing student volunteers.
He observed that despite limited resources, the exercise was effectively carried out, while noting areas for improvement. He stressed the need to sensitize students and emphasized community participation, stating that in the initial phase of any disaster, the community responds before the Incident Response System is activated, and that proper training and sensitization can help save many lives during actual calamities.
(Mamang IA, Peren)
