Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 173/16

TRAINING ON INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM CUM MOCK DRILL CONDUCTED

In an attempt to create awareness and to keep the Incident Response Team (IRT) informed of their roles and responsibilities, the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) South West Khasi Hills District Mawkyrwat has conducted a two days Training on IRT on the 12th and 13th April, 2016 at the Multipurpose Hall, Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Mawkyrwat followed by a Mock Exercise on Cyclonic Storm on the 14th April, 2016 at the Maharam Government Higher Secondary School. The training cum Mock Exercise was organized with a view to assess the preparedness of the Incident Response Team in the wake of any natural calamities. During the Mock Drill Exercise, the District Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) was fully activated for management and coordination with various teams and stake holders with respect to activities associated with Recues and Relief operation. The Mock Exercise was carried out as per the Incident Response (IRS) a mechanism which responds through a well conceived team consisting of the Incident Commander and Teams from the Operation, Planning and Logistic sections under the control of the Responsible Officer (RO) who is the Deputy Commissioner of the District. The District Disaster Response Force were put into action for the District Search and Rescue Operations consisting of the State Civil Defense, Police, Home Guard, Fire and Emergency Service, all line departments, Village Search and Rescue Team and community Volunteers. Observations were also made with regards to the response time, communication flow, coordination and skills of the emergency support functionaries as well as to indentify the gaps and loopholes which need rectification. Shri. H. B.Marak, Executive Officer, MSDMA and Shri. S. Bordoloi, consultant, MSDMA imparted training on the role and responsibilities of the Incident Response Team and its operation. Shri Marak lauded the effort of the DDMA in organizing the Mock Drill for the benefit of the general masses of the area. He also said that the DDMA and the line Department of the District have shown their preparedness in tackling and mitigate any form of disaster. He congratulated the DDMA for their untiring effort in organizing training, so that the people of the District is prepared in dealing with any kind of situation. Others who spoke on the occasion were Smti. R Lyngdoh, DC, South West Khasi Hills, Mawkyrwat, Shri. H G Lyngdoh, SP, South West Khasi Hills, Mawkyrwat, Mr. H S Diengdoh, Addl. DC, South West Khasi Hills, Mawkyrwat and Smti. D L Kharkongor, ADPO, Mawkyrwat.