Sri Vijaya Puram, October 22: Authorities in South Andaman have updated the disaster response plan for Mithakhari village and collected geographical data on designated tsunami-safe areas as part of efforts to strengthen local preparedness against tsunami hazards. The exercise, conducted under the Tsunami Ready Programme, focused on identifying safer locations and reviewing arrangements for responding to an emergency.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), South Andaman, organised the outreach activity in Mithakhari village, Ferrargunj Tehsil, in coordination with the Directorate of Disaster Management, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, and the Mithakhari Gram Panchayat.
Officials collected and verified baseline information needed for village-level disaster planning, including the geographical coordinates of designated tsunami-safe locations and government buildings.
The information will support documentation and preparedness planning by identifying locations relevant to the village’s emergency response arrangements.
As part of the exercise, participating officials and local representatives examined the existing village-level disaster response plan, checked its provisions and updated it to reflect local requirements.
The activity also included a review of existing response arrangements and the distribution of information, education and communication (IEC) materials supplied by the Directorate of Disaster Management.
Representatives from various departments, including medical and police personnel, joined the exercise alongside trained teachers, Panchayat representatives and members of the Village Level Tsunami Ready Programme Committee.
Their participation brought together officials responsible for emergency services and local representatives involved in community-level disaster preparedness.
The outreach programme also addressed the role of residents in preparing for tsunami emergencies, with particular emphasis on community participation and coordination between administrative agencies and village institutions.
Authorities highlighted the need for continued cooperation among the District Administration, concerned departments, Panchayati Raj Institutions and village-level committees.
The exercise formed part of the implementation of the Tsunami Ready Programme, which focuses on strengthening preparedness at the village level through local information, response planning and community involvement.
