NEPEx 2026: Nagaland to test emergency response systems

NSDMA urges public to remain calm, switch off non-essential lights during siren

Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 25

The 8th edition of Nagaland Emergency Preparedness Exercise (NEPEx) 2026 is being conducted in phases across Nagaland under the aegis of Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department with support from National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Govt of India.

The exercise will simulate a scenario involving earthquake and extreme weather disasters in Nagaland, said Sentiwapang Aier, secretary to the Government of Nagaland, NSDMA, while addressing a press conference here at NSDMA office. He said the exercise aim to test the state’s preparedness, strengthen coordination among departments and response agencies, and improve the effectiveness of emergency response systems.

“The conduct of NEPEx and Operation Night Guard signifies the State Government’s commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and ensuring the safety and resilience of communities,” Aier said.

Table Top exercise
Earlier, a capacity-building programme was conducted on April 22 last and oriented participating departments and stakeholders about the NEPEx exercise.

A Table Top Exercise is scheduled for April 29 at State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), Kohima, Capital Convention Centre, Kohima from 10:00 AM onwards. This Table Top Exercise will simulate emergency scenarios to review disaster management plans, coordination arrangements and response procedures among the stakeholders.

Mock exercise
The State-level Mock Exercise scheduled for April 30, will involve actual mobilization of response teams and demonstration of coordinated emergency response actions, including search and rescue, evacuation, medical response and restoration of essential services.

Johnny Ruangmei, Joint Chief Executive Officer, NSDMA said that NEPEx 2026 will simulate a strong earthquake of magnitude 7.7 with its epicentre at Piphema to test Nagaland’s disaster preparedness.

He informed that the exercise will assess large scale damage, casualties, landslides, fire incidents, and communication breakdown, while testing response systems including rescue, medical aid, and relief management.

Ruangmei clarified that the exercise is only a simulation and urged the public to remain calm and be aware without panic. “We will be using the ham radio network and the police wireless network,” he said, adding that ham radio stations now already installed in all the districts.

He said that the community, NGOs, NSS, Bharat Scouts and Guides, NCC, uniformed forces, emergency response agencies, line departments and all the government machineries will be involved in this exercise. He said that 7 to 9 sites will identified in each of the districts, involving the government offices, school, marketplace and residential area including oil and gas stations, especially in Dimapur.

Operation night guard
This year, Operation Night Guard (Air raid and blackout exercise) will also be conducted on April 30 as a civil defence preparedness activity involving siren activation and temporary blackout measures to test emergency alert systems and public response.

Medozhalie Pienyü, Deputy Commandant General, Homes Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF said that air raid and blackout exercise will commence at 6:30 PM in designated Civil Defence towns across 10 districts (Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, Wokha, Zunheboto, Mon, Phek, Tuensang, Peren and Kiphire).

The exercise will simulate a drone attack in these 10 civil defence districts causing structural collapse, fire outbreak in the buildings, casualties and  panic among the civilians. “The objective of this exercise is to see how we carry out this air raid and blackout protocols and see how our sirens are functioning, how the communication system is put in place, how the inter-departmental coordination is there, and more importantly how the public response to this exercise” Pienyii said.

The blackout period will be only for 15 minutes. The siren will is sounded, then the blackout measures will be carried out throughout these 10 towns. During the exercise period, lights, inverters and other sources of illumination should be switched off, he said.

Public Advisory
Aier informed the general public that these exercises are part of preparedness activities and are being conducted to enhance the state’s readiness to respond effectively to emergencies. During the conduct of Mock Drill and Operation Night Guard Exercise,  citizens have been requested to remain calm and cooperate authorities. 

They have also been requested to switch off all non-essential lights, including inverters and external lighting, when sirens are sounded.

He also requested the public to follow instructions issued by local authorities and emergency services and avoid panic and unnecessary movement during the exercise period. 

“These exercises are only simulations conducted in the interest of public safety and preparedness. There is no cause for alarm,” Aier said sought the cooperation and support of all citizens for the successful conduct of NEPEx and Operation Night Guard.