Multi-state Mega Mock exercise to take place in earthquake-prone areas

Kolkata: For the first time ever, a Multi-state Mega Mock exercise will be conducted in earthquake vulnerable districts across the state.

The Disaster Management and Civil Defence department of Bengal is participating in the exercise along with Sikkim. The mock drill will be held on October 10.

The mock drill will be conducted in districts including Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Malda, North and South 24-Parganas. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Civil Defence, Fire and Emergency Services department and Central Para Military Force will be extending support for the mock drill. Besides the agencies that are directly linked with the rescue work, officers from other organisations of the state government including state Public works Department, Public Health Engineering department, Health and Family Welfare department, Transport department, Agriculture department, Irrigation and Waterways department, Food and Supplies department will also attend. According to a senior official, people should not panic after witnessing the mock drill. The official said people should watch the drill with attention and learn how to reach a safe place after saving their family members during any disaster.