Shillong, Oct 12: The State of Meghalaya being situated in Seismic Zone – V is highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Being a vulnerable state, the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) on Thursday conducted a massive mock drill to check preparedness in the eventuality of an earthquake in all the 12 districts of the state.
Each district identified atleast 5 locations where it conducted the drills.
In Shillong, a siren was sounded by the Deputy Controller, Shillong to start the drill which was an indication that an earthquake has occurred. The activity was carried out at Polo and roads from Polo towards Wahingdoh, Polo Super Market, shops in around Polo area, Hotel Polo Towers, SBI building, Polo and MeCEL, Lumjingshai, Samkhamti Petrol Pump, Urkaliar, Female Health Worker, School of Nursing and School of Nursing, TTC, Ganesh Das Government Hospital, Lawmali, St. Xavier’s School, Polo, Pynthorumkhrah Golflinks Higher Secondary School and Shillong Secondary School, Forest Colony.
The Incident Command Post, Medical Camp, Staging area, Relief Camp, Base Camp were set up in the SRGT Parking lot and open space in front of 3rd Ground Polo.
The Mock Exercise was a simulation of the 1897 earthquake that hit the region with epicentre in Shillong, which is referred to as the most powerful earthquake recorded in human history. It was participated by District officials, Armed Forces, Paramilitary forces, NDRF, SDRF, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Hospitals, Schools, Colleges, NGOs, Community Members, volunteers from various organization like Bharat Scouts and Guides, Indian Red Cross Society, NSS, Aapda Mitra Volunteers and various others agencies.
Nonetheless, the mock exercise resulted in a huge traffic jam all across the city as many people were caught unaware of the exercise and its impact.
