The 8th edition of the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) 2026 was successfully conducted on April 30, 2026, in Dimapur. The exercise was organized by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Dimapur, to strengthen disaster response mechanisms and inter-agency coordination.
The mock drill scenario simulated a major earthquake of magnitude 7.7 striking Dimapur at 8:00 AM, triggering multiple emergency situations across key locations. Key locations identified for the drill included the DC Office (Staging Area) and Government Higher Secondary School, Purana Bazar, where severe structural damage was simulated, reporting 3 injured, 2 dead, and 5 minor injuries. At Hollotoli School, Naharbari, structural damage resulted in 2 seriously injured, 1 dead, and 7 minor injuries.
At Westside Store, Darogapathar, a fire incident scenario recorded 3 seriously injured, 1 dead, and 6 minor injuries. Similarly, at Indian Oil (IOCL), Kevijau, a fire incident was simulated with 8 minor injuries and 2 severely injured persons. At PHC Purana Bazar, a minor damage scenario reported 7 minor injured and 3 severely injured.
The exercise also reviewed the sequence of activities under the proposed “Operation Night Guard/Air Raid” scenario, simulating multiple incident sites. At the DC Office, Dimapur, structural damage and fire incidents resulted in 2 deaths, 3 minor injuries, and 4 seriously injured, while EDTC reported structural damage with 2 minor injuries, 4 seriously injured, and 1 death.
Immediate response measures were swiftly activated, including both on-site and off-site Emergency Response Plans. Evacuation procedures were carried out, while essential services such as electricity, water supply, and communication systems were restored. Relief camps were established at the DC Office, along with temporary medical aid facilities. Teams from SDRF and Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) were mobilized, and Planning and Logistics Sections were set up at DC office Dimapur.
Observers of the exercise, Commissioner of Police for Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland, Aotula T. Imchen and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Meren Chenth offered valuable suggestions and appreciated the successful conduct of the drill.
The exercise concluded with a debriefing by DC Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang who stated that the objective of the exercise was to create awareness among communities and stakeholders on establishing effective response mechanisms during disasters, particularly earthquakes, as Nagaland lies in Seismic Zone V.
He also acknowledged the observers, officers, personnel, and Team Better Dimapur for their collective efforts in ensuring the smooth and effective conduct of NEPEx 2026 in the district.
The exercise was conducted successfully, demonstrating coordinated response and preparedness among various departments and emergency services.
(Tiakumla Ao, IA, Dimapur)
