Mock Exercise On Earthquake Disaster Response Conducted Successfully At Lawngtlai

Lawngtlai, January 2026: A state-wide Mock Exercise on earthquake disaster response, organised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Mizoram State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), was successfully conducted today at Lawngtlai District at 10:00 AM.

The mock scenario simulated a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, causing structural damage to residential buildings at Chandmary and Bazar areas of Lawngtlai, along with a bus accident. The entire exercise was monitored by Shri Donny Lalruatsanga, Deputy Commissioner, Lawngtlai, and other senior officials through the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC).

At 10:00 AM, the DEOC received reports of building collapse and a bus accident caused by the earthquake. Upon receiving the information, the Chairman, DDMA immediately activated the Incident Response System (IRS) and sirens were sounded. The District Officer instructed all concerned departments to mobilize necessary equipment. The CEO, DM&R, directed all line departments to report to the DC Office. The SDRF was instructed to proceed to the DEOC, while Police and Traffic personnel were directed to move to the incident sites. Village Councils (VCs) and YLA volunteers were also mobilized for assistance.

The PWD and Power & Electricity Department immediately reached the affected areas and restored blocked roads and damaged power lines. The Quick Response Team (QRT), after reaching the site, reported about 20 injured persons and requested deployment of SDRF and additional rescue teams. The SDRF teams promptly arrived at the site.

The Search and Rescue Operation was led by the Operation Commander from the 3rd IR Battalion, Thingkah. While SDRF teams handled the bus accident site, QRT personnel managed the collapsed buildings. The injured were shifted to the Medical Aid Post, where Medical Teams provided First Aid and TRIAGE. Out of four critically injured victims, two were declared dead at the spot. Police personnel conducted inquest proceedings, while the remaining two critically injured persons were shifted by ambulance to the District Hospital. After completion of rescue operations, the Operation Commander reported to the Incident Commander, who in turn informed the Chairman, DDMA. The Chairman subsequently declared the operation closed.

A Mock Drill Re-enactment was conducted at 5:00 PM at the DC Office complex, demonstrating the entire sequence of response activities. At 6:40 PM, a Debriefing Session was held via Video Conference at the DC Conference Hall, attended by Heads of Line Departments, Observers and other officials.