Staff Reporter
Vasco
A multi-agency civil defence mock drill titled ‘Operation Abhyaas’ simulating an air strike was conducted at the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) terminal in Vasco and Dabolim Airport on Wednesday as part of a nationwide civil preparedness initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Emergency sirens were sounded and a scheduled blackout was observed in Dabolim, Chicalim and Sancoale from 7.30 pm to 7.45 pm.
At the IOCL administrative building, the exercise simulated significant damage and fire with several casualties. Civil Defence teams led search, rescue and evacuation operations. Four seriously injured workers were shifted to Chicalim Sub-District Hospital, while 20 others were successfully rescued. Simultaneously, a similar drill at Dabolim airport depicted an air strike scenario in which 20 civilians portrayed as trapped were rescued by emergency response teams.
The operation at IOCL was led by Mormugao mamlatdar Pravinjay Pandit, while deputy collector of Mormugao Bhagwant Karmali coordinated the overall operation.
Officials from the police, fire services, health department, PWD, traffic police, and other agencies actively participated.
The drill involved coordinated participation from central and state agencies, including the Civil Defence, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Health Services, NCC cadets, and various volunteer organisations.
