Remembering 18 Sept 2011, and the Way Forward

GANGTOK, 16 Sept: Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, Land Revenue & Disaster Management Department has announced plans to organize a special programme on 18 September, marking the anniversary of the 2011 earthquake, which has been declared by the state government as “Disaster Risk Reduction Day”.
It may be mentioned that the year from 18 September, 2012 to 18 September, 2013 had also been declared as "Disaster Risk Reduction Year".
As per a press release, the Department intends to mark the day with various activities showcasing disaster preparedness, mitigation measures and future strategies to make Sikkim a more disaster-resilient state. The activities proposed to be held at MG Marg, Gangtok, include photo exhibitions and display of rescue equipment, which will be open to public from 11 AM onwards till evening.
A street play on disaster preparedness is also proposed to be presented at MG Marg on the day.
Sikkim Disaster Response Force (SDRF) will be conducting a mock rescue drill for general awareness among the public. A Disaster Response Team constituted under the East District Collectorate will also conduct a mock drill for disaster preparedness.
To pray for those who lost their lives in the earthquake, arrangements will be made for offering flower petals for peace of the departed souls at the venue. This will be open to all throughout the day. The Organization of Musicians and Artists of Sikkim (OMAS), as a tribute to those who lost their lives and property to the earthquake, will perform hymns in the evening. The day will end with the lighting of candles in the memory of lives lost and to make stronger commitments towards better preparedness for all kinds of disasters.
The Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department is supported in this effort by the event management group, Echostream and the association of NGOs of Sikkim, Helping Hands.
The department has invited all to participate in the day’s activities.