Joint Exercise Enhances Inter-Agency Preparedness and Disaster Response
Sri Vijaya Puram, July 10: A comprehensive mock drill simulating an earthquake followed by a fire outbreak was successfully conducted at the Armed Police Unit (APU), Police Lines on 10/07/2025, under the joint coordination of the A&N Police Fire Service and the Andaman & Nicobar Police.
The primary objective of the exercise was to assess the preparedness of various emergency response agencies, reinforce inter-departmental coordination, and enhance the operational capabilities of personnel in dealing with real-time disasters, especially in view of the seismic vulnerability of the islands.
The drill commenced with the sounding of the earthquake alarm at approximately 1000 hrs, prompting immediate evacuation of all personnel from office buildings and barracks to designated open safe zones. Simulated tremors were followed by an artificial fire breakout scenario in the main administrative block, triggering a swift and synchronized multi-agency response.
Key elements of the mock drill included:
-Rapid Evacuation Procedures conducted by APU officers in line with standard disaster protocols.
-Firefighting Operations performed by the A&N Police Fire Service using fire tenders, hoses, and breathing apparatus to control and extinguish the simulated blaze.
-Search and Rescue Operations, wherein trapped “victims” were identified, rescued, and stabilized under simulated hazardous conditions.
-First Aid and Medical Triage carried out by medical professionals from DHS, who provided on-site emergency care and mock casualty transportation drills.
The exercise was observed by senior officials from the participating departments, including representatives from the Disaster Management Unit, who evaluated response time, equipment readiness, and coordination effectiveness.
The Andaman & Nicobar Police remains committed to ensuring the safety and resilience of the force and the public through proactive training, simulation exercises, and community engagement in disaster preparedness.