The Indian government on Tuesday (May 6) released a video describing measures to be taken in case of an emergency ahead of the civil defence drills, which are set to take place on Wednesday (May 7). This comes amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
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The video, which was shared by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), opens with a disclaimer: “These measures must be adopted in all situations hostile to our National Security.”
The clip further explains what should be done in case of an emergency at school and at home. It advises students and teachers to switch off lights, cover the windows with thick curtains, and duck under benches and cover their heads. It further says doors should be kept locked.
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It also encourages parents to ask children what they learnt at school so they can apply it at home. The advisory also recommends people to keep basic medical kits, medicines, and torch ready for any kind of situation.
India's safety begins with You.
— NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) May 6, 2025
Stay Calm stay preparedness. #MockDrills #NewIndia #CivilDefenceMockDrill@HMOIndia@MIB_India@PIB_India@airnewsalerts@DDNewslive pic.twitter.com/LP9AaxcXMl
The government also encourage people to protect each other in times of emergencies.
Civil defence mock drills
Amid heightened tensions with neighbouring Pakistan, India's Ministry of Home Affairs has announced civil defence mock drills will be conducted on May 7. During these exercises, people are likely to hear sirens and experience blackouts alongside the training. As per the MHA’s plan, key steps will include:
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- Operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens
- Training of civilians, students, etc, on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.
- Provision of crash blackout measures
- Provision for early camouflaging of vital plants/installations
- Updation of evacuation plan & its rehearsal
Watch | India To Conduct Nationwide Civil Defense Drills On May 7