The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Kohima, in coordination with line departments, actively participated in the state-wide Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) state-level mock exercise held on April 30.
The exercise simulated a high-intensity earthquake scenario measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale. Key operational locations included the staging area and Incident Command Post at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, and the identified safety zone at Ruzhükhrie Ground.
Mock incident sites were activated across multiple locations in the district, including Sanuorü Bridge (below NBCC Hall), NH-2 Kohima–Wokha Road at Tsiesema Basa, areas around TIR Station Phezoucha, KL Market Themezie, Mewi Higher Secondary School at Khikha Rüleizou, and the Directorate of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on IG Stadium Road.
In addition, a Civil Defence air raid and blackout exercise titled “Operation Night Guard” was conducted. The drill featured a pre-blackout air raid warning siren, followed by a 15-minute blackout period during which residents switched off all lights, remained indoors, and ensured no visible illumination. An all-clear signal marked the conclusion of the exercise, after which normal activities resumed.
Deputy Commissioner & Chairman, DDMA Kohima, B Henok Buchem, NCS, lauded the preparedness and active participation of Community First Responders, along with government agencies. However, he highlighted communication gaps experienced during the exercise and suggested upgrading communication radio handsets to ensure better coordination during emergencies.
Authorities reiterated that the drill was conducted solely for preparedness and urged the public to cooperate and remain aware, emphasizing that such exercises are vital for saving lives during real disasters.
Phek:
An earthquake mock drill exercise was conducted as part of the annual Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) 2026 at Phek on April 30. The Exercise took place in five earmarked locations: Christian Mission Hr Secondary School, ADC Quarter, District Hospital, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection and Phek Town Council Office.
The earthquake mock drill operation exercise commenced at 8 a.m. with the siren sounding. Deputy Commissioner Phek, Rhosietho Nguori, as the Responsible Officer of Mock Drill Exercise, commanded the various sections of all designated officers and team in the District Level Incident Response System (IRS) Structure during the entire Mock drill Exercises beginning from Table Top Exercise held on 29th April 2026. The Exercise successfully completed at 11:30 a.m.
Dimapur:
The 8th edition of the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) 2026 was successfully conducted on April 30 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 a.m. 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.
Tuensang:
Tuensang District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in collaboration with Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) conducted the annual Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) 2026 on earthquake of magnitude 7.7 with epicenter located approximately 110 km from the Tuensang district on April 30.
The mock drill recorded a real time disaster response at the District with landslide triggered by earthquake damaging approximately 11,382 houses, 114 person killed (30 man, 48 women, 19 infant, 5 differently abled and 12 elderly people), 342 person with seriously injured and 88 people missing.
After the incident the Responsible Officer (RO) informed all the commands Staff to gather at DEOC and activation of IRS in the district, where mobilization of Emergency Response Team from SDRF, Fire and Emergency, Medical and Police was activated for search and rescue operation. The incident sites were located at Old DC office, Daily market and GHSS and staging area at Parade Ground Tuensang where mobilization of Emergency Response Team from SDRF, Fire and Emergency Service were deployed to the affected zones.
In the debriefing session DC and RO, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa congratulated all the participants for a successful conduct of the drill and also added that the mock drill is all about preparedness and time to respond at the time of disasters. The drill was actively participated from District Administration, SDRF, Medical Team, Fire and Emergency Service, IPR, 29 Assam Rifles and NCC from GHSS Tuensang.
Kiphire:
As part of the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx), an emergency preparedness exercise on earthquake and extreme weather was held in Kiphire town on April 30, stimulating an earthquake magnitude 7.7 with the epicentre at Piphema.
The programme was organised by District Disaster Management Authority Kiphire in collaboration with Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority.
Siren was sounded at 8 a.m. and stake holders from various section gathered at staging area and on receiving message from incident sites, search and rescue team were deployed at several simulated incidentt sites. Four locations were staged as incident sites. i.e. bazaar area, DC office complex, Kiphire gas filling station and Agape Higher Secondary School. The strike team, search and rescue carried out the task achieving all the objectives of the mock exercise as per safety operating procedure.
Delivering closing remarks, Deputy Commissioner Kiphire, Temsuwati Longkumer stated that the mock exercise is planned and staged programme, however a real-life disaster situation will be similar from the mock exercise. He appreciated the officers, leaders of various section, team and volunteers for carrying out the mock exercise successfully.
Noklak:
The 8th edition of NEPEx of the mock exercise on earthquake & extreme weather disaster was held at Noklak Hq on April 30. Simulating an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 M, five locations were used as an incident side, namely, Local Bazaar, Guest House, District Hospital, Kiamngan Kiamong Landslide) and Christian High school Noklak. A siren was sounded by Fire & Emergency Services at 8 a.m. following the report of earthquake strike.
DC, Noklak who is also the Responsible Officer of the Mock Exercise, P Mono Khiamniungan briefed the incident response team about the situation and activated the Incident Response Team for rescue operation.
The evacuation plan was carried out at Bazaar where structural damage and fire occurred leaving two persons trapped inside, fire extinguished and both safely rescued at the site. Operation was also carried out at guest house where two victims were rescued. The rescue team rushed to District Hospital to assist one seriously injured and one minor injured. Evacuation was executed at Kiamong Landslide where one seriously injured was transported to relieve camp, and rescue search for one missing person. Two students trapped inside the classroom of Christian High school was safely rescued from school building that was severely damaged.
Meluri:
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Meluri, successfully conducted the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) 2026 to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response coordination among all concerned departments and agencies in the district.
The two-day programme commenced with a Table Top Exercise held on April 29 at DB’s Court, Meluri, where officers and officials from various departments participated in scenario-based discussions on disaster response mechanisms, communication systems and departmental roles during emergencies.
The second phase of the programme was marked by a mock drill conducted on April 30 at the Local Ground, Meluri. The exercise demonstrated practical emergency response measures including evacuation, rescue operations, first aid management, and coordination among line departments, security personnel, health teams, and volunteers.
Officials stated that the objective of the exercise was to assess preparedness levels, identify response gaps and enhance inter-departmental coordination for effective disaster management.
ADC Meluri, Shelly Katiry expressed appreciation to all participating departments, agencies, and stakeholders for their active cooperation and contribution towards the successful conduct of NEPEX 2026.
The programme reaffirmed Meluri district’s commitment towards building a disaster-resilient community through preparedness, awareness and coordinated response systems.
Niuland:
Niuland district organised the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) with a scenario of an earthquake of 7.7 magnitude stricking Niuland Town at 8 a.m. resulting in massive buildings collapse, damaging 600 houses, road blockade and damage of live wires. The mock drill simulated where about 1,200 people were been affected by building collapse, main electric transmission line from Dimapur to Niuland has been damaged and the whole district was black out, drinking water supply and pipeline has also been damaged. While 5 people were killed and 18 were injured and 40 people missing expected to be trapped under debris. 3 seriously affected incident site have been reported in the district one in Shepherd School and the others at CHC Niuland and DC office.
Immediately after the earthquake siren were alerted, Incident response team reported to DEOC after which Deputy Commissioner & RO activated the IRS. Immediate response to the situation was done by activation of onsite/ off-site Emergency Response plan, evacuation plan, restoration of electricity, water supply and communication system, setting up of relief camps at public ground, setting up of temporary hospital medical aid, mobilization of SDRF, F&ES, Planning section, logistic section were set up at public ground.
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Observers of the event, Asst. Commandant Y I Lotha 22 AR, Vitoka Yepthomi EAC Aghunaqa and C Apong Yimchunger ADCP Niuland shared the insightful suggestions and congratulate for a successful drill exercise.
The drill concluded with the debriefing from DC Niuland, T L Kiusumong Tikhir. The DC stated that the purpose of the exercise was to generate awareness among the communities and different agencies on how to establish mechanism for effective response to any disaster particularly earthquake with Nagaland state being in Seismic Zone V. The DC also acknowledged the observers, the officers and personnel involved in the smooth and effective conduct of NEPEx in the district.
Peren:
State-wide mock drill on earthquake and extreme weather disaster, was carried out at Peren district on April 30, simulating a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake, putting its emergency response systems to a rigorous test.
The simulation designed around a multi-hazard scenario involving fire outbreaks, structural collapse and landslides commenced at 8 a.m. with the sounding of emergency sirens by Fire & Emergency Services signalling a mock seismic strike on Peren town. Within moments, the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) was activated, while all response agencies swiftly transitioned to wireless communication for seamless coordination.
Acting promptly, the Deputy Commissioner, serving as the Responsible Officer briefed the Incident Response Teams (IRTs) and operationalised the Incident Response System (IRS). The Additional Deputy Commissioner, as Incident Commander, deployed teams to designated staging areas, while the Superintendent of Police, functioning as Safety Officer, ensured effective traffic management and security across simulated impact zones.
The exercise unfolded across key locations, presenting varied emergency situations. At the Local Market Area, 5 casualties were reported including two fatalities. The ADC Office recorded 7 casualties, while the District Hospital scenario accounted for 9 victims, including 5 deaths. A landslide near the SP Office simulated 5 casualties and educational institutions All Saints Higher Secondary School and Baptist High School reported 5 & 9 casualties respectively. Altogether, the drill accounted for 40 simulated victims comprising 17 fatalities, 11 critically injured and 12 with minor injuries.
Search and rescue operations were undertaken by specialised Strike Teams who conducted systematic evacuation of victims. Medical teams provided onsite first aid and ensured timely transportation of the injured to the District Hospital using ambulances. Staging areas were simultaneously established to facilitate coordinated relief and response efforts. The District Public Relations Office (DPRO) led media coverage of the exercise, ensuring timely dissemination of information and promoting public awareness on disaster response protocols.
The successful execution of the mock drill underscores Peren district’s proactive approach towards disaster management reflecting a strong commitment to enhancing institutional preparedness and safeguarding lives in the face of potential natural calamities. The mock exercise was organized by NSDMA and District Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Mon:
Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) and District Disaster Management Authority, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India organised the 8th edition of NEPEx 2026, state-level mock exercise on earthquake & extreme weather disaster at Mon Town on April 30.
Deputy Commissioner Mon, Wennyei Konyak, NCS, was the Responsible Officer and ADC Hq. Mon, Pakon Phom was the Incident Commander. The other officials of the mock drill included Nodal Officer Wangkom Konyak, Station Superintendent, NST, Dy. Incident Commander Nchumthung Ezung, NCS (SDO Civil Hq.) Laison Officer Shekhozo Vero, NCS (EAC Sadar), Inf & Media Officer Meyesusu Jamir (DPRO), Safety Officer Kanchan Kumar Kandpal, IPS (Superintendent of Police), Planning Section Chief, Imlongchaba Chang, NCS, EAC, DDMA and Logistic Section Chief, T. Ado Yanlem, NPS, Addl. Superintendent of Police.
The scenario begins with the siren alert at 8 a.m. that the earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck Mon Town. The earthquake triggered massive landslides, fire incidents, structural collapse and widespread damage to critical infrastructure. The situation was further aggravated by extreme weather conditions, including continuous heavy rainfall, strong winds low visibility and persistent storms, increasing the risk of flash floods and hampering rescue and relief operations.
Three vulnerable sites identified were PWD (R&B) Office Building, District Hospital and Papong Colony (HN-702) near GREF Camp. Staging Area was located at Local Ground. Incident Command Post, Operation Section, Planning Section, Relief Camp and Logistic Section were located at Local Ground.
On receiving the report, the SDRF team rushed to vulnerable sites and retrieved 1 dead body, 2 seriously injured & 4 with minor injuries at District Hospital Mon. 2 dead bodies retrieved, 1 seriously injured and 5 minor injuries at PWD (R&B) office building severely damaged and caught fire. Retrieved 10 dead including women, infant, elderly persons differently able person, 20 seriously injured and 50 minor injuries at Landslides area at Papong colony (HN-702) near GREF Camp. There was live streaming of PWD (R&B) office building severely damaged and caught fire.
The Mock exercise concluded with the briefing from the designated observers of 3 vulnerable sites- Pangkha W. Sub Treasury Officer, Km. Teihom Mercy, JSCO, Soil, Lalit Kumar Officer Commanding BRO and Chief Observer, Colonel Imliakum Keitzar, SC 42 AR Commanding Officer. They brief a note of the rescue operation undertaken during the mock drill and identify the gap which need to be covered during the next exercise for better prepared and ready for any eventualities.
Deputy Commissioner Mon, Wennyei Konyak, NCS, thanked all the officials for the sincere, active participants for the success of the Mock Exercise. He said, the role of the leader and the coordination with the members is crucial for the success of every programme.
Longleng:
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Longleng along with the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) conducted the 8th edition of the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPAx) on earthquake and extreme weather events on April 30 at Longleng Town.
Four location namely, Phom Lempong High Secondary school, District Hospital Longleng, DC office and market area were identified for the exercise.
The mock drill exercise simulated the scenerio of an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 richter scale striking Longleng at 8 a.m. The main staging area was setup at public ground Longleng, where Police personal, Home Guards and all line departments and stakeholders report after the Siren was sound at 8:00 AM to respond to the disaster.
DC & chairman DDMA Longleng, W. Manpai Phom NCS, while debriefing on the exercise thanked all the personnel, officers from line departments, stakeholders and volunteers for making the mock drill exercise successful.
Zunheboto:
A large-scale mock exercise under the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) was conducted in Zunheboto District to assess disaster response readiness in the event of a major earthquake.
The simulation was based on a hypothetical 7.7 magnitude earthquake striking the district at around 8 a.m., triggering massive landslides, fires, and widespread building collapses. The scenario depicted a severe humanitarian crisis, with around 450 houses damaged, affecting over 1,000 families.
As per the exercise, 16 fatalities were reported, including men, women, infants and elderly persons, while 50 people were injured, with at least 10 in critical condition requiring urgent medical attention. Authorities also simulated 100 individuals missing under debris.
The mock situation highlighted the collapse of district hospital, resulting in a shortage of medical supplies and manpower. Key road connectivity, including NH-702A linking Zunheboto with Kohima and Mokokchung, was assumed to be completely cut off due to landslides, with restoration expected to take over a week.
The exercise further simulated disruption of drinking water supply due to damaged pipelines and warned of essential commodities and food stocks lasting only a week following the disaster.
In response, district authorities activated the Incident Response System (IRS), initiating search and rescue operations under the supervision of the On-Scene Commander. Efforts to restore electricity, water supply, and communication systems were undertaken by line departments.
Relief camps were set up for displaced families, while a field hospital was established at a designated staging area to provide immediate treatment to the injured. Ambulances and rescue teams were mobilized for evacuation, and the Chief Medical Officer was tasked with arranging additional medical staff and supplies.
Meanwhile, key locations were identified for emergency operations, including public grounds as staging areas, schools such as Olympic Hr. Sec. School incident area, the Deputy Commissioner’s office for coordination, and the District Hospital for medical response.
The exercise aimed to evaluate coordination among departments, strengthen emergency response mechanisms, and enhance preparedness to effectively manage real-life disaster situations.
Chumoukedima:
As part of a coordinated statewide initiative, Chumoukedima district successfully conducted a large-scale disaster preparedness mock drill on April 30 under the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) 2026. Organized by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, along with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Chumoukedima, the exercise was carried out at four locations to assess the district’s preparedness in handling emergency situations. Various Incident Response Teams, including personnel from SDRF, Home Guards & Civil Defence, Health & Family Welfare other line departments, actively participated in the drill.
The mock exercise primarily focused on testing communication systems, inter-departmental coordination, and response mechanisms in search and rescue as well as medical assistance. Officials reported that the chain of command—from site-level teams to the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and Incident Commander—functioned smoothly during the operation.
Following the exercise, Responsible Officer & Deputy Commissioner, Polan John, NCS, highlighted key adjustments made during execution. He stated that the incident response system functioned effectively, maintaining proper coordination across all levels. He acknowledged the collective efforts of all departments and volunteers from CFR and Can Youth Organisation in the smooth conduct of the exercise, and appreciated the contributions of PWD, Transport and other agencies in providing machinery and vehicles. A secondary hazard simulation involving a fire incident at the Chumoukedima Town Council (CTC) office was also successfully carried out. Observers monitored the drill at multiple locations across Chumoukedima district, including St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School, Zudio Mall and the LPG bottling plant.
The DC stressed the need for better resource mapping and recommended a dedicated communication channel for improved coordination during emergencies. Overall, the district administration expressed satisfaction with the exercise and called for continued feedback to strengthen future disaster preparedness efforts.
Wokha:
A district-level mock drill simulating a 7.7 magnitude earthquake was conducted in Wokha under the National Earthquake Preparedness Exercise (NEPEX), organised by the District Administration Wokha and the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on April 30.
The exercise began at 8 a.m. with the simulation of an earthquake, followed by the sounding of an emergency siren by the Information & Public Relations Department, Wokha. At 8:05 a.m., the Deputy Commissioner informed all Command Staff to assemble at the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) located at the DC Conference Hall and activated the Incident Response System.
Command Staff comprising the DC, Superintendent of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chief Medical Officer, District Public Relations Officer and District Planning Officer prepared the Incident Action Plan. Departments switched to wireless radio communication while information from incident sites was gathered and Emergency Response Teams, including Aapda Mitra volunteers, were mobilised.
Security personnel were directed to secure incident sites and regulate traffic, while Incident Response Teams assembled at the staging area at Local Ground. Mock casualties were placed at designated locations and strike teams comprising SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services and medical teams were deployed to incident sites.
The drill covered multiple scenarios across Wokha. At Police Point, a fire incident and collapse structure rescue was carried out involving five volunteers with injuries and one simulated death. At the District Economics & Statistics Office, evacuation and rescue operations involved five volunteers, including one death and two differently-abled evacuations. At Dr. Nchumbemo Clinic, a collapse structure rescue was conducted with three volunteers, while at Saron Colony a landslide scenario was simulated with road clearance and rescue operations supported by a JCB. At Santsuo School, collapse structure rescue involved five student volunteers with injuries and one death. At Doyang Dam, rescue operations involved five volunteers, including one death and two differently-abled evacuations.
Medical teams provided first aid and transported casualties to relief camps. Traffic police regulated movement at all sites, while wireless communication systems were maintained between DEOC and field locations. The staging area at Local Ground was equipped with tents arranged by Assam Rifles, seating, a public address system set up by the DPRO, and logistical support including buses, ambulances, pick-up vehicles, fire tenders and wireless handsets.
After completion of rescue operations, Search and Rescue Team commanders reported to the Operation Section Chief, who relayed information to the Incident Commander. The Incident Commander then reported to the Responsible Officer, with updates also shared with the State Emergency Operations Centre through the Liaison Officer.
The exercise will continue at night under the code name “Operation Night Guard,” simulating an air raid and blackout exercise. Various government departments and community first responders actively participated. The drill concluded with demobilisation of Incident Response Teams at the staging area, followed by observer remarks and closing remarks by the Deputy Commissioner.
Mokokchung:
In a major effort to bolster regional disaster resilience, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Mokokchung, in partnership with the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), successfully executed the 8th Edition of the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) on April 30.
The state-wide mock drill focused on a high-intensity scenario involving a 7.7 magnitude earthquake coupled with extreme weather conditions. The exercise was designed to test the state’s Incident Response System (IRS), improve inter-departmental coordination, and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The exercise kicked off at 8 a.m. with a siren activation signalling the simulated earthquake. Deputy Commissioner & Responsible Officer (RO), Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, immediately activated the IRS, summoning command staff to the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC).
Search & Rescue: Government High School (Dilong), IMDH Building, and the DC’s Office Building.
Infrastructure: A landslide clearance operation was simulated at Mokokchung Village.
Logistics: The Imkongmeren Sports Complex served as the Central Staging Area.
Under the leadership of the DC and Sr. SP, an Incident Action Plan (IAP) was developed. Communication quickly shifted to wireless radio systems to ensure connectivity during the “blackout.” Incident Response Teams (IRT)—comprising the SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services, and Medical teams—mobilized to perform search and rescue operations and administer first aid to mock casualties.
The operation was managed by a core leadership team including the SDO (C) as Incident Commander, the District Commandant (HG, CD & SDRF) as Operations Section Chief, and the AEO as Staging Area Manager.
A live stream of the Dilong school site was broadcasted by the NSDMA at 10 a.m. to provide real-time updates. By 11:30 a.m., after the successful completion of all scenarios, the IRT was demobilised at the Staging Area.
The day concluded with an official debriefing by the NDMA via video conference. Deputy Commissioner, Ajit Kumar Verma thanked the participating departments, noting that these exercises are vital for identifying gaps in the system before a real-world disaster strikes.
Shamator:
A district-level mock drill under the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) was successfully conducted at Shamator with active participation from the District Administration, response teams and allied departments.
The exercise was carried out in coordination with a rescue team from the 12 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and involved all line departments under Shamator district, demonstrating a unified approach towards disaster response and preparedness. As part of the drill, four strategic locations were identified to simulate emergency scenarios, including a school, a fuel station, a market area and the Community Health Centre (CHC). Each site focused on specific response mechanisms such as evacuation procedures, fire safety, crowd management, medical emergency handling and coordinated rescue operations. The mock drill aimed to enhance inter-departmental coordination, assess preparedness levels and sensitise stakeholders on their roles and responsibilities during emergencies. Officials emphasised that in the event of a disaster, all government institutions and personnel function as stakeholders in response and mitigation efforts.
The exercise witnessed active involvement from various departments, emergency responders, and community members, reflecting a strong commitment towards building a resilient and prepared district. The programme concluded with a debriefing session, where observations were shared and areas for improvement were identified to further strengthen disaster preparedness mechanisms in the district.
Jalukie:
To assess the disaster response mechanism and evaluate the readiness of the Incident Response System (IRS), the Jalukie Sub-Division under Peren District conducted the 8th edition of NEPEx 2026 mock exercise on April 30, simulating an earthquake of 7.7 magnitude on the Richter scale.
The exercise was based on a scenario involving fire and structural damage and commenced at 8 a.m. with the sounding of the emergency siren by the Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES). Immediately following the alert, the Sub-Division Emergency Operation Centre (SDEOC) was activated. The Responsible Officer, ADC Jalukie briefed the Incident Response Team (IRT) and officially activated the IRS, transitioning all departmental coordination to wireless communication channels.
The Incident Commander, EAC Jalukie spearheaded the mobilization of various strike teams and resources to pre-designated staging areas. The Safety Officer, SDPO Jalukie ensured site security and managed traffic flow to facilitate the smooth movement of emergency vehicles throughout the operation.
During the exercise, personnel from the Fire & Emergency Services, District Executive Force (DEF) Peren, medical teams from the CHC Jalukie and NCC Cadets actively participated in various search, rescue, and relief operations. The District Public Relations Officer (DPRO) and media teams were also on-site to manage information dissemination and documentation.
Rescue and response operations were carried out at four incident sites. At GHSS Jalukie, a building collapse resulted in 11 casualties, where rescue teams conducted search and rescue operations, accounting for 4 deaths, 5 seriously injured, and 2 with minor injuries.
At CHC Jalukie, medical teams managed 5 casualties, including 2 indoor patients, 2 seriously injured, and 2 with minor injuries, all of whom were provided emergency treatment.
At the gas station, Rangkau Petrol Pump, a fire and rescue situation involving six casualties was managed, including two deaths, two seriously injured, and two with minor injuries. Teams worked to control the fire and rescue the victims.
At New Jalukie, a bridge collapse scenario was handled, where damage was assessed and response measures were coordinated. No casualties were reported.
The operation concluded at 10:30 a.m. with the Incident Commander ordering the demobilization of all resources. Subsequently, a debriefing session was held at the SDEOC Jalukie to review the response, identify gaps, and improve coordination and preparedness for future emergencies.
In his closing remarks, the ADC expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the entire exercise. He commended the Incident Response Team and appreciated the support of various departments in mobilising resources and manpower.
He lauded the coordination between uniformed personnel and medical teams as professional and realistic, and thanked GHSS Jalukie and St. Xavier College, Jalukie for providing student volunteers.
He observed that despite limited resources, the exercise was effectively carried out, while noting areas for improvement. He stressed the need to sensitize students and emphasized community participation, stating that in the initial phase of any disaster, the community responds before the Incident Response System is activated, and that proper training and sensitization can help save many lives during actual calamities.
