District Disaster Management Authority, Peren under the aegis of Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority organised the annual Mock Exercise on Earthquake at Jalukie on 18th February 2022. The exercise was to create awareness among the communities and also to check the preparedness of the district on how to effectively respond in the event of an earthquake. The staging area was set up at Govt. High School Ground, Jalukie.

Simulating the effect of an earthquake of 8.7 magnitudes on the Ritcher Scale, the exercise was carried out in two schools that have been seriously affected - St. Xavier School where five casualties were reported, and ITM School, Jalukie where 15 casualties were reported.

The exercise began with the sounding of an emergency siren at 11:00 a.m by the personnel of Fire & Emergency Services followed by briefing chaired by Responsible Officer, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, ADC Jalukie at his Office.

Thereafter, Incidence Response Team swung into full action. During the exercise, it was reported that Jalukie-Dimapur and Jalukie to Peren Road were blocked due to landslides, and also some houses were on fire. At St. Xavier School, the operation was carried out by the DEF while at ITMS it was done by the personnel of 12BN NDRF.

Deputy Commissioner & Chairman DDMA Peren, Sentiwapang Aier who was the main observer said the overall exercise was a success but during the rescue operation, some communication gaps and public participation in affected areas were there which needs to be improved. Further, DC lauded the officials involved, the public, and the students for their cooperation in making the exercise a success.

(DPRO & Mamang IA, Peren)