Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Apr 25: In a major disaster preparedness initiative, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), in collaboration 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 assess disaster response mechanisms, review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and enhance inter-agency coordination ahead of the monsoon season.

The mock drill was conducted across North and South Goa, with the scenario being triggered by a special IMD bulletin forecasting the cyclone's landfall between Arambol and Betul.

Key activities tested included evacuation, rescue, and relief operations, involving coordinated efforts from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, fire services, health department, Drishti Lifesaving, Indian Coast Guard, Navy, and community volunteers.

Top officials, including SDMA Chairperson and Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Revenue) Sandip Jacques, along with district collectors, monitored the drill from Emergency Operation Centres in Porvorim and Margao.