Earthquake emergency  evacuation and  fire safety drill at Bageshworee Secondary School, Malekhu

On January 23 and 24, 2025 (10th and 11th Magh, 2081), NCDM organized a two-day earthquake emergency evacuation and fire safety drill at Bageshwori Secondary School, Malekhu, Dhading, to enhance disaster preparedness among students, teachers, and staff. Expert trainers from the School of Shelter and Environment (SSE) and the Red Cross Kathmandu led the program. The first day focused on theoretical sessions, where students from classes 6, 7, and 8 learned about earthquake mechanisms, preparedness strategies, and fire safety, including the use of fire extinguishers. Separate orientation sessions were conducted for teachers. The second day featured a full-scale practical drill. Teachers were assigned specific roles, including Incident Commander, Damage Assessment Team, and Search and Rescue Team. The drill began with the unexpected sounding of an earthquake siren, prompting the entire school from class 6 to 12 to evacuate to a designated safe area. Teachers took attendance and reported missing ones to the Incident Commander. Following this, the Damage Assessment Team ensured building safety, the Search and Rescue Team conducted operations, and  the Red Cross Dhading and student volunteers performed triage, first aid, and referrals. 

The fire safety drill followed, where students practiced extinguishing a fire using available water resources. Then the trainers demonstrated the correct usage of fire extinguishers. NCDM also donated 2 fire extinguishers to the school. The program concluded with a feedback session, during which the headmaster of the school committed to creating a comprehensive School Disaster Emergency Evacuation and Response Plan and conducting regular drills to strengthen preparedness.