Dibrugarh conducts flood rescue drill on the Brahmaputra

Dibrugarh: As part of a proactive strategy to mitigate the impact of seasonal deluges, the Dibrugarh District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) successfully conducted a mock flood emergency drill on Friday.

The exercise took place at Tingkhong Matikota, a flood-prone stretch along the Brahmaputra within the Dibrugarh West Revenue Circle.

The drill was the centerpiece of the Emergency Management Exercise (EMEx), an initiative designed to sharpen the reflexes of first responders and streamline the logistical hurdles often encountered during the monsoon season.

The simulation began early Friday morning, replicating a high-alert breach scenario. Specialised rescue teams deployed speedboats and life-saving equipment into the turbulent waters of the Brahmaputra to demonstrate swift evacuation techniques.

Dibrugarh district commissioner cum DDMA chairperson Bikram Kairi, who oversaw the proceedings, said the drill was less about the equipment and more about the synergy between different agencies.

“Through this mock drill, essential systems for immediate response, rescue operations, inter-departmental coordination, and overall preparedness for potential flood situations were tested. The programme witnessed active participation from all departments concerned, voluntary organisations, and residents, which helped strengthen awareness and response mechanisms regarding flood-related disasters,” he said.

The Tingkhong Matikota area was specifically chosen due to its geographic vulnerability. By involving the local community, the DDMA aimed to transform “victims into first responders.” Volunteers from local NGOs and village defense parties worked alongside uniformed personnel, practicing the setup of temporary relief camps and the distribution of essential supplies.

A senior DDMA official noted that such exercises are vital for identifying “choke points” in the current emergency framework. “It is one thing to have a plan on paper, but the Brahmaputra is unpredictable. This exercise allowed us to see where communication gaps might exist before a real crisis hits,” the official added.

The success of the EMEx at Dibrugarh West serves as a blueprint for future drills planned across other vulnerable circles in the district. With the monsoon season not far away, the administration’s focus remains on maintaining a high state of “blue-sky readiness” — the practice of preparing during calm periods to save lives during the storm.