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Ahmedabad Airport Conducts Full-Scale Earthquake Mock Drill to Test Emergency Response

A comprehensive mock disaster exercise simulating an earthquake was conducted at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The drill, organized by the NDMA in coordination with multiple agencies, aimed to test emergency response systems and inter-agency coordination. It assessed preparedness levels and the effectiveness of the Incident Response System during a major seismic event. Officials stated the findings will be analyzed to refine emergency measures and improve collective readiness.

Key Points: Ahmedabad Airport Holds Multi-Agency Disaster Response Drill

  • Full-scale earthquake simulation at airport
  • Tested multi-agency coordination & response
  • Aimed to identify operational gaps
  • Findings to refine emergency plans
2 min read

Ahmedabad Airport holds multi-agency drill to review disaster response preparedness

A major mock exercise simulating an earthquake tested emergency coordination at Ahmedabad's airport, involving multiple national and state agencies.

"The drill is to strengthen inter-agency coordination and ensure swift, structured decision-making during complex disaster situations. - Official"

Ahmedabad, Feb 25

A full-scale mock exercise simulating an earthquake and its cascading impacts was conducted at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Wednesday to test emergency response systems and inter-agency coordination during natural disasters.

The disaster management drill was organised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in coordination with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at the Integrated Cargo Terminal.

The multi-hazard scenario exercise was designed to assess preparedness levels and the effectiveness of coordinated action in the event of a major seismic incident affecting critical infrastructure.

The simulation replicated an earthquake and its secondary consequences, including structural damage and disruption to airport operations.

Officials said the objective was to evaluate response mechanisms, test the implementation of the Incident Response System (IRS), examine communication channels and assess the mobilisation of resources under pressure.

Officials from various central and state government departments took part in the drill alongside teams from the NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police and fire services.

Airport personnel, teams from Collector's office, CISF, Aapda Mitra, and other key stakeholders were also involved in the exercise to ensure comprehensive participation across operational and emergency management units.

According to officials, the mock exercise provided an opportunity to review Standard Operating Procedures and identify areas requiring improvement.

It also aimed to enhance coordination among agencies that would be required to work together during a real emergency.

An official said, "The drill is to strengthen inter-agency coordination and ensure swift, structured decision-making during complex disaster situations. Such exercises help identify operational gaps and reinforce collective readiness to safeguard lives and critical infrastructure."

Authorities said the findings of the exercise would be analysed to further refine emergency preparedness measures at the airport and across relevant departments.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see such comprehensive drills. But I hope the findings are actually implemented and not just filed away. We need this level of preparedness at all major airports and railway stations across India.
R
Rohit P
Including Aapda Mitra volunteers is a smart move. Community involvement is key in disaster management. More citizens should be trained for such scenarios. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As a frequent flyer, this gives me more confidence in the safety systems at our airports. Coordination between so many agencies is complex. Drills are the only way to iron out issues before a real crisis.
V
Vikram M
A respectful suggestion: while the drill is excellent, the real test is public awareness. Do regular passengers know what to do if an earthquake hits while they're in the terminal? Maybe display simple guidelines.
K
Karthik V
This is the way forward! Disaster preparedness cannot be an afterthought. Hope other states take note and conduct similar exercises. Our nation's resilience depends on such planning. 🙏

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