Port Blair: A simulated earthquake at the DSS Marine Dockyard today triggered a coordinated evacuation drill, with 209 personnel moved to a designated shelter point as the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) tested its emergency preparedness and response mechanisms.
The earthquake mock drill was organised by DSS to strengthen disaster readiness, reinforce discipline and familiarise employees with emergency evacuation and response protocols. Conducted under the supervision of the Nodal Officer, Disaster Management, DSS, the exercise saw active participation of employees of the Marine Dockyard along with the Directorate’s Disaster Management Team.
The mock scenario went beyond evacuation, with the response team also tasked with rescuing a simulated injured person. The casualty was promptly provided first aid before being evacuated, allowing the team to demonstrate its ability to handle both mass evacuation and immediate medical response during an emergency.
The entire exercise was conducted in a coordinated manner, with personnel following the prescribed emergency protocols and moving systematically to the designated shelter area. The drill also provided an opportunity to assess the preparedness of the teams, coordination among responders and the effectiveness of the established emergency procedures.
The exercise was carried out under the overall supervision of L.T. Shiju Cheriyan, Deputy Director (in-charge), DSS.
After the simulated emergency was declared normal, all personnel returned safely to their respective workstations, bringing the drill to a successful conclusion.
The exercise underscored the importance of regular mock drills in strengthening institutional preparedness and ensuring that personnel remain alert, disciplined and capable of responding swiftly and safely when confronted with a real disaster.
