NDMA to conduct mock exercise on earthquake in Haryana

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will conduct its first state-level mock exercise on earthquake preparedness and response in Haryana on December 21, an official said on Thursday.

The exercise is being held in collaboration with the Haryana State Disaster Management Authority (HSDMA).

"This is the first state-level mock exercise on earthquake covering all districts of the state and will help improve the preparedness and response mechanism in the event of any major disaster, including an earthquake," a Home Ministry statement said.

The exercise will be followed by a detailed briefing session where gaps, if any, for improving preparedness will be discussed, the statement said, adding it will be conducted on the principle of Incident Response System (IRS), which identifies stakeholders and clearly attributes roles and responsibilities to each one of them.

"It will enhance preparedness and ensure a swift response by reducing adhocism in response. It will help in filling gaps, ensuring better communication and improving coordination among various stakeholders and agencies as well as generate awareness among the local population about the Do's and Don'ts to be followed before, during and after an earthquake."

Accordingly, NDMA has also been conducting division-wise trainings for State officials on IRS from December 1 to 15.

The NDMA has so far conducted more than 600 mock exercises in different states and union territories for various disaster situations in its efforts to improve preparedness and response during for various disaster situations.

--IANS

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