NEPEx 2026 CONDUCTED ACROSS NAGALAND TO STRENGTHEN DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

KOHIMA, APRIL 30: Nagaland on April 30, 2026 conducted the 8th edition of the Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) across all districts to strengthen disaster preparedness, improve emergency response mechanisms and enhance inter-agency coordination in the event of major disasters such as earthquakes and extreme weather conditions.

The state-wide mock drill, jointly organised by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department, District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ministry of Home Affairs, simulated a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake striking the state at 8:00 AM, triggering landslides, structural collapses, fires, communication breakdowns and widespread infrastructural damage.

The exercise involved activation of Incident Response Systems (IRS), emergency operation centres, evacuation procedures, search and rescue operations, medical response, relief camp management and restoration of essential services across districts.

In Kohima, the exercise was carried out at multiple locations including Sanuorü Bridge, Tsiesema Basa, TIR Station Phezoucha, KL Market Themezie, Mewi Higher Secondary School and the Directorate of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. The district also conducted “Operation Night Guard,” an air raid warning and blackout exercise. Deputy Commissioner & Chairman DDMA Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, lauded the participation of Community First Responders and government agencies while highlighting the need for better communication systems during emergencies.

Phek district conducted the mock drill at five designated locations including Christian Mission Hr Secondary School, ADC Quarter, District Hospital, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection Office and Phek Town Council Office. The operation was led by Deputy Commissioner Phek, Rhosietho Nguori, who supervised the Incident Response System throughout the exercise.

In Dimapur, the mock exercise simulated multiple emergency scenarios involving structural collapses, fire incidents and casualties at various locations including Government Higher Secondary School Purana Bazar, Hollotoli School, Westside Store Darogapathar, IOCL Kevijau and PHC Purana Bazar. Emergency response teams including SDRF and Fire & Emergency Services were mobilised while relief camps and temporary medical facilities were established. Commissioner of Police, Aotula T. Imchen and DCP Traffic Meren Chenth observed the drill and offered suggestions.

Tuensang district simulated extensive earthquake-triggered landslides causing large-scale destruction, casualties and missing persons. Incident sites included Old DC Office, Daily Market and GHSS Tuensang while emergency response teams were deployed from the staging area at Parade Ground. Deputy Commissioner and Responsible Officer Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa stressed the importance of preparedness and timely response.

Kiphire conducted the mock exercise across four incident sites including the bazaar area, DC office complex, gas filling station and Agape Higher Secondary School. Deputy Commissioner Temsuwati Longkumer stated that real-life disasters would closely resemble such scenarios and appreciated all stakeholders for their participation.

Noklak district activated rescue and evacuation operations at locations including Local Bazaar, Guest House, District Hospital, Kiamong landslide site and Christian High School Noklak. Fire incidents, structural collapses and landslides were simulated, with rescue teams successfully evacuating and assisting victims.

Meluri district conducted a two-day programme comprising a Table Top Exercise on April 29 followed by a full-scale mock drill on April 30 involving evacuation, rescue operations, first aid management and coordinated response among departments, health teams and volunteers.

Niuland district simulated massive infrastructural damage, blackout, road blockades and collapse of buildings affecting over 1,200 people. Incident sites included Shepherd School, CHC Niuland and the DC Office. Relief camps, emergency medical aid and restoration mechanisms were activated immediately following the mock earthquake.

Peren district carried out a large-scale earthquake and extreme weather simulation involving fires, structural collapse and landslides. Rescue operations were conducted at Local Market Area, ADC Office, District Hospital, SP Office area, All Saints Higher Secondary School and Baptist High School. The district reported 40 simulated casualties during the exercise.

Mon district simulated landslides, fires and infrastructural collapse at PWD (R&B) Office, District Hospital and Papong Colony near GREF Camp. SDRF teams conducted rescue operations while observers identified areas requiring improvement for future preparedness.

Longleng district identified Phom Lempong Higher Secondary School, District Hospital, DC Office and Market Area as major incident sites. The drill tested emergency response systems, communication mechanisms and coordination among departments.

Zunheboto district simulated a severe humanitarian crisis involving landslides, fires and collapse of buildings, affecting over 1,000 families. Authorities activated the Incident Response System, relief camps and field hospitals while road connectivity and essential services disruption scenarios were also incorporated into the drill.

Chumoukedima district carried out the mock exercise at four locations including St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School, Zudio Mall, LPG bottling plant and Chumoukedima Town Council office. Officials highlighted the smooth functioning of communication systems and inter-departmental coordination while recommending dedicated communication channels and improved resource mapping.

In Wokha, the exercise covered multiple scenarios including fire incidents, landslides, building collapse and rescue operations at Police Point, District Economics & Statistics Office, Dr. Nchumbemo Clinic, Saron Colony, Santsuo School and Doyang Dam. The district also continued the operation at night under “Operation Night Guard” involving air raid and blackout simulation.

Mokokchung district carried out rescue and evacuation operations at Government High School Dilong, IMDH Building and the DC Office, while landslide clearance was simulated at Mokokchung Village. A live stream of the operation was broadcast by NSDMA during the exercise.

Shamator district conducted the exercise in collaboration with the 12 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), simulating emergency response at a school, fuel station, market area and Community Health Centre.

Jalukie Sub-Division under Peren district also conducted NEPEx 2026 involving scenarios of fire and structural collapse at GHSS Jalukie, CHC Jalukie, Rangkau Petrol Pump and New Jalukie bridge collapse site. ADC Jalukie stressed the importance of community participation and sensitisation during disasters.

Following the exercise, a press conference was held where Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha, IAS, stated that the drill was conducted to test the efficiency of departments and public response during disasters and to improve awareness, preparedness and disaster management systems in the state.

Lead Consultant (ME & IRS), NDMA, Maj. Gen. Sudhir Bahl, complimented all departments and agencies for their enthusiastic participation and stressed the importance of communication systems, school safety, medical preparedness, emergency road connectivity and coordination among all stakeholders during disasters.

Meanwhile, the inaugural programme of a two-day Capacity Building Training on CSR Compliance and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) was also held at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima on April 30, organised by the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and HCL Foundation.

Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman IDAN, Abu Metha, stressed the importance of strengthening institutional capacities of government departments and NGOs to improve development initiatives and access to CSR and foreign funding opportunities in the state.