Shimla, June 15, 2026: A district-wide Mega Earthquake Mock Drill was conducted on Monday at various locations across Shimla district to assess disaster preparedness and strengthen emergency response mechanisms in the event of a major earthquake.
In Shimla’s urban area, the exercise was carried out at Sabzi Mandi and Government Senior Secondary School, Bhattakufar. As part of the simulated scenario, an earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter Scale struck Sabzi Mandi at 9:00 AM. The information was immediately relayed to Additional Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Shimla, Dr. Bhuvan Sharma, following which emergency rescue operations were launched.
According to the mock scenario, 10 to 14 buildings suffered severe damage, resulting in six fatalities, including five men and one woman. A total of 43 people sustained injuries, comprising 25 men and 18 women, and were shifted to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital for treatment. Rescue teams reached the site promptly and commenced operations at 9:24 AM. Around 500 people were evacuated safely, while 53 individuals with minor injuries received treatment at an on-site medical camp.
The Mega Mock Drill was organized under the supervision of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The exercise focused on testing coordination among various agencies, improving response strategies, and evaluating preparedness for large-scale emergencies. Real-time monitoring and coordination were carried out from the DDMA Control Room throughout the operation.
Teams from SDRF, Army, Police, Health Department, Municipal Corporation, and trained Disaster Mitras actively participated in the drill. Municipal Corporation Assistant Engineer Ravi Kaushal was also present during the exercise.
Bhattakufar School Scenario
A separate earthquake simulation was conducted at Government Senior Secondary School, Bhattakufar, at 9:26 AM. Under the mock disaster scenario, the school building was declared completely damaged due to the earthquake. Two casualties were reported, while 10 to 15 people were assumed trapped under debris and were successfully rescued by emergency teams.
Additionally, 347 individuals stranded around the premises were evacuated safely. Ninety-eight students were reported to have sustained minor injuries and received immediate medical attention at the temporary medical camp established at the site.
Mock Drills Held Across Multiple Sub-Divisions
The district-wide exercise also covered several other sub-divisions. In Rohru, a simulated earthquake struck Chanshal Hotel at 10:09 AM, where nine people were reported trapped, including two with critical injuries. A separate mock drill was also conducted at Government Senior Secondary School Rohru.
At Government Senior Secondary School Chopal, a simulated earthquake at 10:00 AM resulted in five injuries, including three men and two women, while one fatality was reported as part of the exercise scenario.
In Kupvi, a mock disaster exercise at Government Senior Secondary School Kupvi involved 135 injured students. Rescue teams successfully evacuated 120 students immediately, while the remaining 15 were rescued after intensive efforts.
Similar earthquake preparedness exercises were also conducted at New Bus Stand Premghat in Theog, Government Senior Secondary School Kotkhai, Thakur Ram Lal Swarn Jayanti Excellence Government Senior Secondary School Jubbal, Jai Bihari Lal Khachi Government Excellence Senior Secondary School Kumarsain, and Government Senior Secondary School Dodra in Dodra Kwar sub-division.
Officials stated that the Mega Mock Drill was aimed at strengthening disaster response capabilities, enhancing inter-departmental coordination, and ensuring readiness to tackle real-life emergency situations effectively.
