Exercises simulating the effects of earthquakes and landslides are conducted to convey vital preparedness messages to the public. These simulations aim to demonstrate the actions individuals should take during large-scale disasters and to show how rescue operations are launched by agencies like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The focus is on how these agencies respond during a landslide and how trapped individuals, especially in collapsed multi-story buildings, can be rescued after an earthquake. Before such exercises, tabletop meetings are held with officials from various agencies to foster coordination and develop effective response strategies. These discussions ensure that everyone involved understands their roles and responsibilities. Through these coordinated efforts, a realistic disaster scenario is created, allowing teams to put their preparedness into practice. This process enhances operational readiness and ensures that in the event of a real disaster, agencies can respond swiftly and efficiently. One of the most significant outcomes of these exercises is the increased awareness among community members, including children. By educating young people about disaster preparedness, they become not only more resilient in the face of an emergency but also empowered to share the knowledge with their families. This ripple effect of awareness is vital in ensuring that entire communities are better equipped to handle a crisis. It’s not just about individual preparedness but also about creating a network of informed people who can act quickly to protect themselves and others. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and landslides, fall under the category of uncontrollable events, but their impact can be reduced through proper preparedness. Disaster management, on the other hand, refers to the coordinated efforts to respond to these events once they occur. While natural disasters cannot be prevented, managing them effectively requires clear communication, well-prepared teams, and an understanding of how to respond in the most efficient way possible. In the case of an earthquake, the first priority is to protect oneself from the immediate dangers posed by the shaking and any subsequent structural damage. The basic principle to follow is “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” If indoors, individuals should immediately drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. This action helps prevent injury from falling debris and offers a safe refuge during the shaking. If outside, it’s important to move to an open area, away from buildings, trees, and power lines, where the risk of falling debris is minimized. After the shaking stops, it’s crucial to assess the surroundings for new hazards, such as gas leaks or fires. If it’s safe to do so, evacuating the building should be done calmly and methodically, avoiding elevators and using stairwells instead. Once outside, it’s important to stay away from damaged structures, as there may be risks of further collapse or aftershocks. For landslides, response efforts focus on both rescue and immediate relief. The NDRF must quickly assess the extent of the damage and deploy teams to search for survivors. Rescue operations often involve the use of heavy machinery, search dogs, and specialised equipment to clear debris and reach trapped individuals. Coordination between different rescue teams is essential to ensure the safety of both victims and rescuers. In some cases, it may take hours or even days to extract victims from deep rubble or mudslides, but every effort is made to find and rescue those who are still alive. Through these exercises and training simulations, communities are better equipped to handle the challenges posed by natural disasters. The knowledge gained from such exercises improves both individual preparedness and collective resilience, making it easier to protect lives and minimise damage when disaster strikes.