Mock drill on disaster management across Delhi NCR

New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) The Ministry of Home Affairs in association with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday will conduct a multi-state level mock exercise for disaster management in Delhi-NCR.The exercise will involve participation of all stakeholders, including revenue districts of Delhi NCR, Indian Army and Central armed police forces including National Disaster Response Force. For the exercise, an Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) will directly coordinate with district EOC. "The mock exercise will be largely for earthquake, which may manifest itself in multiple disaster scenarios at different places -- metro stations, government buildings, shopping malls and hospitals", said a statement.Officials have selected sites which are vulnerable to multiple damage due to the earthquake, and where it is apparently difficult to carry out rescue, search and relief operations. "The entire exercise has been designed with an aim to check the coordination and preparedness of all the agencies/functionaries and the response to rescue and relief work by various essential support functionaries", said the statement. The mock exercise will be conducted at five sites in each district and disaster scenarios due to earthquake in government buildings, hospitals and metro stations to map the response of the public. The government has suggested the public not to create panic at these sites.
--IANS ss/prs