Telangana conducts statewide mock drill for floods and emergencies

Telangana Fire and Disaster Response Department, in coordination with NDMA, conducted a statewide mock drill across 12 districts to test flood preparedness, early warning systems, interdepartmental coordination, evacuation procedures, and emergency response, highlighting gaps and reinforcing regular training

Hyderabad: The Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department in coordination with National Disaster Management Authority on Monday conducted a statewide mock drill exercise.

The mock drill was necessitated keeping in view heavy rainfall and flash floods witnessed during monsoons in several parts of the State.

The mock exercise was carried out in 12 districts that include Khammam, Warangal, Kamareddy, Nizamabad, Medak, Mahbubnagar, Hyderabad, Suryapet, among others. The main objectives of the mock exercise was to test and further strengthen the preparedness of the state, districts and various departments, to operationalize the incident response systems, to asses interdepartmental coordination and effectiveness of emergency support functions and to have clarity about the roles of SDMA, TGiCCC, SDRF, district collectors and other agencies, said Vikram Singh Mann, Director General, Fire and Disaster Response.

He said that these exercises helped in improved understanding of flood risk warning signs, and emergency procedures, effectiveness of the early warning and communication system was tested and gaps were identified, roles and responsibilities of departments and responders became clearer and better coordinated.

The exercises highlighted the importance of timely evacuation and identifying safe evacuation routes and shelters, identified gaps in manpower, equipment, and logistics. Also it helps in identifying loopholes and plan improvements, reinforced the need for regular training and mock drills to maintain preparedness.