Hooghly, 12 August (H.S.): A special mock drill was conducted at Purba Thakuranichak Rabindra Vidyalaya in Khanakul on Wednesday to raise awareness and provide practical training on how to respond safely and effectively during natural disasters such as floods.

Students of the school, along with local villagers, were trained in various aspects of flood preparedness and emergency response. Personnel from the Disaster Management Department entered the Dwarakeswar River and demonstrated different rescue and disaster-management techniques.

The participants were also sensitised on the importance of taking quick decisions during emergencies, moving to safer locations and maintaining proper coordination with rescue teams.

Among those present at the programme were Arambagh Sub-Divisional Officer Ravi Kumar, Khanakul-I BDO Aditi Ganguly, Khanakul BMOH Raktim Chatterjee and Thakuranichak Gram Panchayat Pradhan Ramkrishna Maity, along with other administrative officials. Representatives from the Electricity Department, Fire and Emergency Services, Police and other administrative agencies also participated in the exercise.

The administration said such mock drills are being organised in flood-prone areas like Khanakul during the monsoon to improve disaster preparedness and awareness among local residents.

Officials said the initiative aims to ensure that people remain calm during an actual flood emergency and are able to take quick and appropriate measures to protect themselves and assist others.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey