PANAJI: In a major disaster preparedness initiative, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), conducted a state-level mock drill today to simulate a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm hitting Goa’s coast.
The exercise aimed to evaluate disaster response mechanisms, review SOPs and District Disaster Management Plans, and enhance inter-agency coordination, especially ahead of the monsoon season.
Held across both North and South Goa, the mock scenario was triggered by a special bulletin from IMD, forecasting the cyclone to make landfall between Arambol and Betul.
The drill tested evacuation, rescue, and relief operations and involved coordinated efforts from NDRF, Police, Fire Services, Health Department, Drishti Lifesaving, Indian Coast Guard, Navy, and trained community volunteers.
Top officials, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Revenue) and SDMA Chairperson Sandip Jacques, IAS, and district collectors, monitored the drill from Emergency Operation Centres in Porvorim and Margao.
