Tsunami Drill Tests Coastal Preparedness

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) orchestrated a comprehensive tsunami mock drill on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Veliyankode, near Ponnani. This critical exercise, held in Ward 18 of the Veliyankode grama panchayat, aimed to assess and enhance the region's readiness for coastal disasters like tsunamis. The drill simulated the immediate aftermath of an 8.8 magnitude earthquake originating from North Sumatra, Indonesia, which prompted a tsunami warning for coastal districts.

Beginning at 9:45 a.m., the drill commenced with the assembly of personnel and vehicles. By 10:00 a.m., a simulated alert indicated that tsunami waves were expected to reach Veliyankode by 10:30 a.m. This triggered a coordinated response involving the police, Fire and Rescue Services, Coastal Police, and Civil Defence, who worked to evacuate families from vulnerable coastal areas to a designated relief camp at Mirathul Ambiya Madrassa.

Rescue operations during the drill focused on assisting individuals in perilous situations, including bedridden patients, those stranded at sea, and people trapped on rooftops and in trees. Emergency medical treatment was administered to those in need. The Motor Vehicles department ensured clear roads for efficient rescue efforts. The entire operation was managed via an incident command system at the Ponnani taluk emergency operations centre.

This drill was part of the Tsunami Ready programme, an initiative by the International Oceanographic Commission under UNESCO, designed to bolster community resilience. Veliyankode was specifically chosen due to its high vulnerability to coastal erosion. Following the drill's conclusion at 12:00 p.m. with the withdrawal of the alert, a review meeting was held with officials from various departments and local representatives. This event was preceded by a table-top exercise and public awareness sessions.