Leh, August 23, 2024: Mock drill exercises was successfully conducted at different locations of Leh district by UT Disaster Management Authority (UTDMA), in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on August 22. The exercise was led by Secretary DMRRR UT Ladakh Amit Sharma and Lead Consultant (ME & IRS) NDMA Maj Gen Sudhir Bahl (Retd) along with Chairman, DDMA, Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve.

The mock drill exercise was conducted at different designated locations, including Food Craft Institute Takski Thang, Govt Girls Higher Secondary School Leh, Lungmar near Lamdon school, Tashi Thongsmom, Choglamsar and SNM Hospital, Leh. Each location was allotted with designated Camp In-charge who were responsible for the overall management of their respective camps. The incharges took control of the situation to evaluate community volunteers and communicate with Emergency Operating Centre (EOC) at Changspa, to send help, to save the victims at each camp site.

At the staging area in Govt Girls Higher Secondary School Leh, the exercise prompted an earthquake. The local community took immediate rescue operation along with the local police and medical team. Later, NDRF taskforce along with UTDRF and NCC performed rescue operations. During the operation, the army did a setup of Near Vertical Sky Wave Antenna to communicate with neighbouring village in mountainous region.

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Similarly, a comprehensive mock drill was successfully conducted at Tashi Thongsmon, Choglamsar at 10:45 am. The exercise simulated the collapse of a community building due to earthquake. The medical team responded swiftly, administering the first aid to the injured on-site, and the critically injured were transported to the medical sub-division for further treatment and hospitalization. The coordinated rescue efforts involved the UTDRF and NDRF, supported by local volunteers.

Furthermore, mock drill exercises at Chubikatba (Lungmar) saw a meticulously planned replicate of a realistic cloudburst scenario. The mock drill was executed successfully and demonstrated exceptional cooperation among all participating agencies.

In addition to the medical response, the FCS & CA Leh Department ensured that water and food supplies were delivered promptly to the affected individuals. Temporary shelters and tents equipped with beds, blankets, and other necessities were arranged at the relief camp to provide safety and comfort to those impacted by the disaster simulation.

At SNM hospital, disaster affected patients from different mock drill locations of Leh city were brought to SNM Hospital by rescue teams and immediate treatment were provided after admitted in emergency wards as per requirement.

Secretary DMRRR UT Ladakh Amit Sharma and Lead Consultant (ME & IRS) NDMA Maj Gen Sudhir Bahl (Retd) accompanied by DDMA Santosh Sukhadeve and other concerned officers and officials inspected the situation at various site. They also took stock of the situation and preparedness level of medical Department. In response to natural calamity like earthquake, flash flood and other possible incident in the district. Dr. Rinchen Chosdol Superintendent SNM hospital briefed the visiting officers about the preparation being made at SNM hospital.

The mock drill was successfully conducted by UTDMA in association with NDMA along with NDRF, NCC cadets, armed and paramilitary forces and different departments like PDD, PHE, Ladakh Police, Food and Supply, Health department, Sheep Husbandry Department and others.

At Sub-Division Level Mock Drill was also successfully conducted at Nyoma, Nubra and Dhomkhar (Khaltse).