How Prepared Meghalaya is for Future Earthquakes? State Conducts State-Level Mock Exercise to Test Preparedness

It was announced that disaster management will soon be introduced as a compulsory subject in schools in Meghalaya

How prepared is Meghalaya to handle a major earthquake? Are the cities, towns, and villages equipped to withstand a disaster of such magnitude? Does the state have the necessary infrastructure, response mechanisms, and public awareness in place?

Well, with the possibility of a devastating earthquake striking Meghalaya in the next 30, 40, or even 100 years, these questions require urgent attention.

To assess the state’s preparedness not just for earthquakes but for all forms of disasters, the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, organized a State-Level Mock Exercise and Table-Top Exercise (TTEx) at the State Convention Centre, Shillong today.

A total of 11 districts participated virtually in this critical initiative.

During the event, Sanjay Goyal, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Revenue & Disaster Management Department, discussed Meghalaya’s current disaster response strategies and areas that need improvement.

Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), Member, NDMA, highlighted the increasing threat of disasters due to climate change and rapid infrastructural expansion. He warned that as Meghalaya develops new roads, airfields, industries, and economic hubs, the risk of both natural and industrial disasters will escalate, making disaster preparedness more critical than ever.

Additionally, it was announced that disaster management will soon be introduced as a compulsory subject in schools, ensuring that future generations are better equipped to handle emergencies.

The Table-Top Exercise (TTEx) was a preparatory session for the State-Level Mock Exercise on earthquake preparedness, scheduled to take place on March 20. This mock drill aims to test and strengthen the response and coordination mechanisms of various departments in the event of a major earthquake.

In South West Garo Hills, multiple operational sites have been identified to stage earthquake scenarios and rescue operations, including:

Ampati Area:
Deputy Commissioner’s Office
Mini Secretariat (New Building)
Ampati Government Higher Secondary School
Chengkompara Village
Ampati Farmer’s Market
Civil Hospital

Zikzak Area:
C&RD Block Office (staging a landslide scenario caused by an earthquake)
Betasing Area:
Betasing Petrol Pump

Rerapara Area:
Dorambok Bridge under Rerapara C&RD Block or robust disaster management frameworks becomes more urgent than ever.
To ensure a swift and effective response, key locations have been designated for disaster relief efforts:

To ensure a swift and effective response, key locations have been designated for disaster relief efforts:
Incident Command Post: Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Ampati
Staging Area: Mini Stadium, Ampati
Base Camp: BADO MFC
Medical Aid Posts: Civil Hospital Ampati, Garobadha PHC, and Zikzak PHC
Relief Camp: Chengkompara MFC
Helipad: Indoor Stadium, Ampati

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