Kohima: Nagaland is set to conduct the National Earthquake Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) 2026 along with a newly introduced civil defence drill, “Operation Night Guard,” aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and public safety across the state.
The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) announced this during a press briefing held on Friday at its Conference Hall in the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima.
Secretary NSDMA, Sentiwapang Aier, briefed media persons on the upcoming exercises, highlighting the state government’s continued commitment to enhancing emergency response systems and community resilience.
Aier said NEPEx 2026 marks the eighth edition of the state-level preparedness exercise, organised by NSDMA under the Home Department with support from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The exercise will simulate sudden and extreme weather-related disasters to test the state’s readiness, strengthen inter-departmental coordination, and enhance emergency response systems.
He informed that the exercise is being conducted in phases. The first phase—a capacity-building programme—was held on April 2 via video conferencing with experts from Delhi. This will be followed by a Table Top Exercise (TTEx) on April 29 at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Kohima, involving 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 is scheduled for April 30 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon across Nagaland. It will involve activation of response teams and coordinated emergency actions, including search and rescue, evacuation, and medical response.
Aier also announced the introduction of “Operation Night Guard,” to be conducted on the evening of April 30 from 6:30 PM onwards. The Civil Defence exercise will involve siren activation and temporary blackout measures to test emergency alert systems and public response in designated towns.
He emphasised that the conduct of NEPEx and Operation Night Guard reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening disaster resilience and ensuring community safety. Stressing public awareness, Aier noted that disasters often occur without warning, making preparedness essential.
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.
A consultant team led by a retired Major General will oversee the exercise, with observers deployed at both state and district levels. Technical agencies such as the Geological Survey of India and the India Meteorological Department will participate in the April 29 TTEx.
Joint CEO of NSDMA, Dr Johnny Ruangmei, said NEPEx 2026 will simulate a 7.7 magnitude earthquake with its epicentre at Piphema to assess the state’s disaster response capabilities. The exercise will evaluate scenarios involving large-scale damage, casualties, landslides, fire incidents, and communication breakdowns.
He added that all departments, agencies, NGOs, and volunteers will participate, with alternative communication systems such as ham radio being utilised. Ruangmei clarified that the exercise is only a simulation and not a prediction, urging the public to remain calm and avoid panic.
Deputy Commandant General (Home Guards, Civil Defence & SDRF), Medozhalie Pienyu, said Operation Night Guard will be conducted in 10 districts of Nagaland. The exercise will simulate a drone attack scenario involving 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. The drill aims to test emergency response systems, public coordination, and communication networks, with participation from various departments and trained Civil Defence volunteers.