Mock drills conducted at multiple sites in Leh

Multiple mock drill exercises were successfully conducted at different locations of Leh district by UT Disaster Management Authority (UTDMA) in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday.

The exercise was led by Secretary, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Department (DMRRR) Ladakh, Shashanka Ala, and Lead Consultant (ME & IRS), NDMA, Maj Gen Sudhir Bahl (retd), along with Chairman, DDMA, Leh, Romil Singh Donk.

The mock drill was conducted at different designated locations, including Boys Higher Secondary School Leh, IOCL Agling, LAHDC Petrol Pump and SNM Hospital, Leh. Each location was allotted to a designated camp in-charge who was responsible for the overall management of the respective camp. Every in-charge took control of the situation to evaluate community volunteers and communicate with District Emergency Operating Centre (DEOC) at Conference Hall, DC Office, Leh, to send help to save the victims at each camp site.

At the staging area at NDS ground, resources and equipment such as fire engines, buses, trucks, dozers, crane, excavators, JCBs, dumpers, road rollers, ambulances, heavy machinery were assembled and arranged at the staging area and later moved from staging area to critical sites in the district.

The exercise simulated an earthquake of magnitude 6.9 at 7.15 am with over 200 casualties. Casualties were reported from Nubra and partial damage to the district hospital. The local community took immediate rescue operation along with the local police and medical team. Later, NDRF taskforce along with UTDRF and NCC performed rescue operations.

Similarly, a comprehensive mock drill was successfully conducted at IOCL bulk storage facility. The exercise simulated an emergency fire situation. The drill was carried out in close coordination with Ladakh Police, ITBP, Indian Army, Ladakh Scouts, NDRF, Fire and Rescue Department, UT Disaster Response Force, medical team, NCC and 14 Corps, ensuring a comprehensive and multi-agency response framework.

Furthermore, mock drill exercises at LAHDC petrol pump involved a simulated fire outbreak at the fuel dispensing area, which led to a quick emergency response. Firefighters, medical responders and police personnel swiftly arrived on the scene, secured the area, evacuated civilians and carried out fire suppression using modern firefighting equipment and safety protocols.