In a crucial move to brace for the upcoming monsoon season, the Dibrugarh District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) executed a comprehensive mock flood emergency drill. The exercise, held on Friday, aimed to test and refine the district's preparedness for the annual deluge from the mighty Brahmaputra River.
Simulating a Riverine Crisis
The drill, designated as an Emergency Management Exercise (EMEx), was conducted at the strategically chosen location of Tingkhong Matikota. This area falls within the Dibrugarh West Revenue Circle and is notoriously vulnerable to flooding. The simulation kicked off early in the morning, creating a realistic scenario of a high-alert breach situation.
Specialised rescue teams swiftly deployed speedboats and other critical life-saving equipment into the churning waters of the Brahmaputra. Their mission was to demonstrate and practice rapid evacuation techniques, a core skill needed during actual flood disasters.
Building Synergy Between Agencies and Community
Overseeing the entire operation was Bikram Kairi, the Dibrugarh district commissioner and DDMA chairperson. He emphasized that the drill's primary goal was not just to showcase equipment, but to forge seamless synergy between various responding agencies.
"Through this mock drill, essential systems for immediate response, rescue operations, inter-departmental coordination, and overall preparedness for potential flood situations were tested," Kairi stated. He highlighted the active participation from all concerned government departments, voluntary organisations, and local residents, which significantly boosted community awareness and response mechanisms.
A key philosophy behind involving the local community was to empower them, effectively transforming potential "victims into first responders." Volunteers from local NGOs and village defense parties worked hand-in-hand with uniformed personnel, practicing vital tasks such as setting up temporary relief camps and distributing essential supplies.
Identifying Gaps for a Blue-Sky Readiness
A senior DDMA official pointed out the drill's critical role in uncovering practical challenges. "It is one thing to have a plan on paper, but the Brahmaputra is unpredictable. This exercise allowed us to see where communication gaps might exist before a real crisis hits," the official explained. Such exercises are vital for pinpointing "choke points" in the existing emergency framework.
The successful execution of the EMEx in Dibrugarh West is now set to serve as a model for similar drills planned across other flood-prone circles in the district. With the monsoon clouds gathering, the administration's focus is firmly on maintaining a high state of "blue-sky readiness"—the proactive practice of preparing during calm periods to save lives and property when the storm arrives.
