NDRF CONDUCTS MOCK DRILL ON EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS IN PALLIMANGAL H S SCHOOL AGARTALA
In view of Tripura falling within the high seismic zone, the district administration jointly with National Disaster Response force (NDRF) on Friday 05th April 2019 conducted a Mock exercise on earthquake in Pallimangal H S School, Khayerpur Sadar, West Tripura.
The objective of this exercise was to generate awareness amongst all people, evaluate response mechanism. The session began from morning 12am. Several departments including Tripura Fire Service, Directorate of Health, PWD, NDRF, CAPF’s and NGO’s participated in the drill. 1st Battalion NDRF took active participation and assisted in planning, co-ordination and played a leading role during the conducted of mock drill. NDRF rescuers demonstrated various extrication methods like high rise rescue, victim stabilization, triage of victims etc following the disaster site safety plan.
The SAR teams rescued the missing/injured students using Search & Rescue techniques from the classes and provided medical first aid by MFR Teams. The efficacy and readiness of School Response System during any catastrophe was checked and observed by the officers from Disaster Management, Health, A&N Police Fire Services and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in the respective schools.
On this occasion Shri R S Gill, second In Command of 1st Bn NDRF said “These exercises generate awareness amongst the stakeholders about an Earthquake of a high magnitude. Mock drills facilitate preparation and updating of response plans and develop inter-departmental co-ordination. Such exercises should be conducted in every districts of NE region which falls under high seismic zone of earthquake.”
Pallimangal H S School, Agartala considers safety and security of students as one of the major concerns and thus prepares them to overcome emergencies of earthquake, fire etc in order to respond swiftly. A group of teachers armed with necessary equipment rescue operations positioned themselves at vantage points to guide and assist the students in the mock fire and evacuation drill. This drill was conducted to apprise everyone on how to perform- Drop, Cover, and Hold On – a quake‐safe action designed to protect lives and prevent injuries from falling and flying objects.
“This school drill involved all the students of the school. The drill incorporated decision‐making, response, and life safety aspects, and was followed by a review session. The objective of the mock drill was to check the readiness of the school in case of any emergency and also to make the students and staff aware about the Rescue Operations” Said Dr N K Kar Head master.
The exercise was conducted in coordination with various agencies and the Disaster Mitigation and Management Department. Approx 600 Persons including teachers, students of Pallimangal H S School, Tripura Police, BSF, Assam Rifle, TSR, Fire and Emergency Services, revenue department volunteers, Red Cross, NGOs & local public were benefited with the mock drill. A de-briefing session was carried after the exercise in which role of NDRF was appreciated in successfully conducting the joint mock drill.
1st Battalion National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is providing disaster response in the NE States and also helping in Capacity Building by giving training to State Police & SDRF personnel, NCC Cadets, School children etc. Mock exercise on school safety will be very helpful for students & staffs of schools in getting prepared for disaster situations. The exercise concluded with a note to organize more such exercise in future so that the effective response during earthquake disaster could be carried out & save precious human lives.