Hyderabad: Over 160 residents of Manbhum Millennium Residency in Secunderabad’s Marredpally were evacuated within 15 minutes during a civil defence drill at 4 pm on Wednesday. The mock operation, simulating a bomb explosion, tested the preparedness of civilians and multiple agencies.Fire and disaster response teams led the coordinated rescue, followed by NDRF, police, medical staff, NCC cadets, and civic officials. Temporary medical facilities were set up at a nearby municipal ground. The drill involved realistic scenarios — rescue personnel carried “injured” team members on stretchers and children on their backs, while female officers assisted women and elderly residents.The 50-flat community had received prior orientation, and a rehearsal was conducted to prevent panic. “We are thankful the authorities chose our apartment for this drill,” said Tapasi Prasad, president of the apartment association.Lieutenant Sanjeev of the 3 Telangana Battalion, NCC, led 250 cadets — over 40% of them women. He noted the drill gave cadets practical exposure to managing disaster and war-like situations. Cadets Yashwanth and Akshitha, both degree students, called the experience valuable. SSC student Siddiksha Kandadai said the drill taught residents how to react calmly in emergencies.