Gurgaon: Ahead of the monsoon season, the district administration on Thursday conducted a large-scale multi-agency mock drill to assess city’s preparedness for flooding and waterlogging at vulnerable locations across the city.The exercise, led by the district disaster management authority, tested coordination, response time and operational readiness of emergency services, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, fire department, civil defence, health department and other agencies participating.The drill began with a siren at the Mini Secretariat complex, following which the emergency operation centre was activated and rescue teams were dispatched to designated locations. Officials monitored the activities from the control room, while the exercise was also livestreamed for real-time assessment.As part of the simulation, DLF Phase 1 underpass and Signature Tower underpass were identified as flood-prone spots. Rescue operations were carried out at Basai pond, where teams demonstrated evacuation and water rescue techniques, including the safe extraction of two persons shown trapped in deep water.Deputy commissioner Uttam Singh said the exercise was aimed at evaluating preparedness and rapid response capability during flood-like situations. “The initial response window during any disaster is the most critical. Timely evacuation, transportation to hospitals and availability of medical facilities remain the top priority,” he said.The mock scenario included simulated drowning deaths caused by vehicles trapped in submerged underpasses, electrocution incidents due to live wires in floodwater, road accidents, trauma injuries and snakebite cases to test medical preparedness.According to officials, 23 injured persons were rescued during the exercise and shifted to Sector 31 Polyclinic for emergency treatment and first aid.Police managed traffic and security arrangements, while fire and civil defence teams assisted in rescue efforts. Public Works and electricity department officials were tasked with infrastructure and on-ground support during the drill.
