Admin On Thursday, a comprehensive state-level disaster preparedness exercise orchestrated by the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority caused substantial traffic disruptions, hindering the punctuality of numerous individuals en route to their destinations.
Image Source: highlandpost.com
The Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in East Khasi Hills, Shillong, orchestrated a mock drill on Thursday, commencing at 9 am, which aimed to replicate the catastrophic earthquake of 1897. This intricate simulation engaged district officials, armed forces, paramilitary units, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), law enforcement, fire and emergency services, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), medical facilities, educational institutions, community members, and volunteers representing various organizations.
A representative from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was also in attendance during the drill.
However, frustrated citizens took to social media to share videos depicting the long line of vehicles immobilized at Pynthor, as the mock exercise unfolded at Polo. One contributor, while underscoring the necessity of people being able to reach their workplaces, offices, schools, and colleges on time, injected a dash of humor into the situation by quipping, “Mock Drilled us all instead.”
In the East Khasi Hills district, the designated locations for the simulated disaster included Polo, the road leading from Polo to Wahingdoh, Polo Supermarket (SMB), businesses in and around the Polo vicinity, Hotel Polo Towers, SBI building, Polo and MeCEL, Lumjingshai, Samkhamti Petrol Pump at Urkaliar, Female Health Worker Training School, School of Nursing at TTC, Ganesh Das Govt MCH, St. Xavier School at Polo, Pynthorumkhrah Golflink, Shillong Secondary School, Forest Colony, and Civil Hospital School of Nursing.
Despite the absence of provided alternative routes by the East Khasi Hills District Administration, residents were encouraged not to panic and to collaborate with the government’s arrangements, planning their travels accordingly to minimize traffic disruptions.
