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Nagaland Conducts 8th NEPEX 2026 Mock Earthquake Drill for Disaster Preparedness

Nagaland successfully conducted the 8th edition of the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise NEPEX 2026 on Thursday, organized by the state disaster management authority in collaboration with NDMA. The drill focused on testing preparedness for a major earthquake, using simulated alerts and Incident Response System protocols to evaluate coordination among multiple agencies. Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha noted the exercise identified key areas for improvement, including communication systems and road restoration. A special "Operation Night Guard" civil defence drill featuring air raid and blackout simulations was also planned for the evening.

Key Points: Nagaland Holds 8th NEPEX 2026 Disaster Drill

  • 8th NEPEX exercise conducted in Nagaland focuses on earthquake preparedness
  • Drill simulated major earthquake using Incident Response System protocols
  • Exercise identified need for stronger communication and road restoration systems
  • "Operation Night Guard" civil defence drill with air raid simulations planned
2 min read

Nagaland conducts 8th Emergency Preparedness Exercise NEPEX 2026

Nagaland successfully conducted its 8th Emergency Preparedness Exercise NEPEX 2026, testing earthquake response systems, coordination, and identifying key areas for improvement.

"The exercise successfully tested coordination, preparedness, and response mechanisms, while identifying gaps for strengthening disaster management in the state. - Abhijit Sinha"

Kohima, April 30

The 8th edition of the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise 2026, organised by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority, was successfully conducted on Thursday.

Debriefing media persons at the State Emergency Operation Centre, Kohima, Home Commissioner Nagaland, Abhijit Sinha stated that the state conducted the 8th edition of the mock disaster exercise, NEPEX (focused on disaster response systems). He said that the exercise primarily tested Nagaland's preparedness for a major earthquake, chosen because earthquakes are unpredictable, high-impact disasters, making them ideal for evaluating the overall effectiveness of response systems.

Sinha informed that the drill began with a simulated earthquake alert through a morning siren, triggering activation of the State Emergency Operations Centre and district-level control rooms. Authorities followed the Incident Response System (IRS) protocols, ensuring structured actions, coordination, and real-time information flow between agencies. The exercise also emphasised a "whole-of-government" approach, involving multiple departments, central agencies, and civil society organisations, recognising that communities are often the first responders.

Major General Sudhir Bahl, Lead Consultant (ME & IRS), NDMA, highlighted that this year's exercise was impact-based, with district-wise planning for casualties, hospital capacity, ambulances, and infrastructure damage. Scenarios included landslides disrupting roads, damage to airports, dams, hospitals, and building collapses.

While the overall response was satisfactory, key areas for improvement were needed on strengthening communication systems, including backup options like satellite communication, faster and prioritised restoration of roads and critical lifelines, improved safety and fire response planning at petrol pumps, he added, stating that the exercise successfully tested coordination, preparedness, and response mechanisms, while identifying gaps for strengthening disaster management in the state.

A key highlight of this year's mock drill is "Operation Night Guard," a civil defence mock drill featuring air raid and blackout simulations across 10 districts, which will be conducted from 6:30 pm to 6:45 pm on Thursday evening. Officials urged citizens to remain calm and cooperate fully during the exercises.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
Happy to see the "whole-of-government" approach and involvement of civil society. Communities are indeed the first responders in any disaster. The "Operation Night Guard" with air raid simulations also seems interesting. But I hope the government also strengthens earthquake-resistant building codes in the North East.
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Ravi K
It's good that they identified gaps in communication systems and road restoration - these are critical. But I wonder if we have enough satellite phones and backup communication equipment actually available, or just in plans. Need ground-level implementation, not just paperwork.
A
Aditi M
The focus on impact-based planning with district-wise casualty and hospital capacity assessment is a great step forward. Living in earthquake-prone zone, I appreciate such detailed preparation. But we also need public awareness campaigns in local languages so even remote villagers understand what to do during a quake. 🏔️
M
Michael C
As an expat living in India, I'm impressed by this systematic approach to disaster preparedness. The Incident Response System protocols and real-time coordination between agencies sounds professional. But the real test would be during an actual emergency. Hope the improvements suggested are implemented before a real disaster strikes.
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Naveen S
I truly appreciate the effort but one concern - with such advanced disaster management exercises, why do we still see poor response in some natural calamities? The gap between planning and execution needs to be bridged. Still, congratulations to NDMA and Nagaland government for this initiative! đź‘Ť

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