Ziro, July 25: In an effort to bolster disaster readiness and promote coordinated emergency response mechanisms, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), in collaboration with the Fire & Emergency Services and under the aegis of the Department of Disaster Management, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, conducted a comprehensive mock exercise-cum-awareness programme on earthquake preparedness at the Mini Secretariat Building in Ziro on Friday.
The event aimed to raise awareness among the public and test emergency protocols in a real-time simulation of an earthquake scenario. Addressing the gathering, Smti Moyir Basar Kamdak, Additional SP, SDRF, emphasized the importance of such drills, stating that while people are generally aware of safety measures, panic during actual disasters often hampers effective action. She stressed that mock drills are vital to build confidence and train citizens in life-saving practices. Kamdak also informed that similar exercises had already been conducted in Pasighat, Tezu, and Khonsa, with the next scheduled for Tawang on July 29.
The drill featured a coordinated response involving SDRF personnel, fire services, police, and medical teams who demonstrated key emergency actions such as safe evacuation, triage and first-aid, fire suppression, and search-and-rescue operations. Participants were also educated on crucial emergency contact numbers, including ERSS-112, SEOC-1070, DEOC-1077, SDRF Office-8730887730, and the SDRF Search & Rescue Team-8730887731.
SP Keni Bagra, SDO Rani Perme, and District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Nima Drema also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of community-level preparedness. The mock drill witnessed enthusiastic participation from government officials, visitors, shopkeepers, local media, and volunteers. All participants were briefed on standard operating procedures and safety protocols, ensuring a more informed and resilient community in the face of potential natural disasters.
