SAMBA: A joint mock exercise simulating an earthquake and rescue operation was conducted today at Shaheed Major Rohit Kumar Government Model Higher Secondary School, Ghagwal, District Samba.

The exercise was jointly organised by Team 13L of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) under the command of Inspector/GD Bachan Lal, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in coordination with the District Administration Samba.

The drill scenario was based on a simulated earthquake of 6.2 magnitude, occurring at 07:00 AM, which caused damage to the second floor of the school building, resulting in six students being trapped under debris. The NDRF and SDRF teams promptly carried out a coordinated rescue operation. Two students suffered minor injuries, two had hand injuries, and two were found unconscious. All were administered first aid and handed over to the medical team for treatment at the Civil Hospital.

As part of the awareness initiative, students and staff were also trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) techniques by the rescue personnel.

A total of 275 participants took part in the mock drill, including students, teachers, civil administration officials, and local residents.

The exercise was conducted in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Samba, Rajesh Sharma, SDM Ghagwal, officials from various civil departments and representatives from the NDRF and SDRF. The Deputy Commissioner also held a debriefing session after the drill.

The mock exercise aimed to enhance preparedness, coordination and effective disaster response in educational institutions.