The NDRF flood drills in Morigaon district of Assam are underway as part of a state-wide monsoon readiness campaign. Conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the drills aim to strengthen community preparedness and improve coordination with local authorities.
Morigaon, one of Assam’s most flood-prone districts, witnesses regular inundation from the Brahmaputra and its tributaries during the monsoon. With heavy rainfall expected in the coming weeks, the NDRF has intensified field-level rehearsals to mitigate disaster risks.
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Enhancing Community Readiness Before the Rains
The flood drills involved simulated rescue operations, evacuation exercises, and emergency medical response demonstrations. Trained NDRF personnel guided villagers on how to respond during flash floods, including how to use life jackets, rescue boats, and first-aid kits.
School students, panchayat officials, police personnel, and district disaster management teams joined the sessions. Teams also performed mock search-and-rescue operations in waterlogged areas using motorboats and inflatable rafts.
Commandant of the 1st Battalion NDRF, Amit Kumar, stated, “The goal of these NDRF flood drills in Morigaon is to build confidence among residents. People should know how to act, where to go, and whom to contact when disaster strikes.”
Focus on Coordination with Local Authorities
The drills also assessed the readiness of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), fire services, and health departments. Officials tested the communication network and equipment like sirens, rescue ropes, and megaphones.
District Commissioner Devashish Sharma emphasized the importance of synchronized disaster response. “Quick communication saves lives. These drills help identify and fix any gaps in our plan,” he said.
Emergency relief shelters were checked for supplies like dry food, clean drinking water, and sanitation. Authorities also mapped high-risk zones for proactive relocation if flooding worsens.
Real-World Relevance: Floods Continue to Threaten Assam
Every year, Assam faces severe flooding that displaces thousands and damages crops and property. Morigaon alone records dozens of affected villages annually, with schools and farmlands submerged for weeks.
In 2022, more than 5 lakh people in the district were affected by floods. These recurring disasters prompted the NDRF and Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) to intensify pre-monsoon drills.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Assam is expected to receive above-normal rainfall this season, increasing the risk of river overflow and flash floods. Timely preparedness could make a significant difference in saving lives and minimizing damage.
Public Awareness Campaigns Launched
To complement the physical drills, the NDRF and local administration launched awareness campaigns in local schools and marketplaces. Officers distributed leaflets and held talks in Assamese to explain dos and don’ts during floods.
Posters and banners were displayed across public places showing emergency contact numbers and flood-safe behaviors. Emphasis was laid on not crossing rivers during high currents, avoiding fallen electrical wires, and maintaining hygiene in relief camps.
Special attention was given to training local volunteers from villages near riverbanks. These youth teams will serve as first responders until formal rescue teams arrive, ensuring quick initial relief.
Positive Response from Locals
Residents of Morigaon appreciated the initiative. Farmers, shopkeepers, and students turned up in large numbers to observe the drills and practice evacuation steps.
“I now know how to wear a life jacket and help elders into a boat,” said 14-year-old Pritam Das from Bhuragaon. “Earlier, we panicked during floods. Now I feel more prepared.”
Women self-help groups also joined the awareness drive. They were briefed on protecting children and food supplies, basic first-aid techniques, and checking for water contamination.
What’s Next for Assam’s Flood Management Plan
The NDRF flood drills in Morigaon are part of a larger flood preparedness program covering other vulnerable districts like Barpeta, Dhemaji, and Dhubri. Authorities plan to conduct similar simulations in over 50 locations across Assam before peak monsoon.
The state government is also exploring technology integration with the help of GIS-based flood mapping and drone surveillance to issue early warnings. These tools will help agencies monitor rising water levels and reach affected areas faster.
In addition, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently reviewed the flood readiness status with key departments and instructed teams to maintain standby supplies and transportation support.
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