Nagaland Conducts Statewide Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx)

Kohima, April 30, 2026: The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kohima, in coordination with various line departments, emergency response agencies, and volunteers, participated in the statewide Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) on Wednesday to assess and strengthen disaster response capabilities across the state.

Officials, emergency responders, and volunteers gather during the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) mock drill in Kohima, simulating a major earthquake to test disaster response and coordination.

The large-scale mock drill simulated a 7.7 magnitude earthquake, testing the preparedness, coordination, and response mechanisms of government agencies and emergency services in handling a major natural disaster. The exercise was conducted simultaneously across Nagaland as part of efforts to improve disaster resilience and ensure effective emergency management.

In Kohima district, multiple emergency response points were activated during the drill. Key operational centres included the staging area and Incident Command Post at Indira Gandhi Stadium, while Ruzhükhrie Ground was designated as the safety and evacuation zone. Emergency personnel, disaster response teams, healthcare workers, police, fire services, and community volunteers participated in the exercise.

Several mock incident sites were established across the district to create realistic emergency scenarios. These included Sanuorü Bridge below NBCC Hall, NH-2 Kohima–Wokha Road at Tsiesema Basa, TIR Station Phezoucha, KL Market Themezie, Mewi Higher Secondary School at Khikha Rüleizou, and the Directorate of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on IG Stadium Road. Rescue operations, casualty evacuation, emergency medical assistance, and coordination exercises were carried out at these locations.

As part of the preparedness exercise, a Civil Defence air raid and blackout drill, code-named “Operation Night Guard,” was also conducted later in the day. The exercise began with the sounding of an air raid siren, followed by a 15-minute blackout period during which residents were instructed to switch off lights, remain indoors, and follow emergency guidelines. The drill concluded with an all-clear signal indicating the end of the exercise.

Speaking after the event, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of DDMA Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, appreciated the active participation of government departments, emergency responders, and community first responders. He noted that while the exercise demonstrated strong coordination among agencies, certain communication gaps were observed during operations.

ALSO READ: Nagaland Governor Meets Voluntary Blood Donors Association, Praises Life-Saving Initiative

To address these challenges, Buchem recommended strengthening and upgrading radio communication systems to improve coordination and information sharing during actual emergencies. He stressed that effective communication remains a critical component of disaster response and management.

Authorities emphasized that the exercise was conducted solely to evaluate preparedness levels and improve response mechanisms. They urged citizens to continue supporting such initiatives, noting that regular mock drills play a vital role in building awareness, enhancing readiness, and ultimately saving lives during real disaster situations.

Officials added that NEPEx serves as an important platform for testing emergency plans, identifying gaps, and ensuring that both authorities and communities remain prepared to respond effectively to future emergencies.