SHIMLA: As the anniversary of the catastrophic Kangra earthquake of 1905 approaches, communities in Shimla are taking proactive measures to ensure readiness in the face of potential disasters.
Today, on Disaster Awareness Day, mock drills were conducted across various locations, aiming to educate and prepare citizens, particularly school students, on disaster prevention and relief measures.
Under the adept guidance of Company Commander SukhDev Negi and Platoon Commander Som Dutt, Home Guards and Civil Defence personnel orchestrated an Evacuation Mock Drill at Himachal Pradesh University.
The event, organized by the Dean of Students Welfare in collaboration with Chief Security Officer G.D. Sharma, emphasized the urgent need for community capacity building to mitigate disasters effectively.
In Shimla district, a series of mock drills were executed, each tailored to educate participants on specific emergency scenarios.
The Sub-Divisional Disaster Management Authority in Chaupal orchestrated a drill focusing on fire safety, enlightening school students on rescue and relief procedures in the event of a blaze. Meanwhile, at Government Center Primary School in Sentari, Kotkhai, students received crucial information on earthquake response tactics.
In the event of an earthquake, participants were instructed to vacate multi-storey buildings immediately and seek refuge in open spaces. Those unable to exit buildings were advised to take cover under sturdy furniture such as tables or chairs.
These mock drills serve as vital wake-up calls, fostering awareness and preparedness within communities.
By imparting essential knowledge and conducting practical simulations, authorities aim to minimize the loss of life and property during unforeseen disasters.
Through collective action and vigilance, Shimla stands resilient against the specter of calamity, honoring the memory of past tragedies with proactive measures for a safer future.
