The UT-level mock exercise for earthquake, GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood), and cloudburst disasters, organized by UT Ladakh in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs, concluded successfully on August 22 in Kargil. This exercise, held for the third consecutive year, was overseen virtually by Major General Sudhir Bahl (Retd), Consultant (ME&IRS) at NDMA.
Key district officials, including Deputy Commissioner/CEO LAHDC Kargil Shrikant Suse, SSP Kargil Shree Raam R, Colonel Shankalap, ASP Nitin Yadav, ADC Kargil Suhail Ahmed, and several other district officers participated in the drill.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Kargil initiated the drill at 9 a.m. with a simulated earthquake scenario at the Conference Hall. The exercise included siren alerts, business continuity checks at the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), and briefings communicated via wireless or satellite.
After assessing the simulated damage, a comprehensive response plan was executed at the EOC, led by the Chairman DDMA. Task forces, consisting of personnel and machinery from various departments, were deployed to different sites for search, rescue, and relief operations, with oversight from Incident Commander ADC Kargil.
DC Kargil, SSP Kargil, ADC Kargil, and other officials inspected the Staging Area Camp at the Council Secretariat Ground and various simulation sites, including Jaffaria Academy of Modern Education and Kargil Filling Station, to evaluate the response.
The exercise featured participation from NDRF teams, officials from multiple departments, NGOs, student volunteers, and local organizations. Drones were used to monitor the exercise and support rescue and relief operations.
Additionally, a night mock drill at Andoo tested preparedness for a landslide scenario, successfully executed under the supervision of DC Kargil with concerned departments involved. Senior district officers praised all participants for their dedication and teamwork, highlighting the importance of ongoing disaster preparedness efforts.
