DIMAPUR: The Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) 2026, a state-wide mock drill simulating a high-intensity earthquake of magnitude 7.7, was conducted across all districts on Thursday. Organized by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) in collaboration with District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), the exercise aimed to strengthen disaster response mechanisms, test inter-agency coordination, and raise public awareness on preparedness in Seismic Zone V.
Kohima: In Kohima, the exercise was staged at Indira Gandhi Stadium, which served as the Incident Command Post, while Ruzhükhrie Ground was designated as the safety zone. Several mock incident sites were activated across the district, including Sanuorü Bridge, NH-2 at Tsiesema Basa, KL Market Themezie, Mewi Higher Secondary School and the Directorate of Fisheries.
In addition to the earthquake drill, a Civil Defence blackout exercise titled “Operation Night Guard” was conducted, requiring residents to switch off all lights and remain indoors during a 15-minute period. DC B. Henok Buchem praised the active participation of Community First Responders and government agencies but noted communication gaps, urging upgrades to radio handsets for better coordination. Authorities emphasized that the exercise was purely for preparedness and urged public cooperation, reiterating that such drills are vital for saving lives during real disasters.
Dimapur: In Dimapur, key sites included the DC Office, Government Higher Secondary School Purana Bazar, Hollotoli School, Westside Store Darogapathar, IOCL Kevijau and PHC Purana Bazar. Scenarios involved structural collapses, fires, and casualties, with reports of deaths and injuries across locations. Relief camps and temporary medical aid facilities were established, while SDRF and Fire & Emergency Services teams were mobilized. The exercise also included “Operation Night Guard,” simulating blackout and air raid conditions. Observers, including Commissioner of Police Aotula T. Imchen and DCP Meren Chenth, provided valuable feedback. DC Dr. Tinojongshi Chang emphasized that the objective was to raise awareness and strengthen disaster response mechanisms, particularly as Nagaland lies in Seismic Zone V. He acknowledged the collective efforts of officers, personnel and volunteers, noting that the drill demonstrated effective coordination among agencies. The exercise concluded with a debriefing session.
Phek: In Phek district, the mock drills staged at five key locations: Christian Mission Higher Secondary School, ADC Quarter, District Hospital, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection Office and the Town Council Office.
The exercise began at 8 AM with the sounding of sirens, simulating a major seismic event. Deputy Commissioner Rhosietho Nguori, serving as the Responsible Officer, commanded the District Level Incident Response System (IRS) structure, ensuring that designated officers and teams carried out their roles effectively. The mock drill followed a Table Top Exercise held the previous day, which prepared officials for scenario-based responses.
By 11:30 AM, the exercise concluded successfully, demonstrating coordinated efforts among district authorities, medical teams and emergency services.
Tuensang: In Tuensang, the epicenter was located about 110 km from the district. The scenario included landslides that damaged over 11,382 houses, resulting in 114 simulated deaths, 342 serious injuries and 88 missing persons.
Incident sites were staged at the Old DC Office, Daily Market and GHSS, with the Parade Ground serving as the staging area. Emergency Response Teams from SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services, Medical units and Police were mobilized for search and rescue operations. The exercise demonstrated real-time disaster response, testing coordination among agencies.
In the debriefing, DC Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa commended participants and emphasized that preparedness and timely response are crucial during actual disasters. The drill saw active participation from district administration, medical teams, Assam Rifles, NCC cadets and community volunteers.
Kiphire: In Kiphire district, the epicenter was at Piphema, the exercise began at 8:00 AM with sirens alerting stakeholders to assemble at the staging area. Search and rescue teams were deployed to four incident sites: the bazaar area, DC office complex, Kiphire gas filling station and Agape Higher Secondary School. Teams carried out evacuation, rescue and safety procedures as per standard operating guidelines. The exercise tested inter-agency coordination and community preparedness in responding to earthquake and extreme weather scenarios. In his closing remarks, DC Temsuwati Longkumer noted that while the drill was staged, real-life disasters would demand similar responses. He praised officers, volunteers and strike teams for their effective participation, stressing that such exercises build resilience and readiness.
Noklak: In Noklak, five incident sites were activated: Local Bazaar, Guest House, District Hospital, Kiamngan Kiamong landslide area and Christian High School. The siren sounded at 8:00 AM, after which DC P. Mono Khiamniungan, serving as Responsible Officer, briefed the Incident Response Team and activated rescue operations. At the bazaar, structural damage and fire left two persons trapped, who were safely rescued. At the guest house, two victims were evacuated, while at the District Hospital, one seriously injured and one minor injured were assisted. The landslide scenario involved transporting one seriously injured person to a relief camp and searching for a missing individual. At Christian High School, two trapped students were safely rescued from a damaged building.
Meluri: In Meluri district, it began with a Table Top Exercise on April 29 at DB’s Court. Officials from various departments engaged in scenario-based discussions on communication systems, departmental roles and disaster response mechanisms. A full-scale mock drill was staged at the local ground, simulating earthquake and extreme weather emergencies. The exercise included evacuation, rescue operations, first aid management and coordination among line departments, security personnel, health teams and volunteers.
ADC Shelly Katiry appreciated the active cooperation of all stakeholders, noting that the exercise helped identify response gaps and assess preparedness levels.
Niuland: In Niuland district, the scenario depicted the collapse of 600 houses, affecting about 1,200 people, with five deaths, 18 injuries and 40 missing persons. Major incident sites included Shepherd School, CHC Niuland, and the DC Office. The earthquake also led to road blockades, damaged live wires and a blackout across the district, disrupting water supply and pipelines.
Following the siren alert, the Incident Response System was activated, mobilizing SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services and medical teams. Relief camps and temporary hospitals were set up at public grounds, while restoration of electricity, water and communication systems was initiated. Observers, including officials from Assam Rifles and district administration, provided valuable feedback. DC T L Kiusumong Tikhir emphasized that the exercise aimed to raise awareness and strengthen mechanisms for effective disaster response, particularly as Nagaland lies in Seismic Zone V. The drill concluded with acknowledgments to all personnel and agencies for their coordinated efforts.
Peren: In Peren district, the multi-hazard scenario included fires, structural collapses and landslides. The drill began at 8:00 AM with sirens sounded by Fire & Emergency Services, followed by activation of the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC). DC, serving as Responsible Officer, briefed Incident Response Teams, while the ADC acted as Incident Commander and the Superintendent of Police managed safety and traffic.
Simulated casualties across key sites included 17 fatalities, 11 critically injured and 12 minor injuries. Search and rescue teams carried out evacuations, while medical units provided first aid and transported victims to hospitals. Relief staging areas were set up and the District Public Relations Office led media coverage to raise awareness.
Mon: In Mon district, the earthquake was compounded by extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, strong winds and storms. DC Wennyei Konyak served as Responsible Officer, with ADC Pakon Phom as Incident Commander. Vulnerable sites included the PWD (R&B) Office Building, District Hospital and Papong Colony. Rescue teams retrieved multiple casualties: 1 dead and 6 injured at the hospital, 2 dead and 6 injured at the PWD building and 10 dead with 70 injured at Papong Colony landslides. Observers from BRO, Soil Department and Assam Rifles monitored operations and identified gaps for future improvement. The exercise concluded with DC Konyak thanking officials and emphasizing leadership and coordination as crucial for effective disaster response.
Zunheboto: In Zunheboto district, the scenario depicted widespread destruction, with 450 houses damaged and over 1,000 families affected. Authorities reported 16 fatalities, 50 injuries—including 10 critical cases—and 100 individuals missing under debris. The collapse of the district hospital highlighted shortages of medical supplies and manpower, while landslides cut off NH-702A, isolating the district from Kohima and Mokokchung.
Drinking water pipelines were damaged and food stocks were projected to last only a week. District authorities activated the Incident Response System, initiating search and rescue operations, restoring essential services and setting up relief camps. A field hospital was established to treat the injured, while ambulances and rescue teams facilitated evacuation.
Longleng: In Longleng, four location namely, Phom Lempong High Secondary school, District Hospital Longleng, DC office and market area were identified for the exercise. The main staging area was setup at public ground Longleng, where Police personal, Home Guards and all line departments and stakeholders report after the Siren was sound at 8:00 AM to respond to the disaster.
DC & chairman DDMA Longleng, W. Manpai Phom, while debriefing on the exercise thanked all the personnel, officers from line departments, stakeholders and volunteers for making the mock drill exercise successful.
Chümoukedima: In Chümoukedima, the exercise was staged at four locations to test preparedness in handling emergencies. Incident Response Teams from SDRF, Home Guards, Civil Defence, Health & Family Welfare and other departments actively participated. The drill focused on communication systems, inter-departmental coordination and search-and-rescue operations. DC Polan John, serving as Responsible Officer, praised the smooth functioning of the command chain and acknowledged contributions from volunteers and agencies. A secondary fire hazard simulation at the Town Council office was also successfully executed. Observers monitored operations at St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School, Zudio Mall and the LPG bottling plant. The DC stressed the need for better resource mapping and dedicated communication channels. The administration expressed satisfaction and called for continued feedback to strengthen disaster preparedness.
Wokha: In Wokha, the exercise began with sirens at 8:00 AM, followed by activation of the District Emergency Operations Centre. Command staff prepared an Incident Action Plan, while departments switched to wireless communication. Emergency Response Teams, including Aapda Mitra volunteers, SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services and medical teams, were deployed to multiple sites. Scenarios included fires, structural collapses, landslides and evacuations at Police Point, District Economics & Statistics Office, Dr. Nchumbemo Clinic, Saron Colony, Santsuo School and Doyang Dam.
Casualties were simulated, including deaths and injuries, with medical teams providing first aid and relief camps established. Traffic police regulated movement, while staging areas were equipped with tents, ambulances and communication systems. The exercise also included “Operation Night Guard,” simulating blackout conditions. DC Wokha concluded the drill with remarks emphasizing preparedness, coordination and community participation in disaster response.
Mokokchung: In Mokokchung district, the exercise began with sirens at 8:00 AM, followed by activation of the District Emergency Operations Centre. Search-and-rescue operations were staged at Government High School Dilong, IMDH Building, and the DC’s Office, while a landslide clearance was simulated at Mokokchung Village. The Imkongmeren Sports Complex served as the central staging area.
Incident Response Teams comprising SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services and medical units carried out evacuations and first aid. Communication shifted to wireless systems during blackout conditions. A live stream of the Dilong school site was broadcast by NSDMA, providing real-time updates. The exercise concluded with a debriefing via NDMA video conference, where DC Ajit Kumar Verma emphasized the importance of identifying gaps before real disasters.
Shamator: In Shamator, the drill simulated earthquake and extreme weather scenarios across four strategic sites: a school, fuel station, market area and Community Health Centre. Each location tested specific response mechanisms, including evacuation, fire safety, crowd management, medical emergencies and coordinated rescue operations. The exercise aimed to strengthen inter-departmental coordination, assess preparedness levels and sensitize stakeholders on their roles during disasters. Officials emphasized that all government institutions and personnel are stakeholders in disaster response and mitigation. The drill highlighted community involvement and the unified approach of agencies in building resilience. A debriefing session concluded the programme, where observations were shared and areas for improvement identified.
