News Reporter
Air Raid Sirens Echo Across Meghalaya in Major War Preparedness Drill Led by MHA
Shillong, May 7 –
In a significant move to bolster emergency preparedness, Meghalaya conducted its first statewide air raid drill in over five decades, bringing back wartime sirens and coordinated blackouts across all twelve districts. The Ministry of Home Affairs directed the exercise as part of a renewed focus on civil defence readiness amid evolving national security scenarios.
At exactly 6:28 PM on Tuesday, air raid sirens rang out across the state, simulating an enemy aircraft intrusion. By 6:30 PM, homes, institutions, and public facilities went into a complete two-minute blackout, before the “all-clear” siren marked the end of the drill.
🔶 Coordinated Effort Across Meghalaya
The drill, which began around 4 PM, involved comprehensive coordination between civil defence teams, local administration, emergency responders, and defence personnel. Special emphasis was placed on high-priority zones such as the East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and West Garo Hills.
According to M.K. Sangma, Joint Director of Civil Defence, the simulation was “aimed at assessing Meghalaya’s response capability in the event of war or any similar emergency scenario.” Sangma also confirmed that this was just the first phase of a larger civil defence campaign, with more extensive drills to be scheduled soon.
🔶 Realistic Training for Real Threats
The exercise featured mock search-and-rescue missions, responses to simulated building collapses, and handling of imaginary fire incidents. Civil Defence Wardens, local volunteers, and emergency services played key roles in ensuring smooth execution.
Participation also included personnel from:
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State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)
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Air Force Station Shillong
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Indian Army’s 101 Area Command
The drill emphasized inter-agency coordination, a crucial aspect in dealing with real-time conflict or disaster scenarios.
🔶 Public Awareness and Preparedness
The air raid drill not only tested institutional readiness but also served as a public awareness campaign, reminding citizens of the importance of cooperation during emergencies. Residents were instructed in advance to turn off all lights during the blackout window and follow Civil Defence protocols.
Officials stated that such initiatives are vital to strengthening civil-military relations and ensuring that the general population is not caught off-guard in case of future threats.