Mokokchung, 24th April, 2026 (www.nokinketer.in): The National Disaster Management Authority held a press briefing in connection with the upcoming National Earthquake Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) 2026 at NSDMA Conference Hall, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on April 24, 2026.

Secretary NSDMA, Sentiwapang Aier, briefed media persons on the upcoming Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) 2026 and the newly introduced “Operation Night Guard”, highlighting the State Government’s continued commitment to disaster readiness and public safety.

He stated that NEPEx 2026 marks the eighth edition of the state-level preparedness exercise, organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) under the Home Department, with support from the National Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx). The exercise will simulate scenarios involving sudden and extreme weather-related disasters to test the State’s preparedness, strengthen coordination among departments and response agencies, and enhance the effectiveness of emergency response systems.

Aier stated that the exercise is being implemented in phases. The first phase, a capacity-building program, was conducted on April 2 via video conference with experts from Delhi. This will be followed by a Tabletop Exercise (TTEx) on April 29 at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), Kohima, with participation from district-level emergency operation centres. The TTEx will review disaster management plans and coordination mechanisms ahead of the full-scale drill.

The main state-level mock exercise will be conducted on April 30 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon across Nagaland, involving activation of response teams and demonstration of coordinated emergency actions such as search and rescue, evacuation, and medical response.

In addition, Aier announced a new component this year, “Operation Night Guard,” which will be conducted on the evening of April 30 from 6:30 p.m. onwards. This Civil Defence exercise will involve siren activation and temporary blackout measures to test emergency alert systems and public response in designated towns.

He underscored that the conduct of NEPEx and Operation Night Guard signifies the State Government’s commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and ensuring the safety and resilience of communities.

Highlighting the importance of public awareness, Aier noted that disasters often occur without warning, making preparedness essential. He said the exercises aim to simulate real-life scenarios so that citizens are better equipped to respond effectively in times of real crisis.

Aier informed that, for the first time, helicopter services from Thumby Aviation Pvt Ltd. will be incorporated into the exercise to provide aerial support, with facilitation from the Ministry of Home Affairs to strengthen emergency response capabilities.

He also informed that a consultant team led by a retired Major General will oversee the exercise, with observers deployed at state and district levels. Technical agencies like the Geological Survey of India and the India Meteorological Department will also participate in the April 29 tabletop exercise. Preparedness is crucial, as disasters can strike unexpectedly,” he said, urging citizens to remain vigilant and responsive.

The joint CEO of NSDMA, Dr. Johnny Ruangmei, said NEPEx 2026 will simulate a 7.7-magnitude earthquake with its epicentre at Piphema to test Nagaland’s disaster preparedness.

He informed that the exercise will assess large-scale damage, casualties, landslides, fire incidents, and communication breakdown while testing response systems including rescue, medical aid, and relief management. He added that the drill will involve all departments, agencies, NGOs, and volunteers, with alternative communication systems like ham radio to be used.

Ruangmei clarified that the exercise is only a simulation and not a prediction, urging the public to remain calm and be aware without panic.

Deputy Commandant General (HG, Civil Defence & SDRF), Medozhalie Pienyu, informed that Operation Night Guard, a Civil Defence air raid and blackout exercise, will be conducted on April 30 in 10 districts of Nagaland.

The exercise will begin at 6:30 PM, simulating a drone attack scenario with fire incidents, structural damage, and casualties. A 15-minute blackout will be observed from 6:30 PM to 6:45 PM, during which citizens will be required to switch off all non-essential lights.

He said the drill aims to test emergency response systems, public coordination, and communication networks, with participation from various departments and trained Civil Defence volunteers.