Sri Vijaya Puram, May 14:
In a focused effort to strengthen disaster response mechanisms, the Directorate of Industries in Sri Vijaya Puram organized a mock drill simulating an earthquake and subsequent tsunami on its premises at Udyog Parisar, Middle Point. The exercise formed part of the second-quarter disaster preparedness activities for 2025–26 and aimed at evaluating the operational readiness of personnel and emergency protocols in the event of a real-life calamity.
The event commenced with a table-top briefing session led by Incident Commander Mohd. Ishaque. Participants were guided through the objectives of the drill and were assigned clearly defined roles to ensure a coordinated response. The preparatory discussion also emphasized the importance of seamless communication and chain-of-command adherence during crises.
At exactly 11:00 AM, the simulated earthquake scenario was triggered by the sounding of an emergency siren, marking the beginning of the drill. Immediately, a mock distress call was sent to the State Disaster Management Control Room, initiating a series of orchestrated emergency response actions. The scenario escalated with a mock tsunami warning issued by the Control Room, compelling the enactment of complete evacuation and contingency procedures across the Directorate’s premises.
Personnel from multiple departments sprang into action, activating emergency exits, guiding evacuations, and ensuring timely assembly at designated safe zones. Simulated coordination between departments reflected the expected standard operating procedures in a real disaster. These included hazard assessment, emergency triage plans, and lines of communication between stakeholders.
The drill was structured to mirror potential real-world complexities that could emerge during dual-disaster events—namely earthquakes followed by tsunamis. As Sri Vijaya Puram lies in a seismically sensitive region prone to such hazards, officials viewed the exercise as crucial for staff preparedness.
Upon completion of all drill components, an ‘All Clear’ signal was issued by the State Disaster Management Control Room, formally concluding the exercise. The Directorate emphasized that such drills not only test existing protocols but also help identify operational gaps that may need refinement.
By simulating layered crises, the Directorate of Industries reinforced its commitment to enhancing institutional resilience and public safety through practical engagement. The exercise highlighted the critical role of inter-agency cooperation and readiness training in protecting lives and assets in disaster-prone regions.
