New Delhi: At 11.30 this morning, a siren sounded in several parts of Delhi.  It announced a massive emergency drill to evaluate the city's preparedness for an intensive earthquake. 

On trial were government agencies, emergency forces, hospitals, and residents. 

The idea was to measure the response to an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale.

50,000 volunteers were involved in "rescue operations" at colleges, malls, and metro stations.  At Loknayak Bhawan near Khan Market, offices were evacuated.  Part of today's mission was to educate residents on what they should do in an emergency.  Government officials created "a number of simulated situations like collapse of flyovers, crack in metro pillars, and damage to hospitals."

Six metro stations were closed for more than 30 minutes and traffic in parts of Central, South and North Delhi was diverted to allow ambulances and fire engines to move through. (See pictures)

Delhi is in a zone ranked four on a five-point scale by the US Geological Survey which measures how quake-prone an area is. Experts have been sharing their concerns about unplanned development and questionable infrastructure. (Delhi ignores own quake peril warnings) 
 
The Delhi government's own estimates say nine out of every 10 buildings in the city are at risk of moderate or significant quake damage.

(With inputs from agencies)

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