The Nicobar District Administration on Friday conducted a mock drill to assess tsunami preparedness following alerts issued by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) regarding a simulated undersea earthquake near Nicobar. As part of the exercise, a public advisory was issued urging residents to take immediate safety precautions.
Authorities called for the suspension of all fishing, boating, and other water-based activities across the district. Coastal residents, especially those living in low-lying areas, were instructed to evacuate and move to higher ground if they observed any unusual sea behavior such as a sudden retreat of water. The public was advised to keep emergency supplies ready, including essential documents, medicines, food, water, and flashlights, and to assist vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
To ensure uninterrupted communication during the alert, residents were encouraged to keep their mobile phones and other devices fully charged. The administration also issued a strong advisory against spreading rumors or unverified information on social media, emphasizing that only updates from official sources such as the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), INCOIS, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) should be trusted.
Emergency control rooms were activated across the district for the purpose of the drill. Key contact numbers included Car Nicobar (26599, 265241, 1077), Nancowry (112), and Campbell Bay (116), along with the District Control Room (03192-262960, 273138, 273137) and the central Disaster Management Helpline (1070).
Officials stated that the situation was monitored throughout the exercise and that similar drills would continue to strengthen preparedness. Residents were urged to remain calm, stay alert, and follow all instructions issued by local authorities.
