In an effort to boost emergency preparedness and coordination among various departments, the district administration of Kushinagar conducted a large-scale flood mock drill in village Bhasa under Khadda Tehsil on Thursday. The exercise was part of a pre-monsoon disaster management strategy aimed at equipping local teams to handle potential flood situations effectively.
The mock drill, conducted under the supervision of District Disaster Management Specialist Ravi Pratap Rai, simulated a flood scenario resulting from the rising water level of the Budi Gandak River. The drill involved full-scale participation from the Revenue, Police, Health, Animal Husbandry, Fire Services, Public Works (PWD) departments, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
The entire operation was carried out using the Incident Response System (IRS). A District-Level Incident Response Team was constituted to oversee the proceedings and ensure seamless inter-departmental coordination.
Mock Scenario Execution:
The drill began with the Deputy District Magistrate of Khadda alerting the District Emergency Operations Center (EOC) via wireless communication about the submergence of village Bhasa. The report mentioned ten people stranded on rooftops and trees and five people swept away in the floodwaters.
This information was officially recorded and communicated to the Planning Chief, Additional District Magistrate (V/R), and the Operations Section Chief, CO Khadda, who facilitated a green corridor for the rapid deployment of SDRF teams.
On arrival, the SDRF and Fire Department, with support from other local departments, initiated rescue operations. Five individuals trapped on elevated structures were safely rescued, while teams launched a search operation for the five reported missing. Two bodies were recovered, and efforts continued for the remaining individuals.
Additional Simulations Conducted:
A building collapse scenario was enacted, with teams performing a coordinated rescue of injured persons.
A boat rescue of seven flood-affected individuals was carried out.
Health teams at the relief camp provided CPR and medical assistance to rescued individuals and arranged immediate transport to the hospital via ambulances.
A relief distribution drill was conducted, where flood-affected individuals were registered and provided with food and essential items.
To prevent misinformation and public panic, the local police force actively worked to curb rumors and ensure calm during the drill.
Relief and Support Coordination:
The Logistics Chief, Tehsildar Khadda, oversaw the setup of the relief camp, ensuring proper registration and facilities for the displaced. Each department was mobilized according to its role in the disaster plan, ensuring efficient deployment of resources.
Officials confirmed that this live simulation was a success and praised the collaborative spirit shown by all participating teams. Regular drills of this nature, they said, are crucial to enhancing readiness and ensuring swift, coordinated response during real disasters.
“The aim is to save lives, minimize damage, and respond swiftly. This drill has shown us where we stand and where we need to improve,” said a senior district officer present at the site.