Secretary, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Department, UT Ladakh, informed that a UT-level mock exercise on Earthquake, Cloudburst, and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) hazards will be conducted across both districts of Ladakh in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

In this connection, NDMA, New Delhi, convened an Orientation and Coordination Conference through Video Conferencing (VC). The VC was chaired by senior NDMA officials and attended by representatives from UT Disaster Management Authority (UTDMA) Ladakh, District Administrations of Leh and Kargil, Defence & Security Forces, Police, Fire & Emergency Services, Health Department, PWD, and other line departments, NGOs and community-based organisations.

NDMA reviewed  and coordinate preparations for a mock exercise on multi-hazard scenarios, specifically focusing on Earthquake, Cloudburst, and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) hazards in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

During the videoconference, NDMA experts provided a detailed presentation on Hazard profile of Ladakh and the increasing risks from seismic activity, extreme rainfall events, and glacial lake breaches, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for coordinated response, Communication and early warning systems for remote and high-altitude areas and Role of Incident Response System (IRS) in managing emergencies.

The participants discussed the mock exercise plan, which will include simulated earthquake tremors, flash floods due to cloudburst, and a GLOF event. The exercise will test evacuation drills, search & rescue operations, medical triage, relief camp management, and restoration of essential services.

Officials emphasised the importance of community participation and awareness, especially in vulnerable villages near glacial lakes and in seismically sensitive zones. Special focus was given to coordination between civil administration, armed forces, and local volunteers.

The NDMA team urged all departments to review their contingency plans, resource inventory, and inter-agency communication protocols ahead of the exercise. The meeting concluded with a commitment to conduct the mock drill realistically, ensuring lessons learned is incorporated into future disaster preparedness strategies.