Will 'Air Raid' Sirens Sound Across Hyderabad?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mock drill to assess preparedness for aerial threats.
- Sirens will sound across Hyderabad at 4 p.m.
- Public cooperation is essential during the exercise.
- Emergency services will respond promptly to simulated incidents.
- Follow official instructions for safety during the drill.
Hyderabad, May 6 (NationPress) Air raid sirens will be sounded across the city of Hyderabad as part of a mock exercise on Wednesday, aligning with the nationwide initiative ‘Operation Abhyaas’. This drill aims to evaluate and enhance the nation’s readiness for potential aerial threats.
The exercise will take place at four designated spots throughout the city. At exactly 4 p.m., the sirens will sound as part of a civil defense simulation, as stated by officials from the Telangana government.
According to Arvind Kumar, the Special Chief Secretary for Disaster Management, the drill will be executed at four specific locations: Secunderabad, Golkonda Cantonment, Kanchan Bagh, and Nacharam. Detailed information about the precise locations will be shared on the day of the exercise.
The Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC) will notify civil defense teams about the simulated air raid impacts in these four areas.
Twelve civil defense units will spearhead the mock drill. Sirens will be activated across the entire city boundary, including the Outer Ring Road (ORR).
A variety of warning systems, including industrial sirens, police loudspeakers at junctions, patrol vehicles, and fire sirens, will be employed. Various departments, including police, fire, medical, and industrial, will ensure that all sirens are activated simultaneously for a two-minute duration throughout the city.
Nagi Reddy, the Director General of Fire Services, also oversees civil defense for Telangana, coordinating efforts with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Disaster Management.
Hyderabad has been identified as one of the 244 vulnerable districts as part of the nationwide ‘Operation Abhyaas’.
Arvind Kumar emphasized that the sirens will be operational from 4 to 4:30 p.m. within the ORR, assuring citizens, “There’s no need to panic. This is merely a safety drill,” he shared on X.
The fire service department advised that upon hearing the air raid siren, individuals should evacuate open spaces and seek shelter immediately. Citizens should stay informed through reliable sources like television, radio, or government applications for accurate updates. “If you’re indoors, please turn off electrical devices, gas appliances, and open flames. Remain sheltered until authorities declare the situation safe,” the statement read.
Emergency services, including police, fire brigades, rescue teams, and local municipal authorities, will reach the designated incident sites by 4:20 p.m.
Blackout protocols during air raids are implemented to minimize visibility to hostile aircraft and mitigate bombing risks.
Citizens are encouraged to cooperate fully with all government agencies participating in this essential mock drill.