District Level Mock Drill on earthquake-induced calamities

Namchi, 12th May (IPR): A District Level Mock Drill on earthquake-induced calamities was organized by Namchi District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)in coordination with Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority(SSDMA) under the aegis of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at various locations points across Namchi, Ravangla, and Namthang, today.
The mock drill was held under the supervision of Responsible Officer/DC(Namchi) Mr. M. Bharani Kumar along with ADC (Namchi) Mr. Anant Jain, ASP(Namchi)Mr. Parshu Sharma and other officials of Namchi District. The entire drill process was done in the presence of the observer for Namchi District Major Yogesh Gurung from the Indian Army.
As a part of the exercise, an earthquake measuring 7.1 magnitude was stimulated followed by an emergency siren cautioning the public about the disaster. Thereafter, RO/DC along with the district officials assembled at the District Control Room set up at Integrated Command and Control Centre(ICCC). Wherein, the RO monitored and assessed the damages caused due to earthquake and assigned the tasks in the respective areas to the incident commanders.
A real-time mock exercise was carried out based on different aftermath scenarios of earthquake at DAC Namchi, Central Park (Residential Area), Namchi District Hospital, VCGL Ravangla, and Alkem Pvt. Ltd(Chemical Hazard).
A scenario was established, in one part of Namchi District Hospital, the male psychiatric ward collapsed in which 5 patients were injured. Out of these, 3 were minorly injured and shifted to an alternate ward whereas 2 patients were admitted to the emergency ward for treatment. During the exercise, the District Hospital received a total of 25 patients out of which there were 4 casualties, 5 patients were critically injured and 16 patients sustained minor injuries.
Likewise, at District Administrative Centre, Namchi, an annex building was fallen in which 10 people trapped inside were rescued. Out of 10 people, there were 3 deaths, 3 suspected with minor injuries, and 4 were found in critical condition. The entire rescue process was led by the incident commander SDM (Namchi) Mr. Mahendra Chettri along with the NCC, police personnel, and the quick response team from DDMA and NGOs.
Similarly, a residential building tumbled down at Central Park led 8 people trapped inside.
Out of 8 people, 4 sustained minor injuries, 3 were critically injured and 1 succumbed to injuries. They received their medical treatment at the District Hospital. The rescue operation was led by BDO(Namchi) Mr. Nim Pintso Bhutia along with NCC and Sri Sathya Sai volunteers.
A fire break-out scenario was set up at VCGL Senior Secondary School Ravangla wherein 10 students were rescued. The rescue team was led by the Incident Commander SDM(Ravangla)Ms Trisang Tamang along with SDPO(Ravangla) Mr. BikashTiwari, police personnel, Apada Mitra Volunteers, and the local public.
A chemical spillage scenario was devised at Alkem Pvt. Ltd, Mamring wherein a huge chemical spillage was reported and 10 employees were stuck inside. The team led by the Incident Commander BDO(Namthang) rescued them following the proper safety measures. The evacuees were taken to the nearest hospital for medical checkups.
Additionally, Bhaichung Stadium was designated as a relief camp for the evacuees. The evacuees from the different affected areas were provided a temporary shelter. DCSO(Namchi) Mr. Tenzing Bhutia, the nodal in charge supervised all the basic amenities and other supplies such as drinking water, food, and bio-toilets.
Thereafter, DC (Namchi) Mr. Bharani Kumar along with other stakeholders attended a debriefing session conducted by Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, Gangtok. During the session, DC (Namchi) gave a brief report on the incidents of rescue and relief operations taken in the district and suggestions were put forth to improve the mechanism for disaster response in the district.
It is pertinent to mention here that the members of Sri Satya Sai, Apada Mitra Volunteers, NCC cadets other NGOs actively participated in the said exercise.
The objective of the drill exercise was to make logical and effective decisions while coordinating between the district authorities, emergency services, and other stakeholders in the event of an earthquake. The exercise was also to mitigate and minimalize loss of life and property as per the guidelines of the Incident Response System (IRS) under NDMA.