PANAJI
Goa will put its disaster-response machinery through a full-scale test next week as the State will join Maharashtra and Karnataka in a multi-State mock exercise built around a severe cyclone, three-metre storm surge, torrential rain and a string of emergencies that could follow in its wake.
Coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the exercise will be held on October 1 across 24 locations in the three States, with Goa preparing to test how quickly its administration and emergency agencies can move from warning to coordinated action when multiple crises strike simultaneously.
Government information reveals that the exercise will simulate a cyclone bringing storm surges of up to three metres in coastal, creek and riverine areas, along with 175-200 mm of rainfall over 24-36 hours. The scenario will also test responses to road blockages caused by incessant rain, fishermen stranded in rough seas, a fuel leakage triggering a fire and a drowning incident at a waterfall.
Site surveys, preparatory activities and rehearsals are scheduled on September 29 and 30.
“The District Magistrates of North Goa, South Goa and Kushavati districts have reviewed preparedness with line departments and other stakeholders, assessing arrangements and response mechanisms ahead of the drill. The testing of a Unified Command system at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) and individual exercise sites will be the key focus,” it said.
District administration, police, fire and emergency services, medical agencies, armed forces, CAPFs, industries and critical infrastructure operators will participate in the exercise, with resource mobilisation and inter-agency communication forming an important part of the test.
“The exercise will also test Emergency Support Functions covering search and rescue, communications, transportation, fire and emergency services, public works, medical services, water and sanitation, energy, public safety, emergency shelter, critical infrastructure and logistics,” it said.
