A disaster preparedness mock drill on earthquake and fire emergencies took place at St. Mary’s E.M. High School in Baradi, Barpeta, Assam. Around 500 students, teachers and non-teaching staff joined the exercise. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Barpeta organised the programme with support from the 1st Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Emergency Services, the District Disaster Response Force (DDRF) and the Health Department. The exercise taught participants how to evacuate safely and respond during emergencies. It also helped strengthen coordination between the school and emergency response agencies.
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Key Facts
- Location: St. Mary’s E.M. High School, Baradi, Barpeta, Assam
- Participants: Around 500 students, teachers and school staff
- Organiser: DDMA Barpeta
- Participating agencies: NDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, DDRF and Health Department
- Emergency scenarios: Earthquake and fire
- Main focus: Evacuation, rescue, first aid and casualty management
Mock Drill Focuses on School Disaster Preparedness
The DDMA Barpeta designed the mock drill to improve disaster preparedness among students and school personnel. The exercise created realistic earthquake and fire scenarios so participants could practise emergency procedures.
During the drill, response teams demonstrated safe evacuation methods. They also showed participants how to conduct search and rescue operations during an emergency.
Meanwhile, trained personnel demonstrated first aid and casualty management. These activities helped students understand how emergency teams respond when people suffer injuries during a disaster.
Students Learn Important Safety Procedures
The programme also focused on basic safety rules. Officials encouraged students to remain calm and follow instructions during an emergency.
In addition, the trainers explained the importance of orderly evacuation. Students and staff learned why they should avoid panic and move through designated routes when authorities issue evacuation instructions.
The exercise also gave school personnel practical experience. As a result, teachers and staff can better guide students during an actual emergency.
NDRF, Fire Services and Health Teams Participate
Several emergency response agencies joined the exercise. The 1st Battalion of the NDRF worked alongside Fire and Emergency Services, DDRF and the Health Department.
Their participation highlighted the importance of coordination during disaster situations. Moreover, cooperation between schools and response agencies can help authorities manage emergencies more efficiently.
The participating teams also used the drill to demonstrate how different agencies support one another during rescue and relief operations.
Regular Mock Drills Can Improve Safety
Regular disaster drills can help schools prepare students and staff for unexpected situations. They also allow institutions to identify weaknesses in evacuation plans and emergency response procedures.
Furthermore, practical exercises can make students more familiar with safety protocols. Instead of learning only through classroom instructions, students get an opportunity to practise how they should respond during a crisis.
Such drills can therefore strengthen confidence and improve emergency coordination within educational institutions.
Importance for Barpeta and Assam
Barpeta is located in Assam, a state that requires strong disaster preparedness because communities can face different natural and emergency risks. Therefore, schools play an important role in building awareness among young people.
The DDMA Barpeta said it remains committed to strengthening disaster risk awareness through coordinated preparedness programmes. Such initiatives can help schools and communities develop a stronger culture of safety and resilience.
Questions and Answers
What happened at St. Mary’s E.M. High School?
The school hosted a mock drill that simulated earthquake and fire emergencies.
How many people participated?
Around 500 students, teachers and non-teaching staff participated in the exercise.
Who organised the mock drill?
The District Disaster Management Authority, Barpeta, organised the programme.
Which agencies joined the exercise?
The NDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, DDRF and Health Department supported the drill.
What did participants learn?
Participants learned about evacuation, search and rescue, first aid, casualty management and emergency coordination.
Why are school mock drills important?
Mock drills give students and staff practical experience and help schools improve their emergency preparedness.
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