The Kohima District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) held a Table Top Exercise for the conduct of NEPEx 2022 at DC's Conference Hall Kohima on 15th November 2022. The Tabletop exercise was organized by Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Ministry of Home Affairs. The Additional Deputy Commissioner & Incident Commander DDMA Kohima, Rhosietho Nguori chaired the meeting.

Briefing the line departments and stakeholders, ADC said that in response to the directive of the Government, the Mock Exercise simulating an earthquake measuring 8.7 Richter scale will be held on 17th November 2022 in Kohima Town. He said that the main staging area for the mock exercise would be set up at TM Government Higher Secondary School and five locations have been identified for the earthquake scenario, which included Grace High School, Bayavü, Dr. Neikhouzhü Kire Siekhazou, Mount Olive College Daklane, Mao Market and one residential area near the Heritage (Old DC Bungalow). The mock exercise's main objective is to create awareness among government agencies and stakeholders to develop a preparedness plan on how to manage and respond at times of disaster. Further, he called upon all the district line departments to be well-versed in their roles and responsibilities and extend full cooperation and execute their assigned duties responsibly.

The ADC also informed that there would be five observers and Kohima Village Youth Organization (KVYO) would be assisting during the mock exercise. He further informed the general public not to be panicked and to cooperate with the government agencies and the stakeholders during the mock exercise.

DPA (DDMA) Kohima, Kevilhouthie Victor Yhome highlighted the basic functional description of each key element in the district Incident Response System, which needs to be accomplished in a well-planned manner and executed in an effective and cost-efficient disaster response effort.

(DPRO, Kohima)