Merits of disaster management stressed in mock drill
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, April 21 2022: Minister of Relief and Disaster Management Awangbow Newmai flagged off a State level exercise on Earthquake disaster FY-2022-2023 at a programme held at Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal East district today.

The programme was organized by the Department of Relief & Disaster Management/State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ministry of Home Affairs.

Speaking at the event, Awangbow Newmai said that he was fortunate to witness the State level mock drill after taking charge as the Minister of Relief & Disaster Management Department.

He appreciated the steps taken up by the NDMA in extending its responsibility to enlighten and educate the people in relation to disasters.

Merits of disaster management stressed in mock drill

People are not fully aware about how to act during any kind of disasters and such mock drills will surely make the SDMA team and the public aware about various disasters, he added.

The Minister added that as the programme is a continuous process, in future all districts will be covered under such a programme.

He further said that as the youth of the State have potential, they can be trained for disaster management.

He said that SDMA will train selected youths so that they can be a helping hand during times of need.

MH Khan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Relief and Disaster Management said that the training with the stakeholders will enhance the quick response and role of the departments concerned in time of any disaster.

He said it is fortunate to have time for doing mock drills again after a gap of two years with the help of NDMA.

He added that mock exercise helps in capacity building of the relief team members and they require more practice to achieve expertise in their skills.

The mock exercise conducted today will increase awareness and alertness amongst the people of the State in handling situations when unforeseen disaster occurs in future.

Major General (retd) Sudhir Bahl, Sr Consultant (ME&IRS), NDMA in his introductory speech said that disaster management is like preparing for war.

It is never known when disaster will strike.

Manipur is blessed by God in terms of natural beauty and other aspects and has equal share of problems related to disaster like flood, earthquake, landslide, cyclonic storm etc.

as well, he added.

Stating that it is the responsibility of the Government and the public to be ready to combat natural disasters that might occur at any time, Sudhir Bahl said the basic purpose of mock exercise is to train all stakeholders at the State and Centre level in combating unseen natural calamity.

He further said that the National Disaster Management Authority has shared its readiness and preparedness for disaster in a State by conducting mock exercises.

The practice which was executed today is in response on ground that is coordinated with different agencies.

The NDMA is ready to fund various projects for mitigation of disaster for the state, he added.

Bahl informed that the department will look into some projects in relation to landslides which will be sponsored by NDMA for the State.

He also said that an earthquake scenario of Magnitude 7.2 with an epicentre at Noney, some 30 kms from Imphal was chosen for today's mock drill.

Mock exercises were also conducted at Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur districts today.

The National Disaster Response Force conducted a mock exercise at JNIMS Hospital; DC, Office Imphal East; CIPET, Takyelpat, Imphal West.

State Disaster Response Force conducted a similar exercise at Imphal West DC office, while Manipur Fire Service conducted mock exercise at Kusum oil pump, Konung Mamang, Imphal East and at NRL oil pump, Uripok, Imphal West.

The flagging-off programme was also attended by Yanglet Haokip, Vice Chairman, State Disaster Management, NDRF, State SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, Transport Department, Medical Department, Electricity Department, Chemical Biological Radiologist & Nuclear experts and stakeholders among others.