In line with the circular from Department of Disaster dated 5th
September 2017, Tsirangtoe Lower Secondary School observed the National
Disaster Mock Drill on 21st September. The purpose of the mock drill
was highlighted by the school disaster focal person to make students, staff and
parents understand the necessity of the disaster preparedness activities in the
educational institutions where hundreds and thousands of children flock to
receive education. Furthermore, such programme must also act as a springboard
to educating the village communities on the indispensable need for being
physically and mentally prepared to respond to any kind of natural disaster
that not only destroy the properties but the reason for loss of many precious
lives.
The warm afternoon air saw the blending of the musical siren
that penetratingly pierced through the raucous classroom environment where
hundreds of innocent children awaited the siren to drop, cover and hold as
their instant reaction to the occurrence of earthquake. Briefly, the entire
classrooms went quiet and calm. Every child sought shelter from the seemingly
protective shield of the furniture. With the siren for evacuation, every child
in the class walked out towards the evacuation areas in a long queue with books
and bags on their heads. The assemblage of the children was administered by the
incident commanders (Upper block and lower block) taking attendance of each
class and section to calculate the injured children groaning of excruciating
pains who were checked out by the search and rescue members and handed over to
the first aid team fully equipped with
necessary tools and treatments.
Meantime, the fire team took charge of monitoring the fire
mishaps in the structures and the site security members demarcating the
evacuation areas from the trespassing of the parents whose distractions would
retard the smooth necessary service deliveries of the different response
groups. The first aid team referred five of the 20 injured students to the
nearby health centre for further medical support for the victims who suffered
serious injuries. Fortunately, with timely and efficient response activities, we
could save the precious lives of every individual in the school campus. The
structures withstood firm and resilient without any damage. Everything happened
straight and strong- the only disaster mitigation measure in place that assures
everyone of undeviating safety.
In the end, the feedback session applauded everyone of the
desired disaster response standards put up to make the National Disaster Mock
Drill a success. If there is any
effective disaster mitigation measure, it is only the PREPAREDNESS. Hence it is
deemed so intrinsic to remain alert and responsive to any unforeseen natural
calamities that are beyond the control of mankind. Reported from School Disaster
Club
