In view of the state wide mock drill on Earthquake Disaster to be held on 24th October, 2024, a Tabletop Exercise (TTEx) was organized by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Dimapur, in collaboration with the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department, at DC’s Conference Hall, Dimapur on 22nd October, 2024. The exercise aimed to assess the preparedness and coordination among various stakeholders in the event of an earthquake.

The meeting was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner and Incident Commander of DDMA Dimapur, Zakabo V. Rotokha. In his opening remarks, he welcomed all attendees and encouraged stakeholders to maintain close contact with the District Disaster Management Authority for any clarifications or queries. He stressed the importance of readiness and cooperation in mitigating disaster impacts.

SDO (Civil) & Deputy Incident Commander of DDMA Dimapur, Yanthungbemo Kikon, provided an overview of the finalized incident sites, the appointment of observers, and the Incident Response Teams (IRTs) that would be engaged during the exercise. He briefed the participants on their roles and responsibilities, urging the GBs and other leaders to inform their respective communities about the upcoming earthquake preparedness drill scheduled for 24th October 2024, starting at 9 AM, to prevent unnecessary alarm.

District Project Associate, DDMA Dimapur, Thejavizo Kehie, delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining the earthquake disaster scenario and NEPEx.

Seven key locations were selected in Dimapur for incident simulations, including

i.                    Dimapur Government College: Fire at the auditorium, missing students, and structural damage.

ii.                  Pantaloons Shopping Mall: Structural damage, missing customers, and heavy traffic congestion.

iii.                GHSS Lingrijan School: Structural damage and building collapse.

iv.                Forest Residential Area: Fire, evacuation of residents, and injuries.

v.                  Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) Limited Dimapur Depot: Fire, staff evacuation, and injuries.

vi.                Primary Health Centre (PHC) Duncan: Structural damage and evacuation of patients.

vii.              DC Office Dimapur: Structural damage, building collapse, and missing persons.

The exercise was attended by various stakeholders, including government departments, emergency services, and community leaders.

(I Tiakumla. Ao, IA Dimapur)