DW BUREAU / SHIMLA The 14th meeting of State Executive Committee (SEC) under Disaster Management Act, 2005 was held here today under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anil Khachi. Khachi stressed the need to keep constant vigil and readiness to mitigate the disasters. He said that people should be made aware about preparedness during such hazardous situations. He said that mock drills and exercises should be conducted after COVID-19 situation eases and advised the Disaster Management Cell to explore the possibilities of conducting training through online mode. He said that Himachal Pradesh is prone to various hazards both natural and manmade, which consists of earthquakes, landslides, flash floods, snow avalanches, droughts, domestic and wild fires, road accidents, stampede, etc. However, the hazard which poses biggest threat to the State is earthquake, as the State has felt tremors more than 80 times having a magnitude of 4.0 and above on Richter scale. The Chief Secretary said that among other damage to the infrastructure and essential facilities, the communication is the first casuality during such disasters. He said that strong independent communication should be set up to meet out the emergencies, keeping in view the tough geographical condition of the State. He said that wireless communication network through amateur radio (HAM), is one of the most effective and alternative medium of communication, which can play a significant role in providing reliable communication when other communications fail. He said that the state government has notified the raising of Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (HPSDRF) in January, 2020 in line with National Disaster Response Force. He said that as approved by the State Cabinet, till the raising of separate HPSDRF, one company strength each drawn from HP Police will be stationed at Shimla, Mandi and Dharamshala. (editor@dailyworld.in)