Sikkim Earthquake Drill Led by SSDMA, NDMA, and Indian Army
The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), along with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Indian Army, conducted a joint earthquake drill at Chungthang in North Sikkim.
The drill included search and rescue, patient evacuation, triage, and setting up a makeshift hospital. The Army’s Trishakti Corps shared on social media, ‘Search and rescue, patient evacuation, triage, and setting up a makeshift hospital were practiced. Seamless coordination across agencies ensured an efficient disaster response.’
This drill follows a moderate earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale that hit Sikkim on September 6. Although no immediate reports of damage or casualties were received, authorities remain on high alert.
Additionally, the 58th Natu La Vijay Diwas was commemorated on September 11, 2024, at Natu La, Sikkim. The event honored the brave soldiers who defended the nation in the 1967 clashes. Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur, CM Prem Singh Tamang, Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa, Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder, and other officials attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Sherathang War Memorial, praising the armed forces’ indomitable spirit and commitment to national security.
Earlier in July, troops from the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army saved lives during a devastating fire in Yakla, East Sikkim.
Doubts Revealed
Sikkim -: Sikkim is a small state in the northeastern part of India. It is known for its beautiful mountains and is located near the Himalayas.
Earthquake Drill -: An earthquake drill is a practice exercise where people learn what to do during an earthquake. It helps them stay safe and know how to respond in an emergency.
SSDMA -: SSDMA stands for Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority. It is a group that helps plan and manage responses to disasters in Sikkim.
NDMA -: NDMA stands for National Disaster Management Authority. It is a group that helps plan and manage responses to disasters all over India.
Indian Army -: The Indian Army is the land-based branch of India’s military. They help protect the country and also assist in disaster relief efforts.
Chungthang -: Chungthang is a town in North Sikkim. It is known for its scenic beauty and is located in a mountainous region.
Search and Rescue -: Search and rescue is the process of finding and helping people who are in danger or lost, especially after a disaster like an earthquake.
Patient Evacuation -: Patient evacuation means moving people who are hurt or sick to a safe place where they can get medical help.
Triage -: Triage is a way of deciding which patients need the most urgent medical attention. It helps doctors and nurses treat the most serious cases first.
Makeshift Hospital -: A makeshift hospital is a temporary hospital set up quickly to treat people during emergencies. It can be in tents or other temporary structures.
Magnitude 4.4 Earthquake -: A magnitude 4.4 earthquake is a moderate earthquake. It can cause some damage but is not usually very destructive.
Natu La Vijay Diwas -: Natu La Vijay Diwas is a day to remember a victory by the Indian Army at Natu La, a mountain pass in Sikkim, during a conflict with China in 1967.
Wreath-laying Ceremony -: A wreath-laying ceremony is an event where people place a wreath of flowers at a memorial to honor and remember those who have died, especially soldiers.
Sherathang War Memorial -: The Sherathang War Memorial is a place in Sikkim where people remember and honor soldiers who fought in battles, especially at Natu La.