Mega Earthquake Mock Drill Conducted Across Shimla District to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness

Shimla, June 15: A district-wide mega earthquake mock drill was conducted across Shimla on Monday to assess emergency response mechanisms and strengthen disaster preparedness among various agencies.

The exercise, coordinated by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), simulated a powerful earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale, affecting multiple locations including Shimla’s Sabzi Mandi area and Government Senior Secondary School, Bhattakufar.

At Sabzi Mandi, the mock scenario involved extensive building damage, casualties and injuries. Rescue teams from the SDRF, Army, Police, Health Department, Municipal Corporation and trained volunteers launched a coordinated operation, evacuating around 500 people and providing medical assistance to the injured through an on-site medical camp.

At Government Senior Secondary School, Bhattakufar, the simulated earthquake caused the collapse of the school building, trapping several people under debris. Rescue personnel successfully evacuated hundreds of affected individuals, while injured students received immediate treatment at a temporary medical facility established at the site.

The District Disaster Management Authority closely monitored the exercise through its control room, ensuring real-time coordination among all participating agencies and evaluating response times and operational effectiveness.

Similar mock drills were also conducted in Rohru, Chopal, Kupvi, Theog, Kotkhai, Jubbal, Kumarsain and Dodra Kwar subdivisions. The exercises simulated various emergency situations, including building collapses, entrapments and mass casualty incidents, allowing rescue teams to test preparedness and improve inter-agency coordination.

Officials said the mock drill aimed to enhance disaster response capabilities, identify operational challenges and ensure that emergency services remain prepared to respond effectively during real-life emergencies.