Shimla (Kameshwar Sharma): The District Disaster Management Authority conducted a Shimla Mega Mock Drill to Strengthen Earthquake Disaster on Monday to assess earthquake preparedness and emergency response systems across the district.
The large-scale exercise took place at Sabzi Mandi and Government Senior Secondary School Bhattakufar. Officials also conducted mock exercises in several subdivisions, including Rohru, Chopal, Kupvi, Theog, Kotkhai, Jubbal, Kumarsain, and Dodra Kwar.
Earthquake Scenario Simulated at Sabzi Mandi
The drill began at 9:00 a.m. with a simulated earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale at Sabzi Mandi.
After receiving the alert, Additional Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation Dr. Bhuvan Sharma activated emergency response procedures. Soon afterward, rescue teams rushed to the site and started operations.
According to the simulation, the earthquake damaged 10 to 14 buildings. The exercise recorded six fatalities, including five men and one woman.
In addition, 43 people sustained injuries. These included 25 men and 18 women. Rescue teams shifted all injured victims to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, teams rescued around 500 people from affected areas. Medical teams also treated 53 people with minor injuries at an emergency medical camp established on-site.
Rescue Agencies Coordinate Response
The District Mock Drill to Strengthen Earthquake Disaster Management Authority monitored the entire operation through its control room.
Officials tracked developments continuously throughout the exercise. At the same time, they coordinated with all participating departments and response teams.
Furthermore, authorities tested communication systems and emergency coordination mechanisms. The drill helped teams evaluate their readiness for a major disaster.
Representatives from SDRF, Army, Police, Health Department, Municipal Corporation, and Disaster Mitra volunteers participated in the exercise.
Bhattakufar School Scenario Tests Emergency Preparedness
A second earthquake scenario was simulated at Government Senior Secondary School Bhattakufar at 9:26 a.m.
During the exercise, officials assumed that the school building had completely collapsed due to the earthquake.
As part of the simulation, two people lost their lives and 10 to 15 individuals became trapped under debris. Rescue teams quickly launched operations and evacuated those affected.
Additionally, teams rescued 347 people from nearby areas. Medical staff treated 98 students with minor injuries at a temporary medical camp.
Mock Exercises Conducted in Other Subdivisions
The district administration also organized disaster response exercises in several other regions.
In Rohru, authorities simulated an earthquake at Chanshal Hotel at 10:09 a.m. According to the scenario, nine people were trapped and two suffered serious injuries.
Likewise, officials conducted a separate exercise at Government Senior Secondary School Rohru.
Meanwhile, a mock earthquake struck Chopal School at 10:00 a.m. The simulation reported five injuries, including three men and two women. It also recorded one fatality.
At Government Senior Secondary School Kupvi, authorities carried out another emergency response exercise. During the drill, 135 students sustained simulated injuries. Rescue teams evacuated 120 students immediately. Later, they rescued the remaining 15 students after an intensive operation.
Strengthening Disaster Preparedness
In addition, authorities organized mock exercises at New Bus Stand Premghat in Theog, Government Senior Secondary School Kotkhai, Government Senior Secondary School Jubbal, Government Excellence Senior Secondary School Kumarsain, and Government Senior Secondary School Dodra.
These exercises aimed to improve coordination among emergency agencies. They also helped officials identify challenges that may arise during a real disaster.
The Mock Drill to Strengthen Earthquake Disaster successfully tested rescue operations, medical response, communication systems, and inter-agency coordination. As a result, authorities gained valuable insights to strengthen disaster preparedness across the district.
Key Highlights of the news:
- Shimla conducted a district-wide Mock Drill to Strengthen Earthquake Disaster.
- Rescue teams simulated operations at Sabzi Mandi and Bhattakufar School.
- Hundreds of people were evacuated during the exercise.
- SDRF, Army, Police, Health Department, and Disaster Mitra teams participated.
- Authorities tested emergency coordination and disaster response mechanisms across multiple subdivisions.
