DDMA conducts tsunami mock drill at Veliyankode coast

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) conducted a tsunami mock drill at Veliyankode near Ponnani on Wednesday (September 16, 2026). The drill was held in Ward 18 of Veliyankode grama panchayat.

The drill tested preparedness and coordination to handle disasters like tsunami. It practised moving people to safe areas, rescue, emergency treatment, and post-disaster steps after a tsunami warning.

The drill started at 9:45 a.m. with staff and vehicles assembling near a petrol pump. At 10 a.m., an alert was received about an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

A man trapped on the terrace being rescued during the mock drill. | Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

Following this, the authority issued an alert for coastal districts. Announcements were made to warn the public. A message said tsunami waves would reach Veliyankode by 10:30 a.m.