Nagaland Conducts Statewide Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx)

Kohima, April 30, 2026: The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in Kohima, along with various line departments, participated in the statewide Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) held on Wednesday to test disaster response mechanisms.

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, activating multiple emergency response points across the district. Key operational areas included the staging area and Incident Command Post at Indira Gandhi Stadium and the designated safety zone at Ruzhükhrie Ground.

Mock incident sites were set up at several locations, including 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.

As part of the exercise, a Civil Defence air raid and blackout drill titled “Operation Night Guard” was also conducted. The drill began with a pre-blackout air raid siren, followed by a 15-minute blackout during which residents switched off lights and remained indoors. An all-clear signal later marked the end of the exercise.

Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of DDMA Kohima B. Henok Buchem, NCS, commended the active participation of community first responders and government agencies. However, he noted communication gaps during the drill and recommended upgrading radio communication systems to improve coordination during emergencies.

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Authorities emphasised that the exercise was conducted solely to strengthen disaster preparedness and urged the public to cooperate with such drills, highlighting their importance in saving lives during real emergencies.