A joint mock drill simulating an earthquake followed by a fire outbreak was conducted at the Armed Police Unit (APU), Police Lines, on July 10. The exercise was carried out under the coordination of the Andaman & Nicobar Police and the A&N Fire Service to assess the disaster response readiness of emergency personnel.
The simulation began at around 10:00 AM with the sounding of an earthquake alarm, prompting swift evacuation of all police personnel from office buildings and barracks to pre-identified safe zones. Immediately following this, a fire scenario was staged in the main administrative block, leading to a rapid multi-agency response.
Fire tenders were deployed on-site, and firefighting operations were carried out using hoses, breathing apparatus, and safety equipment. Officers of the APU carried out evacuation drills in accordance with standard operating procedures for disaster scenarios.
The exercise included search and rescue drills where personnel located and extracted “victims” trapped under simulated debris. Medical teams from the Directorate of Health Services carried out triage and mock emergency care, including the transport of casualties.
Senior officers from various departments, including the Disaster Management Unit, observed the drill to evaluate the coordination between agencies, readiness of emergency equipment, and response times.
Authorities noted that such joint exercises are crucial in preparing the island’s security and medical infrastructure for potential real-life disasters. The Andaman Islands are located in a seismically active zone, making such simulations important for building resilience among the forces and the wider community.
The mock drill is part of a series of ongoing initiatives by the A&N Police and allied agencies to improve operational readiness and inter-agency cooperation in managing emergencies. These include routine drills, training sessions, and awareness campaigns focused on both personnel and civilians.
The drill concluded with feedback from observers, who emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in response mechanisms. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining high levels of preparedness for both natural and man-made disasters.
