News & Announcement
After-Dark Disaster Response Drill successfully executed in Gangtok
Gangtok, November 17 (IPR):A night-time multi-hazard evacuation mock drill was successfully conducted today at MG Marg and West Point Mall, Gangtok. The exercise was organised by the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority and the District Disaster Management Authority, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The National Disaster Response Force served as the designated response team for both sites, with SDM (HQ) Mr Abhijeet R. Patil acting as the Site Incident Commander.
The after-dark drill replicated a challenging emergency scenario involving severe structural damage to one wing of West Point Mall following an earthquake, accompanied by a fire outbreak on the first floor. Simultaneously, MG Marg experienced a complete power blackout, adding complexity to the rescue operations and testing agencies’ ability to respond effectively in low-visibility conditions. A large number of bystanders and evening visitors present at the locations added real-time crowd dynamics, enhancing the realism of the exercise.
The drill involved search and rescue operations for trapped individuals, fire suppression procedures, evacuation of 20 people from the building, first aid for 10 casualties, triage of the injured, and the transportation of four patients to the nearest hospital by ambulance. Paljor Stadium was designated as the relief camp. After operations concluded, electricity and water supplies were restored, debris was cleared, and normal traffic flow resumed.
The mock exercise aimed to raise public awareness and equip responders with essential skills required to handle complex emergencies during night-time conditions. The presence of the public at MG Marg and West Point Mall contributed significantly to the authenticity of the drill, helping agencies assess crowd management and response coordination in real-world situations.
Present during the drill were the DC, Gangtok; SP, Gangtok; Major, 17th Mountain Division; and officials from the Gangtok District Administration, Forest Department, Sikkim Police, IT Department, District Disaster Management Authority, State Disaster Response Force, Sikkim Fire and Emergency Service, Power Department, medical officers from STNM, UDHD, and PHE.
The after-dark drill replicated a challenging emergency scenario involving severe structural damage to one wing of West Point Mall following an earthquake, accompanied by a fire outbreak on the first floor. Simultaneously, MG Marg experienced a complete power blackout, adding complexity to the rescue operations and testing agencies’ ability to respond effectively in low-visibility conditions. A large number of bystanders and evening visitors present at the locations added real-time crowd dynamics, enhancing the realism of the exercise.
The drill involved search and rescue operations for trapped individuals, fire suppression procedures, evacuation of 20 people from the building, first aid for 10 casualties, triage of the injured, and the transportation of four patients to the nearest hospital by ambulance. Paljor Stadium was designated as the relief camp. After operations concluded, electricity and water supplies were restored, debris was cleared, and normal traffic flow resumed.
The mock exercise aimed to raise public awareness and equip responders with essential skills required to handle complex emergencies during night-time conditions. The presence of the public at MG Marg and West Point Mall contributed significantly to the authenticity of the drill, helping agencies assess crowd management and response coordination in real-world situations.
Present during the drill were the DC, Gangtok; SP, Gangtok; Major, 17th Mountain Division; and officials from the Gangtok District Administration, Forest Department, Sikkim Police, IT Department, District Disaster Management Authority, State Disaster Response Force, Sikkim Fire and Emergency Service, Power Department, medical officers from STNM, UDHD, and PHE.
