Panaji: April 25, 2025: The State Disaster Management Authority, Goa, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority, conducted a State-Level Mock Exercise on Cyclone and Induced Disasters at various locations in both districts, with the involvement of various line departments. The exercise aimed to assess the preparedness of the Crisis Group in handling a cyclone and to implement SoPs for managing such situations, as well as to raise awareness among the local population. The exercise was executed as per the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
The exercise was conducted at Aivao Beach, Caranzalem, Panaji; Panaji Ferry Wharf, Panaji; Mahadev Temple Salem, Salem; Bagwada Pilgao; Mapusa Industrial Estate, Dattawadi; Electricity Substation, KTCL Depot, Porvorim; Fishing Jetty, Malim, Near Police Govt Quarters; Nerul, Coco Beach; Morjim Beach, Near Morjim Beach; Manohar International Airport, Near CHC Casarwanem; Naquerim Betul Panchayat, Chowgule Shipyard site at Loutulim, Salcete; Murdi Bagh, Khandepar Ponda; Baina Beach area; IOCL and HP Terminal; Goa Shipyard; and Mormugao Port Authority.
The actual mock drill exercise began after the Indian Meteorological Department, Meteorological Centre, Goa issued a special bulletin at 8:30 a.m., stating that the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm over the east-central Arabian Sea had moved nearly northwards at a speed of about 11 km/h during the past 6 hours. The storm was centered at 08:30 hours IST on April 25, 2025, over the east-central Arabian Sea near latitude 15.3°N and longitude 72.7°E, about 80 km west-southwest of Panjim-Goa, 380 km south of Mumbai, 620 km south-southeast of Veraval (Gujarat), and 770 km southeast of Karachi (Pakistan).
It was noted that the cyclonic storm is likely to intensify further during the next 6 hours. It is expected to move northeastwards and reach the Goa coast in the morning hours of April 25 and cross the Goa coast between Arambol and Betul between 10:00 IST and 13:00 IST.
Accordingly, directions were issued to various line departments to be prepared. This mock exercise was aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness concerning cyclones and identifying gaps. Various scenarios were exercised, including evacuation of the vulnerable population, followed by search and rescue, and relief operations. A specialized rescue operation was carried out by the NDRF.
This exercise set the stage for safety and security management for the entire state and also augured well for preparedness and capacity building for the monsoon season.
Mock exercises on various types of natural and anthropogenic hazards help inculcate a culture of preparedness and generate awareness. This mock exercise helped both district administrations assess preparedness, review the District Disaster Management Plans, Standard Operating Procedures, and evaluate the readiness of various departments during any disaster or emergency. It also provided the opportunity to coordinate the activities of various agencies for optimum utilization and to use the feedback to identify gaps and improve system capacities to face actual disaster situations.
The objective of this mock exercise was to review the District Disaster Management Plan. Other objectives included evaluating the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which is available on the SDMA website, assessing the response mechanism in the district through an Incident Response System, enhancing coordination among emergency support agencies, and creating awareness among officials, the public, and central forces such as the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and National Disaster Response Force.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary Revenue and Chairperson of the State Disaster Management Authority, Shri Sandip Jacques, IAS; Collectors and Chairpersons of the District Disaster Management Authority, North and South Goa Districts, Dr. Sneha Gite and Ms. Egna Cleetus, IAS; Deputy Collectors; Senior Officers of various line departments; and others took stock of the entire mock exercise from the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) stationed at the Secretariat, Porvorim, and the South Goa Collectorate.
All line departments, including the National Disaster Response Force, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Drishti Lifesaving, Electricity, Health Services, Civil Defence, Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Indian Oil Gas Limited, trained community volunteers (Aapda Mitras and Sakhis), and the Department of Information and Publicity participated in the mock drill.
