In a crucial step toward strengthening its disaster preparedness, Assam is gearing up for a state-level Mock Exercise (ME) led by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). This exercise will simulate a flood disaster scenario to test the state’s response capabilities and ensure its readiness to handle such emergencies efficiently. The two-phase exercise will take place on December 17 and December 19, 2024, marking a major effort in bolstering the state’s flood response framework.
Key Phases of the Mock Exercise
The Mock Exercise will take place in two phases: the Table Top Exercise (TTEx) on December 17 and the physical Mock Exercise (ME) on December 19. Both exercises are designed to assess and improve the state’s disaster management systems, with a focus on flood disaster preparedness.
Phase 1: Table Top Exercise (TTEx)
The Table Top Exercise on December 17 will serve as a planning and coordination phase. In this stage, stakeholders will evaluate existing plans, procedures, and coordination among various responding agencies. The aim is to clarify roles, responsibilities, and ensure preparedness before actual execution. This exercise will focus on discussing theoretical scenarios, testing strategies, and enhancing the communication between different teams involved in flood management.
Phase 2: Mock Exercise (ME)
The Mock Exercise on December 19 will simulate a real-time flood disaster response, putting the emergency management system to the test. During this phase, resources will be mobilized, and Incident Response Teams (IRTs) will take charge of demonstrating coordinated response efforts based on the Incident Response System (IRS). This practical exercise will include the deployment of personnel, rescue operations, and disaster relief efforts, highlighting the state’s ability to respond to a large-scale flood emergency effectively.
Stakeholders and Participants in the Exercise
To ensure the effectiveness of the Mock Exercise, the NDMA and ASDMA organized an orientation and coordination conference (OCC) on December 16, 2024, via video conference. The conference brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, line departments, and response agencies from across the state. Around 100 participants from 10 district headquarters attended the virtual conference, which included representatives from Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Cachar, Darrang, Dhubri, Goalpara, Kamrup, Morigaon, Nagaon, and Nalbari.
The OCC served as a platform for discussing initial plans, scheduling tasks, and ensuring coordination among the different agencies involved in the exercise. Brigadier Ravindra Gurung, Senior Consultant with the NDMA, chaired the conference and outlined the proposed work schedule for the upcoming exercises. Key officials, including Alakananda Medhi, ACS, State Project Coordinator of ASDMA, and senior officials from various government departments, also participated in the OCC.
Purpose and Importance of the Mock Exercise
The primary objective of this Mock Exercise is to assess Assam’s disaster management infrastructure and ensure that the state is fully prepared to handle flood disasters, which are a common occurrence in the region. By simulating real-life scenarios, the exercise will help identify potential gaps in the state’s flood response mechanisms and allow for improvements in coordination among different stakeholders.
Additionally, the exercise will provide valuable insights into how Incident Response Teams (IRTs) can collaborate to efficiently respond to natural disasters. The test will include rescue operations, resource mobilization, and community engagement, all of which are critical components of flood disaster management.
Assam has faced severe floods in the past, and this exercise will provide a timely opportunity to strengthen its ability to manage such disasters and mitigate their impact on the affected populations.
Assam’s Commitment to Disaster Preparedness
The Mock Exercise is part of Assam’s broader strategy to enhance its disaster management capabilities. Over the years, the state has invested in improving its flood response systems, and this exercise is expected to bolster the coordination between local, state, and national agencies.
By ensuring that all stakeholders, from local government officials to emergency response teams, are trained and ready, the exercise will improve disaster resilience in Assam. The exercise will also help establish effective communication channels, ensuring that flood-affected communities receive timely assistance and relief.
The Mock Exercise by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) is an essential step toward enhancing Assam’s disaster preparedness for floods. By simulating a flood disaster scenario, the state aims to improve its flood response systems, enhance coordination among agencies, and ensure the effective mobilization of resources. The two-phase exercise is a critical move in building a more resilient Assam capable of effectively managing flood disasters and mitigating their impact on local communities.
