SANGUEM
The Sanguem administration on Wednesday conducted a mock disaster-management drill to demonstrate its preparedness to respond to emergencies caused by severe storms and other natural calamities. The exercise was held under the supervision of Sanguem Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Deputy Collector) Mrunal Marathe and Mamlatdar Viraj Malkarnekar, with several government departments participating.
As part of the drill, a simulated storm caused tree branches to fall on a school bus, injuring several students. Uprooted trees also blocked the road, requiring immediate intervention from emergency services. Following instructions from the administration, Fire Department personnel cleared the road and reached the damaged bus. The administration coordinated the evacuation of the injured students, while doctors and staff from the local Health Centre provided immediate medical assistance.
Personnel from the Police, Fire, Forest, Public Works, Health and Electricity departments, along with officials from the Deputy Collector’s and Mamlatdar’s offices, participated in the exercise.
The drill demonstrated how various agencies would coordinate during an actual emergency. Students acted as injured victims during the simulated rescue operation.
Speaking on the occasion, Marathe said disasters do not come with prior warning and stressed the importance of preparedness and coordinated action. He said the exercise aimed to reassure the public that the administration and various government agencies were equipped to respond collectively to emergencies.
Marathe thanked all participating departments and personnel for their cooperation in successfully conducting the drill.
