What Happened During the Mock Drill Conducted at Four Locations in Hyderabad?

Synopsis
In a significant exercise aimed at enhancing preparedness, Hyderabad witnessed a comprehensive mock drill involving multiple civil defense services. This initiative, part of the national ‘Operation Abhyaas’, tested the city's readiness for emergencies. With sirens blaring and personnel actively participating, the drill underscored the importance of preparedness in safeguarding the community.
Key Takeaways
- Mock drill conducted in Hyderabad to test emergency readiness.
- Sirens were activated citywide to simulate an emergency.
- Personnel from multiple agencies participated, showcasing collaboration.
- Drill marked a significant event after 54 years.
- Public education on safety measures was a key focus.
Hyderabad, May 7 (NationPress) Personnel from various civil defense units engaged in a mock drill across four locations in Hyderabad on Wednesday, as part of the nationwide initiative known as ‘Operation Abhyaas’ designed to evaluate and enhance the nation's readiness.
At precisely 4 p.m., air raid sirens echoed throughout the city for a duration of two minutes. Authorities activated industrial sirens and employed police patrol vehicle sirens at key traffic intersections.
The police urged citizens to seek shelter in nearby buildings, advising those inside homes and shops to stay indoors.
Messages were disseminated from the Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC), informing residents of purported ‘missile attacks’ and ‘air raids’ occurring in four designated areas.
Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Services, police, traffic police, Medical & Health departments, Railway, revenue, GHMC, NCC, Scouts & Guides, and other entities took part in the exercise.
This drill took place at four sites: Secunderabad, Kanchanbagh, Nanal Nagar, and Nacharam NFC Area, marking the first civil mock drill in 54 years.
Participants in the drill were observed transporting ‘deceased’ and ‘injured’ individuals on stretchers, transferring the ‘injured’ to hospitals via ambulances, administering CPR and oxygen, safely evacuating trapped individuals from targeted structures, using fire tenders to extinguish flames, and delivering other emergency services.
Nagi Reddy, the Director General of Fire Services and Director of Civil Defence for Telangana, oversaw the operation from the ICCC alongside Hyderabad Police Commissioner C. V. Anand and other senior officials.
The Police Commissioner conveyed that this mock drill tested the readiness of various departments to respond to emergencies in the event of an attack.
Anand emphasized that the exercise also revealed shortcomings, with involved departments expected to address them accordingly.
He added that the drill aimed to educate the public on necessary precautions to take during an attack, reassuring citizens that there was no cause for alarm.
Twelve civil defense services executed the mock drill, utilizing industrial sirens, police announcements at intersections, patrol vehicles, and fire sirens.
Hyderabad ranks among 244 vulnerable locations across the nation identified for the comprehensive ‘Operation Abhyaas’.