PANAJI
A mock tsunami alert issued by the Department of Information and Publicity as part of the routine drill of State Disaster Management Authority resulted in panic and terror across the State.
“There is a Tsunami alert in whole State of Goa which will be likely to hit at 2.52 pm today, ie. October 20, 2020 as informed by Disaster Management Authority, South Goa District,” announced a communiqué released on the official DIP Whatsapp group on Tuesday at around 12.45 pm.
Within minutes, the message found its way on social media platforms and citizens’ groups creating panic. The cloudy skies and rain showers in several places merely added to the fear.
However, within an hour, the DIP official Whatsapp group explained that the message was part of mock drill and IO Wave 20 table top exercise conducted by the State Disaster Management Authority which culminated at 12.40 pm.
It was further disclosed that the State checked the preparedness of the line department including the execution of SOPs in handling crisis arising out of a natural disaster such as a tsunami even as the Covid-19 pandemic rages on. A circular to this effect was issued in the top government medical institutions. In Hospicio, Margao for instance, Medical Superintendent Deepa Correia issued a circular asking all staff to remain on high alert till the warning is lifted and to wear identity cards at all times.
“The exercise was conducted successfully with all the line department co-ordinating in sync in handling the situation,” it was informed.
