The inaugural program for the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEX), a statewide mega mock exercise focusing on earthquake disasters, was held at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima on October 22. This event was organized by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
In his speech, special guest Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, Advisor to NSDMA in the Home Department, emphasized that today’s tabletop exercise is a vital step toward ensuring the safety and resilience of our communities in preparation for the Mega Mock Exercise scheduled for October 24, 2024.
“The ultimate aim is to have thorough preparedness in the events of any disaster eventualities as of all the natural calamities, Earthquake is the most fatal and destructive in nature, if the magnitude is high, and also cannot predict its occurrence, unlike other calamities,” stated Nyuthe.
The Advisor expressed appreciation to all the Heads of department in the State and Districts and all the Stakeholders, acknowledging that their active participation are vital in fostering a culture of preparedness, as disaster can affect everyone.
“There is no exemption for the poor/rich/strong/weak so we need to be prepared and be aware of what the responsibilities are,” reminded Nyuthe.
Emphasizing on the Realistic Scenario Training, Nyuthe said the exercise allows one to test the Incident Response System the emergency response plans in controlled environment, helping one to identify their strengths/weaknesses and the need for improvement.
“By simulating an earthquake across the districts, we can better understand the regional vulnerabilities and resources allocations. The Engagement from all the Stakeholders- Government agencies, NGOs, Community leaders, and citizens is essential. Your involvement ensures that one has a comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness. This collaborative will enhance communication and coordination among various entities, leading to more efficient response in real scenarios,” asserted the Advisor.
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He also emphasised that community awareness and education is important as the exercise serves as an opportunity to educate communities about earthquake preparedness, including safety protocols and emergency plans. Increased awareness can lead to better individual and collective responses, ultimately saving lives and minimizing damage, said Nyuthe, reminding that the participation in the exercise will signify the commitment to continuously improve Nagaland’s disaster response capabilities. He also requested all the Districts and Stakeholders to come prepared for the Debriefing.
Maj Gen Sudhir Bahl (Retd) lead consultant (ME and IRS) NDMA,MHA and Ltd Gen Seyd Ata Hasnain briefed the crowd on behalf of NDMA. Home Commissioners and CEO NSDMA, Vyasan, IAS said this table top exercise is very crucial and for that we need to have such kind of mock exercise, mock drills and try and stimulate what happens during the possibility of disaster and how we respond to it.
Vsayasan, also encouraged various stakeholders to come together as a team including Government Departments, civil societies and communities in responding at the time of Disaster or untoward occurrence.
Lt.Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain, Member NDMA and Lead consultant (ME & IRS) NDMA. MHA, Major General, Sudhir Bahl (Retd) also took part in consulting Stakeholders from different Government departments on the Disaster management.