A mega multi State level mock exercise in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) on earthquake preparedness was conducted by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority. Interestingly, a situation was depicted involving an earthquake of magnitude of 7 richtor scale occurred on Sohna fault line with the epicentre at 35 kilometers (Kms) south of Delhi at the depth of 10 Km.
“The potential intensity was 8. As reported by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), strong tremors were experienced involving North and North West parts of country. Further the weather was shown bad and sky was overcast. Heavy rain was forecasted which was likely to be continuing for the next 24 hours,” stated Chief Minister Office (CMO) release.
As per the scenario, major communication networks, instance — mobile network/landlines were affected, power lines and major roads were damaged at many places all over Delhi. Drill was conducted in the presence of higher State and disaster management officials of NCR States and Delhi Government.
Interestingly, the Incident commander of the State that is Divisional Commissioner Delhi, Rajeev Verma got into action and activated the State EOC (Emergency Operation Centre) situated at 5-Sham Nath Marg, Delhi-110054.
He also intimated about the same to the Lieutenant Governor, Anil Baijal, Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Minister Incharge, Kailash Gahlot and Chief Secretary of Delhi, Vijay Dev.
All the district Incident Commander swung into action and activated their respective district EOCs. Messages were sent to all the ESFs through wireless, V.Sat, satellite phone and 11 HAM Radios.
As per the Incident Response System, Essential Support Functionaries for disaster management Delhi Police, Health/Medical Services, Fire Services, MCDs, PWD, Power Department, Home Guards, Delhi Jal Board, Transport and Food & Supply Department were requested to reach, with their manpower, material/equipments necessary for the kind of damages which were reported. As a consequence of massive earthquake, destruction of communication system, road and bridges, chemical leakages, fire were reported during the drill.
