A REPORT
OF STATE LEVEL MEGA MOCK EXERCISE ON EARTHQUAKE DISASTER IN THE STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH ON 11th July 2019 HELD IN DISTRICT KULLU
ORGANISED BY STATE DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY, H.P.
IN COLLABORATION WITH NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
PRESENTED BY DISTRICT DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY DISTRICT KULLU
1 | P a g e 1. Introduction
Due to the geological setting and position of Himachal Pradesh in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, it is prone to the effects of seismicity since time invincible. Earthquakes are the single largest concern for the nations of the world including India as they take heavy toll on human life, destroying belongings and infrastructures with far –reaching economic and social consequences for the communities. As per the vulnerability atlas of India, the state profile of Himachal Pradesh comes under Seismic Zone – IV & V of high and very high risk zone intensity liable to VIII, IX and above on Modified Mercalli Scale (Fig. 1). Himalayan Region that has been formed as result of Plate Tectonic collision of the Indo- Eurasian plates is vulnerable to earthquake of 8.0 and above Richter scale magnitude. The effect of which has been seen over the past years and recently during the Nepal earthquake in May, 2015.
Fig.1: Kullu Earthquake Hazard Risk Zonation Map
Himachal Pradesh, however, has not experienced major seismicity since 1905, 4th April earthquake of Kangra which was on the Richter scale of 7. 8 magnitude located on the Main Boundary Thrust. It resulted in 19727 deaths, severely causing large scale damage to properties. At the same time District Kullu had 330 deaths in Sultanpur area, 180 in Siraj and 240 in Outer Siraj (Baduwi, 1905 in Singh, V.B. 2011). This for District Kullu is also considered as the worst disaster ever. However, the region also again experienced another earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 on the Richter scale the following year in 1906 with epicenter near Karshing but losses of it are not known. Recently on 27th August 2017 Anni Sub Division within District Kullu experienced a seismic activity of 4.6 on the Richter scale, which had its epicenters near Rampur –Anni belt within Districts of Shimla – Kullu. Thus, over the years several low to medium
2 | P a g e intensity earthquakes have been experienced regularly in this area with the latest one on 31st January 2018 with epicenter in Hindukush belt.
Earthquakes being non-predictable and without early warning, calls for building capacities of functionaries and communities in various facets for coping with earthquake disasters which are regarded as one of the worst disasters of all, with respect to life and economic loss. With the efforts of conducting various training and other preparedness and mitigation programmes within State of Himachal Pradesh, mock exercise for earthquakes will definitely strengthen both the State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMA), various stakeholder departments, including the Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) both at the state and district levels for times of emergencies. Hence, to meet any kind of emergency situations like earthquake disasters, it is important that administrators as well as public is prepared in advance to meet the challenges and to minimize the extent of damage both to life and property. It is important to have a well laid out rescue and relief plan, with a well- defined developmental approach, as it is the underprivileged and the vulnerable groups that are the worst affected by natural disasters. Thus, the success of any disaster management plan depends largely on the participation of the community alongside with the authorities for overcoming large scale incidents of disasters like earthquakes.
2. District Profile
Kullu district forms the eastern part of central Himachal Pradesh positioned between 31058’00” North latitude and 77006,04” East longitudes, located at an altitude of 1,279 m (4,196 ft) with total area of 54771 hectares. It is surrounded by the districts of Kangra to the north and north- west, Mandi to the west, Shimla to the south, Kinnaur to the south –east and Lahaul and Spiti to the eastern side. It has three major rivers Beas and Parvati flowing within its territory and Satluj on its southern boundary with District Shimla. The following table 1 displays its administrative set up:
3 | P a g e Table 1: Administrative Profile of District Kullu
Administrative set-up
Zonal Headquarter Kullu
Sub Division (04) Manali ,Kullu, Banjar and Anni
Tehsil (05) Kullu, Nirmand, Banjar , Manali and Bhuntar
Sub Tehsils (03) Sainj, Anni and Neether
Administrative Division Blocks 5 Nos.
Towns 4 Nos.
Total villages 326 Nos.
The total population of district Kullu is 4, 37,903 (2011 census) of which male population is 2,25,452 and female population is 2, 12,451. However the rural population (3, 96,512) is higher in District Kullu than its urban population (41,391), while its total number of households is only 94,807. Keeping with the demographic statistics of this region, the earthquake Hazard and Risk assessment for approximately 53% area lying in Zone V and about 47 % lying in Zone IV of District Kullu is as below:
Table 2: Earthquake Hazard/ Risk Assessment - District Kullu
Hazard Characteristic Who /What at Probability Vulnerability Rank Risk (Rate) (Rate) (PXV) District falls in Human & Zone IV &V Cattle Life
Buildings & Houses Kuccha & Pucca House within District not VH VH Earthquake Earthquake resilient 2 (1) (1) Damages can be Community High & Infrastructure Power Projects Lifeline structures
4 | P a g e 3. Objectives of the State Level Mega Exercise
Based on the earthquake assessment of District Kullu, the objectives undertaken for the Mega Mock exercise based on scenario of 8.0 Mw on the Richter scale with epicentre at Mandi (Sunder Nagar) were as below: 1. Review of the Disaster plan of the District 2. To evaluate overall preparedness and functioning of various stakeholders 3. To enhance coordination and Synergy among the various Emergency Support Functions both at state and district level 4. To highlight the roles and responsibilities of Stakeholder departments in managing disasters like earthquakes 5. Activation of Incident Response System (IRS) within the district 6. To identify lacunae in the preparedness and response system of various IRS Units with regards to resources, manpower, equipment, communication, transportation, etc. 7. Incorporating lessons learnt after the Drill for further preparedness of earthquake mitigation.
4. Methodology
The State Level Mega Exercise held on 11th July, 2019 within District Kullu was a joint effort of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ministry of Home Affairs and Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, based on scenario building process due to non- predictability of seismicity and its intensity. The sites within District Kullu were selected keeping with the risk and vulnerability levels with regards to the community and the infrastructure. The conduction of the Mega Mock drill was based on the system of Incident Response System.
5 | P a g e 5. Scenario
The scenario consisted of an earthquake occurrence of magnitude 8.0 on the Richter scale with epicenter near Mandi at Sunder Nagar (Fig.2) at Early Morning. The tremors were experienced by whole of North North-Western States of India. Under the worst scenario of the earthquake for the State of H.P. Major communication lines including mobile network was affected, power lines and major roads damaged, with a fear of large scale damage to property and heavy number of casualties. Based on Scenario within District Kullu it was estimated that total percentage of injured persons were 16.1% and dead as 2.5% of the total population lying in Zone IV and V. The effect of the earthquake was also felt in neighbouring States of Punjab, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Fig. 2: Earthquake Scenario Intensity Map
6. Stages for Preparedness for the Earthquake Mock Exercise
The State level Mega Mock Exercise was conducted in Four Stages within District Kullu. First three stages comprised of the pre preparedness process for the actual exercise to be held on 11th July, 2019.
6.1. Stage I: Orientation & Coordinating Conference. Date: 3rd July, 2019. Venue: Conference Hall, Armsdale Building Secretariat Shimla Presided over by: Chief Secretary Government of Himachal Pradesh
6 | P a g e It was attended by the Deputy Commissioner, Kullu Dr. Richa Verma.
It provided an overview to the key state officials to acquaint themselves with the Mega Mock Exercise and capture learning and understanding of various steps under IRS, for conduct of Mega Mock Exercise.
6.2. Stage II: Preparedness Meeting for Earthquake Exercise Date: 8th July, 2019 Venue: Zila Parishad Conference Hall Presided over by: Deputy Commissioner, Kullu Dr. Richa Verma
Meeting was attended by the SDM’s, ASP Kullu, Para- military forces, Civil Defence, DDMA members and heads of all Stakeholder Departments within District Kullu.
Picture 1: Preparedness meeting presided over by Deputy Commissioner Kullu
Major preparedness points discussed were as below: The earthquake exercise should be a bottom –up approach Selection of Sites and earmarking of Staging areas SDM‟s of Anni, Banjar and Manali to conduction Earthquake drill at Sub Division levels, by selecting one site of incidence each, in order to have a wider analysis and over view of the earthquake disaster preparedness within the district Sub Division Kullu to be combined with District Headquarter
7 | P a g e Notification of IRS within District Kullu and incorporating IRS for the Emergency Response Plan of the District and its working during all type of emergencies Preparing the inventory and human resource by all Stakeholder Departments To make preparations as per District Disaster Management Plan and their respective departmental plans taking into consideration Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) Intimating the Paramilitary forces and Airport Authority of India regarding the earthquake drill. Stakeholders briefed about the concept of IRS and IRT and the designated responsibilities as per IRS Sections and units, through briefing by T&CB Coordinator Kullu District. IRT unit in charges directed to form their respective teams and prepare them for the same Preparation of communication through wireless sets available with DEOC and the Police department The availability of machinery and equipment within stakeholding departments for search and rescue, human resources, food and water supply, availability of medical staff and possibility of make shift hospital, law and order, transportation, electricity, and mobile toilets, etc. within headquarters and Sub Divisions Request for dummies from the residential areas, Community based organizations- NYKS, NCC and NGO- Kar Seva Dal DPRO Kullu to ensure public awareness about the Mock Drill to avoid chaos and confusion especially in the residential area DC directed that the video conference for the Mock Drill shall be conducted from the DEOC Room itself so to make all necessary arrangements in order to make it fully functions for meetings and video functioning.
6.3. Stage III: Table Top Exercise of the State Level Mega Mock Drill Date: 10th July, 2019 Venue: DEOC Room Kullu Presided over by: Deputy Commissioner, Kullu Dr. Richa Verma.
It was conducted through Video conferencing with the Principal Secretary, to the Government of Himachal Pradesh in presence of the Additional District Magistrate, SDM’s, ASP, CMO, SE PWD, IPH, HPSEB, Para-Military Forces –ITBP&SSB, Civil Defence 8 | P a g e Forces- Home guard & Fire, IRT unit Heads with other departmental Heads, Volunteer organizations–NCC, NYKS, Kar Seva and Observers from the Army and ITBP.
Picture 3: Video conference during the Table Top Exercise from DEOC room Kullu
During the Video conference the State described the Earthquake scenario for 11th July, 2019 and asked various Deputy Commissioners about their preparation. After the conference all Stakeholders were again reminded to conduct the drill keeping with the points described during the presentation of the state during video conferencing by NDMA The SOP’s of the District Disaster plan and their departmental plans to be activated and synergized, along with conducting the drill of “Drop Cover Hold” within their respective departments as well. All were asked to be ready for the exercise, as no exact or estimated time was provided during the table top exercise by the State and NDMA for the next day The meeting ended with excitement and zeal among all the participants
9 | P a g e 7. IRT District Kullu The Notified District Level Incident Response Team (IRT) in pursuance of Disaster Management Act-2005 and the guidelines issued by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for
effective, efficient and comprehensive management of disasters in order to minimizing the loss of life and property within district are as shown in Annexure I.
8. Earthquake Drill selected sites within District Kullu
Kullu District having a Hilly topography along with narrow, crowded and inaccessible areas besides being the most favored tourist destination, the following sites in table 3 were selected for carrying out the Mega Earthquake Mock Exercise within the district.
Fig. 3: Map of Incident site and Staging area –Headquarters District Kullu
10 | P a g e
Table 3: Selected five sites for Mock Drill within District Kullu
S. No. Name of Place Selected 5 sites Geo –Coordinates
Headquarters and Sub Akhara Bazar, Kullu 31˚57’36”N 1. 77˚05’60”E Division Kullu Gurudwara, Chamunda Nagar 31˚57’51.99N Valley Bridge at Akhara Bazar 77˚6’52.98E 2. Subdivision Manali Ibex Complex. 32˚14’42” N 77˚11’25”E 3. Sub Division Banjar Sheglu Bazar/Market Area 31˚38’15.63N 77˚20’38.68E 4. Sub Division Anni New Bus-Stand Anni. 31˚26’04.11N 77˚20’40.09E
9. List of Observers
Observers were nominated by the State and NDMA to oversee the Earthquake Mock Exercise within the district who was from the Army and the ITBP: Army: One nominated officers for the District headquarters were from the Army Camp at Holta, Palampur District Kangra Lt. Satwinder, Observer ITBP: The one observer from Indo-Tibetian Boarder Police was from the 2nd Battalion ITBP, Babeli Camp, District Kullu Deputy Commandant, Sh. Suresh Kumar While at the subdivision level the SDM’s were asked to appoint principles or professors of educational institutes within their respective jurisdiction as Observers: Anni Sub Division – Sh. Amar Chand Chauhan, Prinicipal, Govt. Model Senior Secondary School Banjar – Sh. Joginder, Professor, Degree College Banjar. Manali – Sh. Mangal Negi, Principal, Govt. Senior Secondary School
10. Response plan The response plan formed as per directions provided by the NDMA to conduct the Mega Earthquake Mock Exercise on 11th July, 2019 was as below:
11 | P a g e Blowing of Siren for 2 minutes Drop, Cover, Hold Exercise to be conducted by all officers/ officials at their respective places Immediate Activation of DEOC Intimating the Para- Military Forces within District and other emergency agencies by DEOC Assembling of DDMA members and IRT team within DEOC for further action plan to be carried out after assessment of damage and loss Taking count or estimation of the loss of life and damaged having occurred by the RO Formation of Incident Action Plan as per IRS format Setting up of Staging area and ICP Formation of Task Forces and mobilizing them to the site of incidences based on damage assessment Immediately Activation of Medical facilities, Law and Order and Fire facilities Setting up of minor medical camps at the site of incidence and relief camps for first aid Evacuation of the survivals and victims from the site of incidence to the designated relief camps Disposal of carcasses to mortuary or cremation ground after proper documentation Compensation provision to the victims Demobilization of technical and human resources by the IC Closing of the Mock drill with sound of the siren
11. Activities during Mega Mock Drill
With the preparation completed the final day of the Mega Earthquake Mock Exercise arrived on 11th July 2019. At around 08:00 AM the Observer assembled in the room of DEOC, Kullu from where the drill was going to be synchronized within the district. He later also observed the activities of the Staging area and the Relief Area as well. The observer from ITBP, Babeli monitored the activities at Akhara Bazar area within Kullu city, while the alternate Nodal Officer from Army watched upon the drill at staging area, Dhalpur Kullu. The dummies to be used as victims were all mobilized to their three respective sites of the mega mock exercise by 7:00 AM. They consisted of volunteers from NYKS, NCC, Kar Seva Dal and the residents of Akhara & Chamunda Nagar residential area. 12 | P a g e
11.1. DEOC Room Kullu
At 08:30 AM sharp the siren was blown at Deputy Commissioners Office for two minutes to commemorate the start of the Earthquake Mock Exercise within Kullu district. The siren was also blown for the Mock exercise at the Sub Divisions of Anni, Banjar and Manali at 08:32 AM. Blowing of the siren indicated occurrence of the Mega Earthquake within Kullu District. DEOC Kullu received the message from SEOC Shimla of the occurrence of an earthquake of 8.0 Mw on the Richter scale having its epicenter in Sundernagar, Mandi District. After the siren stopped DEOC got activated immediately and Bulk SMS with Warning of Earthquake (indication of emergency) was circulated to all the nodal officers of IRT Kullu and stakeholders within district till panchayats. It was an indication for the nodal officers to immediately rush to DEOC room situated in Deputy Commissioners Office, to overlook the emergency operation. IRT was thus activated.
The first to reach DEOC was the Responsible Officer and Incident Commander at 08:40 AM, followed behind by other officers. Within a time period of 10 - 15 minutes of the blowing of siren, concerned HOD’s of the Departments within the vicinity of DC’s Office reached DEOC. Within seconds it came forth that the communication network was completely shut down within District and so no communication could be made with the state by the Responsible Officer with regards to information on the occurrence of the seismicity. Nor he could get in touch with the Sub Divisional Officers within the district for getting information of the scale of damage and loss. DEOC was cut of through communication lines. Hence, the local and police wireless system had to be activated. The Police Wireless network was already set up within DEOC room to get in touch with the Sub Divisions, neighboring Districts and the State. Information was given to worthy Divisional Commissioner, ITBP & NDRF via the use of I-Sat phone because of no mobile phone network.
13 | P a g e At 08:52 AM the information was received through the police control set up for the RO to communicate that the crowded and narrow lane of Cammunda Naggar Residential Area had been affected but number of victims and scale of damage could not be estimated at that time. Fire had broken out in many places at Akhara Bazar, Kullu. Second news came at 08:55 AM through Police wireless network message from Manali that some hotels & residential buildings were collapsed. There was fear of some major casualties but details were not known yet.
From Anni information was received at 09:03 AM regards to damage and loss around the New bus stand next to the road going to the Sub Divisional Office, within the market area, while at 09:10 AM police control room Anni Sub Division informed damage of the PWD Rest House and Himalayan Model School within the market area. With the setting up of Police Control at DEOC, with the help of I- SAT, RO was able to inform the State about the scale of damage of the 3 major sites at the headquarters that got affected as a result of seismic activity, namely the Akhara Bazar, Valley Bridge and Chamundanagar Residential area. While information from Sub Divisions were awaited. Again at 09:40 AM the SEOC through Fax were informed of the other major incident sites within Kullu District at Manali, Anni and Banjar.
Splitting of Army and Para- Military forces within District for SAR
With the assembling of the IRT Unit heads and HOD’s of various departments including Para-Military officials of ITBP and SSB the briefing of the situation was put forth by the Responsible Officer (DC Kullu) and the Incident Commander. Thereafter, the assessment of the damage (Table 4) was undertaken to further form the strategy for SAR operations within Kullu.
14 | P a g e Table 4: Major Affected Earthquake Incident Sites within District Kullu
S. No. Selected 5 sites Name Loss Estimation Geo – of Place Coordinates Communication Disrupted Fire broken out at many places Valley Bridge Collapsed, two 31˚52’35”.85 N Akhara Bazar vehicles & some of the people swept away. 77˚09’14”.07 E 1. Kullu Electricity break down
Cammund Buildings collapsed a Naggar – Temple damaged 31˚57’42”.17 N Upper Fire broken out at few places 77˚06’51”.17 E Dhalpur electricity break down Hotel & Residential Buildings damaged 32˚14’42.02 N 2. Ibex Complex/ Manali Communication disrupted 77˚11’24”.76 E Mall Road Road Blocked Sheglu Building damaged Roads Damaged 3. Bazar/ Banjar 31˚38’15”.55 N Communication and electricity failure 77˚20’40”.09 E Market Livestock loss Area Himalayan Model Public School damaged The New bus PWD Rest House damaged 4. stand with Anni Roads blocked 31˚26’04”.11 N Market area Communication and electricity 77˚25’09”.37 E break down
The RO along with IC and the Section Chiefs of Operations, Planning and Logistics (Annexure I) immediately planned the strategy for the rescue and relief of the victims of the earthquake affected sites following the steps given below:
Establishment of Staging Area With the 8Mw earthquake having epicenter at Mandi, the neighboring district of District Kullu the entire belt was affected as a result of it. To cater the five incidents cites, staging areas was thus formed at four different places within the district.
15 | P a g e
Table 5: Establishment of Four Staging Areas within District Kullu
S. No. Place within District Name of Staging Area 1. Kullu Headquarter Dhalpur Ground –Sports Complex
2. Anni Sub Division Anni Bus Stand 3. Banjar Sub Division Veterinary Hospital Complex 4. Manali Sub Division Parking Area adjoining to civil hospital
All stakeholders were directed to send in their logistic support both human and machinery (Table 7&8) to the staging area immediately and the Operation Section Chief directed to start the Operation immediately through his team for the 2 major affected areas by forming two Task Forces, each having a team leader and sending them to the Akhara Bazar and Residential area of Chamundanagar. Meanwhile, human resource along with machinery and equipment of various Stakeholders and Para- military forces like ITBP, Police, Home Guards, PWD, IPD, Electricity, Red Cross, HRTC, etc. were rushed to the Staging area for formation of task force for carrying out SAR operation. Establishment of IC Post, along with various IRS unit chiefs post was decided to be established next to the Staging area within Dhalpur Ground Kullu for easy access and coordination among the units and the IC.
Establishment of Relief camp The Sub Divisional Officers (Civil) were given directions to establish their respective relief camps and look into all essential equipment‟s to be provided to the earthquake survivals like blankets, medicines, water, food, mobile toilets, security including heating provision due to the cold winter season and establishing of a control room and registration centre within the camps.
16 | P a g e Table 6: Relief Camps within District Kullu
S. No. Place within District Name of Relief Camp 1. Kullu Headquarter Dhalpur Ground 2. Anni Sub Division Bus Stand 3. Banjar Sub Division Veterinary Hospital Complex 4. Manali Sub Division Ram Bagh
Setting up of first aid medical camps at the site of incidents Looking into the large scale casualties having occurred within Kullu city, Chief Medical Officer suggested forming small first aid camps within the affected areas to provide immediate first aid to the victims and then to mobilise them to the Relief camps. But the major casualties were to be immediately mobilised to Regional or other Private Hospitals within the District. He also suggested forming a medical care centre at Dhalpur Ground due to increased number of casualties. Road assessment Estimation of affected routes for quick movement of the SAR team and vehicles was carried out. SE PWD notified that there have been blockages due to falling of buildings and tree in various parts of the city. Teams of PWD labourers had already got into action for clearing of the major pathways for the swift movement of the traffic and human resource. The Public Works Department was asked to remove the debris from the areas which was hindering the movement of SAR teams along with MC labour and the Forest department to remove the fallen trees as well. The RO directed the PWD department to first clear the alternate and shortest routes connecting major affected area of Akhara Bazar.
Provision of the Human resources Human Resources assessment available (Table 7) for SAR was undertaken for the city and the Sub Divisions:
17 | P a g e
Table 7: Immediate Human Resource available within Kullu city
S. No. Department Human Resource available Total Number Traffic Personals -10 x10 (2 teams) Wireless operators -6 1. Police 40 Quick Response Team -5 Police Officials -7 5 officials, 2. Medical 20 paramedics, 55 30 ANM &trained volunteers, 3. Home Guards 27 27 4. Fire 12 12 5. ITBP Babeli 25 25
7. PWD 40 40 8. IPH 6 6 9. Electricity 15 15 10. BDO 5 5 11. RTO 22 22 12. Communication (BSNL) 3 3 13. Food and Civil Supplies 10 10 14. Municipal Corporation 20 20 15. NYKS 55 55 16. NCC 20 20 17. NSS 15 15 18. NGO’s Volunteers 25 25 Total 395
Provision of Machinery and Equipment During assessment of various departments with regards to available machinery and equipment for use during SAR operation and in providing relief the total analysis put forth was as below:
18 | P a g e
Table 8: List of Machinery / Equipment engaged in Search and Rescue within Kullu City
Vehicle type Number Department
Wireless VHF 23 16-DDMA, VHF – 9 Hand Held Set ( Walkly – Talky) – 28 Police Bus 8 2-HRTC, 1-Animal Husbandry,1- Public Relations, 2- ITBP, 2 - Police Tipper 3 1- HPSEB, 2- PWD Taxi cab 2 2- RTO, Jeep 4 2- PWD, 2- Transport Bolero 1 1- HPSEB JCB 2 1- PWD, 1- I&PH Ambulances 6 2- 108, 2- Hospital, 1- Red Cross, 1- Kar Seva Dal (NGO) Fire Tenders 3 2 - Fire Departments, Pick axes 20 15-PWD, 5-I&PH Shovel 34 30-PWD, 4-I&PH Hammer 7 6-PWD, 1-I&PH Jumper 8 8- PWD Kassi 3 3- I&PH Water Tanker 2 2- IPH Ladder 2 2- HPSEB Plies 5 5 – HPSEB Public Address System 1 1- Public Relations (battery operated)
Looking into the major Human Resource and Equipment within Sub Divisions were as follows: Table 9: Immediate Human resource and Equipment available at Sub Divisional Levels
Participation of Name of Sub Division S. No. Government / Private Anni Banjar Manali Machinery Participation of Government / Private 1. Police personnel 25 10 15 2. Home Guard 9 10 8 3. Civil Defense (Fire) 7 6 12
19 | P a g e 4. NCC/ NSS / Volunteers 60 40 74 5. Local Community 50 40 30 6. Any other 13- PWD Labour 22- MC Labour - 15- ABVIMAS 15- BRO Total Human Resource 151 119 191 Equipment Mobilized
7. Govt. vehicles, i.e., 6 4 5 trucks, buses, jeeps, etc. 8. JCB,PWD Machinery 1 1 1 9. Ambulances 2 3 2 10. Fire Tenders 2 1 3 11. Communication Network 1 -wireless sets - - 12. Police wireless Network 2 3 8 13. Any other 2–Search Lights 6- Stretcher 1-Water 2- Ladder 1-Ladder Tanker 8- Stretchers 2- Rope 6-Stretcher 6-Helmet 1- B.A. Set 3-Rope 1- Bolt cutter 10-Helmet 10- Helmet 1- Ladder
Provision of Medical Facilities The complete medical facilities were activated within District Kullu (Table 10) At the incident sites of the Residential area, immediate first aid camps were formed by the ITBP jawans for providing first response to the victims. After triage had been carried out by the medical teams at both places the victims were referred to the general ward/ trauma center or OT depending on their injuries and hence mobilized to the Hospital and Medical camp set up at Dhalpur Ground. Blood banks were checked for the availability of various blood groups as well. The Private institutions were also put on alert comprising of 15 institutions across the district having a total bed capacity of 246, besides 300 beds of the Regional Hospital Kullu.
20 | P a g e Table 10: Number of Medical Institutions within District Kullu
S. No. Institution Total Number 1. Regional Hospital 01 2. Civil Hospitals 04 3. Community Health Centers 04 4. Primary Health Centers 29 5. Health Sub Centers 102
Provision of Ration for Relief Camps District Supply Officer provided details of available ration and other essential equipment’s like blankets, toiletries, mattresses, etc. DFSC was directed to provide meals to the evacuated people in the relief camp and injured in the medical as well as Staging area and IC post. They were also asked to take help from other social organizations to overcome the requirement of food and essential equipment’s for the survivals and the injured. The food unit would be established near the Relief camp at Dhalpur Ground.
Provision of water supply I&PH and MC Kullu were directed to provide water tankers for the Relief camp and Medical camp as well as mineral water for drinking purposes to the survivals, victims and the task forces. SE I&PH informed that the team had got activated to check the damage of the water pipelines connecting hospitals and residential areas. CMO was directed to look into decontamination of the open water sources to prevent spread of epidemics. Restoration of electricity SE HPSEB Kullu informed of breakdown of electric poles and wires at many places and those directions were given to restore the major lines going to hospitals, schools, residential areas, and staging area and relief camps. Electricity Department was directed to provide one generator each to the Relief camp & a Medical camp till electricity is restored.
Meanwhile search lights were provided in the search and rescue area as well as the
21 | P a g e medical camps. Sewerage & Sanitation Provision Provision of Mobile toilets and Bathrooms were arranged at the Staging area, relief camp and site affected areas by the Municipal Corporation, Kullu MC labour was deployed to look into cleanliness and sanitation of the relief and medical camps. Disposal of Carcasses The Public Works Department and MC Kullu were directed to dispose of both human and animal carcasses after the police and medical teams have conducted proper documentation to the mortuary and cremation ground at Lanka Bakars near the River Beas side from the site of incidence to prevent spreading of epidemic and foul smell.
Media Management Media and Information officer was asked to look into the media release and coverage in order to control and prevent chaos and confusion among the public and spreading of rumors. He was also directed to manage media briefing both to the public and fellow media personnel’s of the standing earthquake situations after consultation with RO. Information Officer was also directed to carry out awareness measures and prevention steps through various available means of media for public safety and care. SAR and Relief assistance from outside agencies if required was also discussed. Airlifting of the critical patients to nearest medical center if required may be planned.
After the required briefing and planning with the RO at DEOC, IC along with the unit Heads rushed to the staging area and IC post established at Dhalpur Ground at 09:02 AM.
Picture 4: IRT moving to Staging Area from DEOC Kullu
22 | P a g e 11.2. Staging Area
The Operation Section chief had already formed the task forces as per the information provided to him from the DEOC Control room. The Incident Commandant on arrival immediately briefed the task teams and provided directions to the unit heads to carryout various activities of emergencies. Arrangements to be made at the Staging and Relief Camp at Dhalpur Ground were inspected by the IC.
Various tents for the IRT teams including Relief and Medical camps at Dhalpur ground were established by the ITBP jawans and volunteers for efficient operation of the earthquake search and rescue process.
Transport unit was asked to deploy the buses to the site of incidence to transport victims and evacuated people to the medical camp and relief center at Dhalpur. The Safety Unit was directed to provide security at the staging area, medical ward, and relief camp in order to avoid any undue incident from taking place and maintaining law and order. Medical Unit set up the medical camp and make shift operation center in the Sports Complex to meet the emergencies. The first ambulance with the injured arrived at 09:15 AM at the medical camp at Dhalpur Ground. The dead were moved to the mortuary after proper documentation. The cremation ground was also selected near the Lanka Bakers, for Kullu city and which wood was procured by the procuring officer from the Government Depot All the record related to the incident was maintained at the Incident Command Post like time logs, orders etc. to brief the RO. RO was thus, continuously updated of the on-going emergency operation by the IC from the ground to provide information to the state. The various units under IRS carried out their roles and responsibilities as per ESF. The RO and the IC personally monitored the entire exercise and maintained coordination with all the incident site in-charges and Emergency Support Functionaries at the District and Sub Divisional levels. The total time taken to complete the mock exercise was approximately three and a half
23 | P a g e hour at all the three sites within City and almost one and a half hour was taken within the Sub Divisions of District Kullu.
12. Demobilization of Technical and Human Resources
After calling of the exercise all the Task Force along with equipment’s and human resource returned to the Staging Area where the demobilize process was carried out by the unit in charge after debriefing by the Responsible Officer.
Picture 5: Demobilization be presided over by DC Kullu
13. Hot Wash The Mega Mock Exercise came to an end around 13:00 hours after which the IC and respective chiefs of the Operation , Planning and Logistic Sections with their sub unit HOD’s meet the RO at the DEOC Room for Hot Wash at 01:30 PM, along with the Chief Observer from the Army and the site Observer from ITBP. He listened to the remarks of the Chief Observer from the Army and the other two observers at the site of Akhara Bazar and Residential area. Final casualty report of the 5 areas selected for the earthquake exercise along with number of injuries is given in table 11.
24 | P a g e Table 11: Final Report of Casualties within District Kullu
Kullu City Chamundanagar Kullu – Akhara Bazar Total Residential area (ward no. 03) (ward no. 10) Male Female Children (C) Total (T) Male Female Total
Minor 11 18 - 29 07 20 27 56 injuries Major 09 12 7 21 04 08 12 33 injuries Fatalities 1 3 1 5 1 2 3 08 Three Sub Divisions of Kullu District Anni Banjar Manali M F C T M F C T M F C T
Minor 03 05 - 100 70 100 15 - - injuries 08 500 15 52 Major - - - 50 100 80 - - 3 injuries Fatalities 02 01 - 03 20 20 30 70 02 04 10 83 Referred 2 to IGMC Shimla - - Grand Total of Casualties within District Kullu Injured Persons Casualties 612 91
Immediate Relief Compensation provided to the victims of the earthquake by the various Sub Divisions based on the casualties in table 11above was as below in table 12.
Table 12: Immediate Relief Compensation to the Victims of Earthquake Disasters
S. No. Region Relief (Rs.) 1. Headquarters 2, 30,000/- 2. Sub Division Anni 2,35,000/- 3. Sub Division Banjar 5,50,000/- 4. Sub Division Manali 4, 52,000/-
25 | P a g e Final Damage Loss Report of District Kullu provided to the RO during the Hot Wash was as below: Table 13: Immediate Damaged Relief provided within District Kullu
S. No. Name of Region Number of Damaged Houses Relief (Pucca and Kuccha) Kullu Headquarters 1. 21 houses and 1 Temple 2,20,000/- and Sub Division
2. Anni 6 1,20,000/-
3. Banjar 39 11,75,000/- 4. Manali 15 1,45,000/-
Final Figures from Drill Staging area was set up within half an hour Formation of task forces were a mixture of human resources- police, fire, medical, Home Guards, ITBP, SSB, Volunteers, Workers of MC Kullu, equipment’s like ambulances, tipper, JCB, Buses, shovels, spades, etc. Medical unit established within 40 minutes for carrying out the medical aid. Relief camp was ready within one hour including the food stall for the relief came. Media briefing was decided to be done after De-Briefing by the RO.
14. De-Briefing
De- briefing was carried out through Video Conference at 02:30 PM with the Principal Secretary, Himachal Pradesh and the NDMA members. It was attended by all the IRT unit Heads and DDMA members of District Kullu. Video Conference was conducted from the DEOC room of District Kullu. The Deputy Commissioner briefed the PS of the lessons learnt during the earthquake Mock exercise within District Kullu as given in suggested points/ lessons learnt.
26 | P a g e
Picture 6: De-Briefing session at DEOC Room
15. Suggested Points/ Lessons learnt
Departmental Standard Operating Procedures to be followed by all the respective departments as per their disaster management plans. Communication network to be strengthened on wireless and other means of communication till the Sub Divisional level. At site area the teams were not properly coordinated Need to prepare specific disaster management plans by all line departments similar to District Disaster Management Plan and IRS Mock drills like these to be held quarterly/ half years for better synergy and reflex. Installation of a permanent antenna to be installed at the DEOC Kullu Building of the Police for emergency purposes. Need for strengthening Air rescue operation due road damage and bursting of Larji dam if it happens in an actual earthquake
Training to be provided to Officers to use police control wireless system Ambulances to be equipped with lifesaving equipment as well, such as ventilator, fibrillate, etc.
27 | P a g e 16. Conduction of ‘Drop Cover Hold’ in Various Institutions within District
On the day of the Mega Mock Drill many educational and government institutions also conducted the drill with ‘Drop Cover Hold’ and evacuation by activation of their respective disaster management plans.
17. Conclusion
‘Prevention is better than cure‟ is the mantra of Mitigation efforts for preventing hazards from becoming disasters. Thus a well-rehearsed emergency plan developed as part of preparedness enables efficient coordination of rescue efforts to be achieved to optimal output with limited resources. Mock drill for earthquakes thus helped to build synergy among the stakeholders not only within each District of Himachal Pradesh but also awaked those to the difficulties that the state and the regions within can face in case of an actual seismic activity. The lessons thus learnt can help to make the community within State and Districts prepared for such incidences.
28 | P a g e Pictures of the Earthquake Drill Residential Area – Chammunda Naggar
29 | P a g e Dhalpur Ground - Kullu
30 | P a g e Anni Sub Division
31 | P a g e Banjar Sub Division
32 | P a g e Manali Sub Division
33 | P a g e Newspaper Coverage of various events of Mega Earthquake Mock Drill
08th July 2019 – Pre-Preparedness Meet
34 | P a g e 11th July 2019 - Mock Drill Day
35 | P a g e
36 | P a g e
37 | P a g e Annexure I Incident Response Team- District Kullu
38 | P a g e
39 | P a g e