North Goa District Management Authority Conducts Tsunami Mock Drill

North Goa District Management Authority Conducts Tsunami Mock Drill
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of North Goa recently conducted a National Tsunami Mock Exercise at Morjim beach in collaboration with the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). This exercise aimed to test and enhance the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for tsunami response, ensuring the district’s preparedness in the face of such disasters ¹.
The mock drill simulated a tsunami warning, evacuation procedures, and search and rescue operations. This comprehensive exercise involved various stakeholders, including local authorities, emergency services, and community volunteers. The goal was to assess the effectiveness of the existing disaster management plan and identify areas for improvement ².
The DDMA, North Goa, has been proactive in disaster management, with a focus on mitigation, preparedness, and response. The authority has developed a District Disaster Management Plan, which outlines strategies for handling different types of disasters, including tsunamis ¹.
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) played a crucial role in the mock exercise, providing critical ocean information and early warnings. INCOIS offers various services, including tsunami early warnings, storm surge warnings, and ocean state forecasts .
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) oversees disaster management efforts nationwide, providing guidelines, policies, and plans for disaster risk reduction. The NDMA has emphasized the importance of conducting regular mock drills and exercises to ensure disaster preparedness .
Key Objectives of the Mock Exercise included Assessing Response Time by Evaluating the time taken by authorities to respond to a tsunami warning also Evacuation Procedures namely Testing evacuation routes, assembly points, and communication networks and also search and Rescue Operations by Simulating rescue efforts, including deployment of emergency services and equipment
By conducting such exercises, the DDMA, North Goa, and its partners demonstrate their commitment to enhancing disaster resilience and protecting the community from the devastating impacts of tsunamis.