PANAJI: Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka will participate in a multi-state mock exercise on cyclones and cyclone-induced disasters on October 1 to test inter-state coordination, emergency response and operational preparedness.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is coordinating the exercise, which will cover 24 locations across the three states, including multiple sites in North Goa, South Goa, and Kushavati districts.
Preparatory activities will include an Orientation and Coordination Conference, a state-level exercise at the Goa State Secretariat on September 28, followed by site surveys and rehearsals on September 29 and 30. District Magistrates of North Goa, South Goa and Kushavati have reviewed preparedness with line departments and other stakeholders, taking stock of arrangements and response mechanisms ahead of the exercise.
The mock drill will be based on a severe cyclone scenario involving a storm surge 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 rainfall, rescue of fishermen from rough seas, fuel leakage and fire, and drowning incidents at waterfalls.
A key component of the exercise will be the establishment of Unified Command at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) and designated exercise sites. The command structure will bring together district administrations, line departments, police, fire and emergency services, medical agencies, armed forces, CAPFs, industries and critical infrastructure operators for coordinated response and resource mobilisation.
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.
