Mock Drill Held on Disaster Management at Visakhapatnam Airport
![Mock Drill Held on Disaster Management at Visakhapatnam Airport Mock Drill Held on Disaster Management at Visakhapatnam Airport](https://www.deccanchronicle.com/h-upload/2024/12/18/1873742-visakhapatnamairport.webp)
Visakhapatnam: A mock drill focused on disaster management was conducted at Visakhapatnam Airport on Wednesday. The exercise, coordinated by disaster management authority MD Ronamki Kurmanath, was aimed to enhance the airport’s preparedness and response capabilities in the event of cyclones and floods. Home minister Vangalapudi Anitha participated in the event via video conference from Dubai.
Anitha said, "During the Hudhud and Titli cyclones, we demonstrated an efficient recovery process under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. We must train Apad Mitra volunteers in rescue operations. Following the Chief Minister’s directives, we are currently training 14,000 individuals to respond to disasters at the community level. Our efforts involve collaboration with multiple departments, including the Navy, police, revenue, water resources, medical, panchayat raj, and municipal authorities. We aim to complete the training of all officials from the village to district and state levels by May."
Kurmanath said a tabletop exercise was conducted via video conference as part of the preparation. The Airport Authority of India, in collaboration with the state government, organised the event. Key participants included National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) member Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain and Visakhapatnam Airport Authority director Major General A.K. Verma.
Kurmanath added Visakhapatnam is frequently affected by cyclones, citing the significant damage caused by cyclone Hudhud in 2014. The airport was severely impacted, underscoring the necessity of mock exercises to address such hazards. The exercise aims to educate the public on appropriate behaviour during disasters and improve coordination among government departments to minimise loss of life and property.
Officials from various organisations, including the NDMA, state disaster management authority, Airport Authority, national disaster response force, state disaster response force, civil defence, Navy, fire services, police, medical and health departments and Apad Mitra volunteers, are expected to participate in the exercise.
Following the exercise, the NTRF force organised an exhibition showcasing various types of equipment and supplies, allowing officials and partner personnel to inspect and familiarise themselves with the tools available for disaster management.