District Level Mock Drill on earthquake induced calamity conducted across the district

Namchi, March 10 (IPR): A District Level Mock Drill on earthquake induced calamity was conducted by District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in coordination with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at various location points across Namchi, Temi, Namthang and Jorethang, today.
The mock drill was held under the chairmanship of DC (Namchi) Mr. M. Bharani Kumar alongwith ADC (Namchi) Mr. Anant Jain as Incident Commander, Senior SP(Namchi) Mr. K.L Tenzing as Operation Chief, ASP (Namchi) Mr. Ankur Ankesh and various officials.
The objective of the drill exercise was to make a logical and effective decisions while managing and coordinating during times of disaster. It was also conducted to mitigate and minimalize loss of life and property as per the guidelines of Incident Response System (IRS) under NDMA.
The Mock Drill commenced with the sound of emergency siren at various locations points. The DC along with logistic chief were assembled at the District Control Room which was set up at Integrated Command and Control Centre at Namchi Taxi Plaza. This control centre monitors the damages caused by any calamity.
Thereon, a real-time scenario was established at various location namely Central Park, Namchi Senior Secondary School, Namchi District Hospital, DANS Energy Jorethang, Pabong-Temi Road, Alkem Pvt. Ltd Magitar and at Bhaichung Stadium.
At Central Park, a real-time search and rescue situation was conducted by Namchi Fire and Emergency Department led by the Incident Commander MEO(Namchi) with the assistance of SI Mr Bishal Rai, Sikkim Police personnel, DDMA staff, SAI and NYK volunteers.
Similarly, a fire break out scenario was set up at Namchi Senior Secondary School led by the Incident Commander BDO (Namchi). The incidence was taken up to prepare on how the students would react to the situation and take safety measures to quickly and safely evacuate from the buildings. It was reported that a fire broke out in Science Lab where 8 students were trapped. The rescue team reached the spot and safely evacuated those students and were taken to Namchi District Hospital.
A landslide scenario was generated at Pabong,Temi road led by the Incident Commander BDO (Temi). The incidence was taken up to prepare on how the road blockage needs to be cleared, how to rescue and evacuate people safely. It was reported that traffic was cleared at 12:20 pm where 5 vehicles along with 19 passengers were rescued and were taken to Temi PHC.
A chemical spillage scenario was devised at Alkem Pvt. Ltd, Mamring led by the Incident Commander BDO (Namthang). The incidence was created to prepare on how to safely rescue and evacuate people during the disaster. It was reported that a huge chemical spillage had occured and many people were stuck inside, as such NDRF was required to rescue them. After the arrival of NDRF, people trapped inside were safely rescued and taken to nearest hospital.
A flash flood scenario was generated at DANS Energy, Jorethang led by the Incident Commander SDM (Jorethang). The incidence was created to prepare on how to safely rescue people who have been washed away in the river. It was reported that people were rescued and with the help of DANS Energy trained divers along with the support of Police personnel were taken to the nearest PHC. The operation was cleared at 12:20 pm
At, District Hospital, a real-time scenario was created were patients trapped inside were rescued and evacuated safely. The patients brought from different places were also treated immediately. The Incidence was led by the Incident Commander SDM (Namchi) with the assistance of Police Personnel.
Likewise, Bhaichung Stadium was designated as a relief camp for the evacuees. Patients from different incident area were brought there and immediate medical treatment were provided to them. Adequate supply of drinking water,food and bio-toilets were installed. DCSO was designated as the Incident Commander at Bhaichung Stadium.
At the end of Mock drill, DC (Namchi) Mr. M. Bharani Kumar, ADC ( Namchi) Mr. Anand Jain, Senior SP ( Namchi) Mr. K.L. Tenzing, ASP ( Namchi) Mr. Ankur Ankesh along with other official chaired a debriefing session conducted by Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, Gangtok ( LRDMD). During the session, DC (Namchi) gave a brief report on the disasters occurred and the rescue and relief operations taken in Namchi District.
The drill was also conducted in various government departments offices and Private companies across the district.
It may be mentioned here that the members of Satya Sai Disaster Management, the Voice and other NGOs also actively participated in the said event.