The NSDMA, under the Home Department of the Government of Nagaland, will conduct its annual Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) 2024 on October 24 to improve disaster preparedness and response capabilities throughout the state, ensuring all stakeholders are equipped to effectively manage and respond to potential disasters.
This was announced by Johnny Ruangmei, Joint CEO of the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), during a press conference held today following a S’akeholders Capacity Development Program, NEPEx at Secretariat Conference hall, Kohima.
“Nagaland is situated in Seismic Zone V and is highly vulnerable to natural calamities such as earthquakes, landslides, flash floods, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and forest fires. Therefore, NEPEx serves as a vital platform to raise awareness, build capacity, and strengthen coordination among various government agencies, civil society, and the general Public,” stated Ruangmei.
Objectives of NEPEx 2024:
- Evaluate Disaster Response Capabilities: The exercise will test the state’s ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to a disaster.
- Enhance Preparedness and Awareness: It will strengthen the preparedness plans at the community level while raising awareness about the importance of disaster management.
- Capacity Building: NEPEx will focus on the capacity building of Emergency Support Functions (ESF) and ensure that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are practiced across all sectors 4. Multi-Stakeholder Coordination: The exercise will foster stronger collaboration and communication between various stakeholders, including government departments, civil society organizations, and communities.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
He highlighted that the key Activities of NEPEx 2024 will commence with the sounding of an emergency siren across all major locations, including the State capital and district headquarters. Participants, including schools, offices, and other institutions, will engage in a Drop, Cover, and Hold drill for two minutes, followed by an organized evacuation to pre-identified safe zones. The Incident Response System (IRS) will be activated to ensure a coordinated approach to response and recovery efforts.
Additional activities will include:
Tabletop Exercises: A prelude to NEPEx, aimed at sensitizing stakeholders. In the State capital this will be conducted on the 22nd October 2024 at Capital Convention Hall, Kohima. Community First Responder Training: Designed to equip local communities with the skills to manage disasters before external help arrives.
Media engagement :
The NSDMA will actively engage the media, including print, social media, and electronic platforms, to maximize outreach and create idespread awareness about disaster preparedness.
Participation and Observers:
Ruangmei informed that the key government officials, departments, and agencies, alongside civil society organizations and local communities, will actively participate in NEPEx 2024. Observers from the Indian Army, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and other State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) has been invited to monitor the exercise.
The CEO informed that NEPEx 2024 is part of NSDMA’s ongoing efforts to make Nagaland a safer, more resilient state in the face of natural calamities.
“Through this exercise, NSDMA aims to ensure that both the government and the public are better prepared to minimize risks, reduce damage, and safeguard lives during emergencies,” said Ruangmei who urged all citizens and stakeholders to actively participate and cooperate in the important exercise to build a disaster-resilient Nagaland.
He also mentioned that some officers from the central offices will also be present.
On the day of the exercise, the Police Headquarters (PHQ) will ring their bell at 9:30 AM. He noted that they have asked some churches to ring their bells as well, signaling a significant event is approaching.
“It’s time to advance resilience in infrastructure and economy. If we continue on our current path, we will fall behind every city in Nagaland, and it’s essential for every citizen to care. A shift in mindset is necessary,” said Ruangmei.
He expressed hope that this edition will bring new insights. Additionally, the CEO stated that the Government of Nagaland has formed a committee to review new building bylaws.
