Nabarangpur, June 22 {UDN}: A mock drill was conducted at a cyclone shelter to enhance disaster preparedness and ensure the safety of people during cyclones and other natural calamities. Such exercises help assess the readiness of the administration and raise awareness among local residents regarding emergency response measures.
The primary objectives of the mock drill included demonstrating how people can be quickly evacuated to cyclone shelters during emergencies, how injured persons can be provided with first aid, and how rescue operations are carried out by the Fire Services Department and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF). These emergency response procedures were practically demonstrated during the exercise.
As part of this initiative, a disaster preparedness and response exercise was organized at the Multi-Purpose Cyclone Shelter located at DNK under the Umerkote Municipality of Nabarangpur district. The programme focused on training participants in effective disaster management techniques and ways to successfully tackle natural disasters.
On the occasion, Fire Station Officer Bhagirathi Banua, who has recently been transferred, was felicitated by the municipal authorities with a certificate of appreciation and a ceremonial shawl in recognition of his service. Awareness was also created regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list.
The programme was attended by Nabarangpur Sub-Collector Prakash Chandra Mishra, Umerkote Tahsildar Meghaban Bag, Umerkote Municipality Chairperson Radha Bhatra, Executive Officer Alok Kumar Anugulia, Fire Station Officer Bhagirathi Banua, CDPO Sanjukta Behera, and Ram Shankar Pattnaik, lecturer of Pendrani College, along with other faculty members.
The dignitaries explained various disaster management techniques and safety measures, emphasizing how individuals can protect themselves and assist others during emergencies. The Fire Services team also demonstrated different rescue and safety strategies to be adopted during various disaster situations.
Among others present were Junior Assistant Dambarudhar Majhi of the Municipality, Cyclone Shelter Secretary Kuna Sahu, Anganwadi workers, school students, officials from the Health and Electricity Departments, representatives of voluntary organizations, local residents, and municipal employees.
The mock drill served as an important awareness and preparedness programme aimed at strengthening community resilience and ensuring a coordinated response during natural disasters.