ITANAGAR, 24 Sep: The state's Disaster Management Department is going to conduct a series of 'hospital mock exercise,' based on an earthquake and multi-hazard emergency scenario at five hospitals in Itanagar and Naharlagun to assess and strengthen disaster preparedness, emergency response, and coordination among hospitals and response agencies from 25 September onwards.

In a public notice issued on 24 September, the department informed that during the three-day exercise, simulated emergency situations, including an earthquake, multiple casualties, fire incidents, search and rescue operations, evacuation, and mass-casualty management will be carried out.

"The exercise will involve the NDRF, SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services and Health Department, under the supervision of the State Disaster Management Authority, Arunachal Pradesh. General public and patients are requested not to panic or misunderstand the simulated emergency situations as a real disaster. Patients and attendants are requested to follow the instruction of hospital authorities and exercise personnel and to cooperate with the response teams. The exercise aims to strengthen hospital and emergency response preparedness for effective disaster management and saving lives during actual emergencies," the notice read.

The mock exercise will begin on 25 September at Hormin Hospital and Niba Hospital, which will be followed by exercises at the TRIHMS on 26 September and at RK Mission Hospital and Heema Hospital on 28 September.