Vikal Sharma
PALAMPUR: A mock drill was organised on Friday (June 6, 2025) at Pandit Sant Ram College at Baijnath in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh to raise awareness about relief and rescue operations during disasters.
The drill involved joint efforts from the departments of Home Guard, Fire, Police, Health, Revenue, Public Works and Jal Shakti to simulate disaster response.
At 9.30 am, an earthquake scenario of magnitude 8 was enacted, where 13 students, five teachers and 1 forest department employees trapped inside the college were safely evacuated. Injured persons were immediately taken to a health camp and seriously wounded were transported by ambulance to the Baijnath Civil Hospital for treatment.
The drill was led by Baijnath Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sankalp Gautam, who emphasised that Baijnath and Kangra district were sensitive to earthquakes and the administration must always be prepared. He highlighted the importance of regular public awareness to handle emergencies effectively and minimise loss of life. The main goal of the drill and training was to familiarise relief and rescue teams as well as the public with the procedures to be followed during a real disaster.
Officials present included Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Sharma, Tehsildar Raman Thakur, Block Development Officer Suman Kumari, Executive Engineer Ajay Sood, Himachal Road Transport Corporation regional manager Nitesh Sharma, fire officer Vijay Kumar and representatives from various departments and local panchayats, along with college students and staff.
1905 quake in Kangra had killed 20,000
The districts of Chamba, Shimla, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, Kinnaur and Mandi in Himachal Pradesh fall under seismic Zone 5, an area known for its vulnerability to earthquakes. This region frequently experiences seismic activity, raising concerns among residents and authorities alike.
The memory of the devastating Kangra earthquake of 1905 looms large in the history of Himachal Pradesh.
On April 4, 1905, this catastrophic event registered a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale. The disaster claimed the lives of approximately 20,000 people and resulted in the destruction of over 50,000 homes.
The earthquake wreaked havoc in Kangra, Dharamshala and surrounding areas, damaging historical buildings and temples. The ground split open in several locations, leading to landslides that further exacerbated the devastation.
Long-lasting impact of the earthquake
The impact of the 1905 earthquake was so profound that its horrors remained etched in the memories of the local populace for decades.
Following this disaster, Himachal Pradesh was officially designated as an earthquake-prone region, prompting scientists to closely monitor seismic activities in the area.
