Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka will participate in a multi-state-level mock exercise on cyclone and cyclone-induced disasters on October 1, aimed at strengthening inter-state coordination, emergency response and operational preparedness.
The exercise is being coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and follows an Orientation and Coordination Conference held on September 21. An exercise-related coordination programme is scheduled at the Goa State Secretariat on September 28, followed by preparatory activities, site surveys and rehearsals on September 29 and 30.
As part of the preparations, the District Magistrates of North Goa, South Goa and Kushavati districts reviewed the arrangements with line departments and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated response mechanisms during the exercise.
The mock exercise will cover 24 locations across Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra, including several sites in North, South and Kushavati districts of Goa.
The exercise will be based on a severe cyclone scenario involving a storm surge of up to three metres in coastal, creek and riverine areas, along with rainfall of 175–200 mm over 24–36 hours.
The scenario will also test responses to road blockages caused by incessant rain, rescue of fishermen from rough seas, fuel leakage followed by fire, and a drowning incident at a waterfall, among other emergency situations.
A key component of the exercise will be the establishment of Unified Command at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) and designated exercise sites.
The system will bring together district administrations, line departments, police, fire and emergency services, medical agencies, armed forces, Central Armed Police Forces, industries and critical infrastructure operators for coordinated response and mobilisation of resources.
The exercise will also test Emergency Support Functions covering search and rescue, communications, transportation, fire and emergency services, public works, medical services, water and sanitation, energy, public safety, emergency shelters, critical infrastructure and logistics.
Officials said the exercise is intended to assess preparedness, identify gaps and strengthen coordination among agencies for an effective response to cyclone-related emergencies.
