Pahalgam terror attack: Mock drills put Hyderabad on alert mode

Civil defence, police, fire personnel demonstrate evacuation, emergency coordination, rescue procedures

Hyderabad: The otherwise calm lanes of Marredpally in Secunderabad, turned tense with a civil defence mock drill conducted at AR Mani Residency here on Wednesday evening.

Amid rising tensions with Pakistan and in accordance with the instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs, a full-scale mock drill involving the police, fire services, NCC cadets, civil defence volunteers and a disaster response force was organised at the residential apartment.

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The mock drill started with the ‘air raid’ sirens being activated at sharp 4 pm. Incidentally, the air raid alert sirens were sounded for the first time in nearly 50 years as part of the drill, blaring for two minutes.

During the mock air raid, the civil defence response was staged, with personnel from the civil defence, police, and fire departments demonstrating evacuation, emergency coordination, and rescue procedures. Firefighters also conducted a simulated operation, dousing a staged blaze to showcase response times and equipment readiness.

Upon hearing the siren, people were instructed to leave open areas and take refuge in sturdy buildings or designated underground shelters. Citizens were advised to stay tuned to official sources like television, radio, or government mobile apps for real-time updates and instructions.

Authorities further urged the public not to circulate or act on unverified information, and to strictly follow official guidelines. Another activation of the siren at 4.30 pm was done to close the mock drill.

North Zone DCP Reshmi Perumal and other senior police officials from the zone were present. The public welcomed the proactive measure taken up by the government authorities and requested such mock drills be conducted regularly in view of the current tense situations.