Grade 7 Q&A: Chapter 10: Disaster Management

Concept Questions

Q1: What is a disaster?

Answer: A disaster is a sudden, calamitous event that seriously disrupts the functioning of a community or society and causes human, material, and economic or environmental losses that exceed the community's or society's ability to cope using its own resources.

Q2: Differentiate between natural and man-made disasters. Give two examples of each.

Answer:

• Natural Disasters: These are extreme natural events caused by natural forces and are beyond human control. Examples: Earthquakes, Floods.
• Man-made Disasters: These are disasters caused by human activities, negligence, or technological failures. Examples: Industrial Accidents, Road Accidents.

Q3: List four major effects of disasters.

Answer: Four major effects of disasters are: 1. Loss of life and injury. 2. Damage to property and infrastructure. 3. Economic losses (to agriculture, industries, businesses). 4. Social disruption (displacement, health crises).

Q4: What is disaster management?

Answer: Disaster Management is the organized effort to reduce the risks of disasters, prepare for them, respond to them effectively, and recover from their impacts. It is a continuous process involving planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing measures.

Q5: Name the three main phases of disaster management.

Answer: The three main phases of disaster management are: 1. Pre-disaster Phase (Preparedness and Mitigation) 2. During Disaster Phase (Response) 3. Post-disaster Phase (Recovery and Rehabilitation)

Q6: What is the role of early warning systems in disaster management?

Answer: Early warning systems are crucial in the pre-disaster phase. Their role is to detect and warn about impending disasters (e.g., cyclones, tsunamis, floods) in advance, allowing communities to take timely precautions, evacuate, and prepare, thereby minimizing loss of life and property.

Q7: What is 'mitigation' in disaster management? Give an example.

Answer: Mitigation in disaster management refers to taking proactive steps to reduce the impact or severity of potential disasters. An example is constructing earthquake-resistant buildings in seismic zones to minimize damage during an earthquake.

Q8: List three essential items that should be included in an emergency kit.

Answer: Three essential items for an emergency kit are: 1. Non-perishable food and bottled water. 2. First-aid supplies and necessary medications. 3. A flashlight with extra batteries and a battery-powered radio.

Q9: What is 'rehabilitation' in the context of disaster management?

Answer: Rehabilitation in disaster management refers to the process of helping affected people rebuild their lives after a disaster. This includes providing psychological support, temporary housing, livelihood assistance, and restoring essential services to help them return to normalcy.

Q10: What are the emergency contact numbers for Police, Fire Brigade, and Ambulance in India?

Answer:

• Police: 100
• Fire Brigade: 101
• Ambulance: 102

Q11: Give an example of an industrial accident that led to a major disaster.

Answer: The Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) is a prominent example of an industrial accident that led to a major disaster, causing widespread loss of life and long-term health issues due to a gas leak.

Q12: How can individuals contribute to disaster management at the community level?

Answer: Individuals can contribute by being informed about local risks, preparing emergency kits, developing family emergency plans, participating in community disaster drills, volunteering with local response teams, and helping neighbors in need.

Q13: What is a 'drought'? What are its consequences?

Answer: A drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to severe water scarcity. Its consequences include crop failure, famine, livestock deaths, economic hardship, and increased risk of wildfires.

Q14: Why is it important to have a family emergency plan?

Answer: It is important to have a family emergency plan because it ensures that all family members know what to do, where to meet, and how to communicate with each other during a disaster, even if they are separated. This reduces panic and improves safety.

Q15: What is the difference between a flood and a tsunami?

Answer: A **flood** is an overflowing of water from rivers, lakes, or oceans onto land that is usually dry, typically caused by heavy rainfall or melting snow. A **tsunami** is a series of extremely long waves in a large body of water (usually the ocean) caused by a large-scale disturbance, most commonly an underwater earthquake, volcanic eruption, or landslide.

Application-Based Questions

Q16: A coastal town is frequently affected by cyclones. What mitigation measures should the local authorities implement to reduce damage?

Answer: To reduce damage from cyclones, local authorities should implement mitigation measures such as: 1. Constructing cyclone-resistant buildings and shelters. 2. Developing and maintaining robust early warning systems. 3. Planting mangrove forests along the coast to act as natural barriers. 4. Educating the public on evacuation routes and safety procedures.

Q17: During a sudden earthquake, what immediate actions should you take if you are indoors?

Answer: If you are indoors during a sudden earthquake, you should immediately **Drop, Cover, and Hold On**. Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture (like a table or desk), and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows, outside walls, and anything that could fall.

Q18: A region has experienced a severe drought. What long-term recovery strategies would be essential for the affected community?

Answer: Long-term recovery strategies for a drought-affected community would include: 1. Implementing water conservation measures and promoting efficient irrigation techniques. 2. Developing drought-resistant crop varieties. 3. Investing in water harvesting and groundwater recharge projects. 4. Diversifying livelihoods to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture.

Q19: Why is it important for rescue teams to prioritize first aid and medical assistance immediately after a disaster?

Answer: It is important for rescue teams to prioritize first aid and medical assistance immediately after a disaster because rapid medical intervention can save lives, prevent injuries from worsening, and reduce suffering. Timely aid can stabilize victims and prevent secondary health complications or fatalities.

Q20: How can community participation strengthen disaster management efforts?

Answer: Community participation strengthens disaster management efforts by fostering a sense of collective responsibility and self-reliance. When community members are informed, trained, and involved in planning and drills, they can effectively assist in early warning dissemination, local search and rescue, first aid, and providing initial relief, reducing reliance on external aid and improving overall resilience.

Q21: A factory is located near a residential area. What measures should the factory management take to prevent man-made disasters like chemical leaks?

Answer: The factory management should take measures such as: 1. Regular maintenance and inspection of machinery and chemical storage tanks. 2. Strict adherence to safety protocols and operating procedures. 3. Training employees in handling hazardous materials and emergency response. 4. Installing robust safety systems, alarms, and emergency shutdown mechanisms. 5. Having a well-defined emergency response plan and conducting regular drills.

Q22: Why is it crucial to learn from past disasters when planning for future disaster management?

Answer: It is crucial to learn from past disasters because analyzing previous events helps identify weaknesses in existing plans, understand the specific vulnerabilities of a region, and determine which response strategies were effective or ineffective. This knowledge allows for continuous improvement, leading to more robust preparedness, mitigation, and response plans for future events.

Q23: A family is preparing for a potential flood. Besides an emergency kit, what else should be part of their family emergency plan?

Answer: Besides an emergency kit, their family emergency plan should include: 1. Designated meeting points (one outside the home, one outside the neighborhood). 2. Out-of-state contact person for family members to check in with. 3. Knowledge of evacuation routes. 4. Understanding how to shut off utilities (gas, electricity, water) if necessary. 5. Practice drills for the plan.

Q24: Explain the difference between 'response' and 'recovery' in disaster management.

Answer: * **Response:** This phase occurs *during and immediately after* a disaster. It focuses on immediate actions to save lives, provide first aid, conduct search and rescue, evacuate people, and distribute immediate relief (food, water, shelter). It's about addressing urgent needs. * **Recovery:** This phase occurs *after* the immediate response. It focuses on long-term efforts to help communities and individuals rebuild their lives and infrastructure. This includes rehabilitation (psychological support, livelihood restoration) and reconstruction (rebuilding homes, roads, services).

Q25: How can afforestation (planting trees) act as a mitigation measure against certain natural disasters?

Answer: Afforestation can act as a mitigation measure against several natural disasters: 1. **Landslides:** Tree roots bind soil particles together, increasing soil stability and reducing the risk of landslides on slopes. 2. **Floods:** Forests help absorb rainwater, slow down runoff, and prevent soil erosion, thus reducing the severity of floods. 3. **Droughts:** Trees help maintain groundwater levels and contribute to local rainfall patterns, mitigating drought effects. 4. **Cyclones/Tsunamis (Coastal areas):** Mangrove forests and coastal vegetation act as natural barriers, reducing the impact of strong winds and storm surges.

Textbook Exercise Solutions

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. A sudden, calamitous event that causes widespread damage is called a disaster.
2. Earthquakes and floods are examples of natural disasters.
3. Industrial accidents and road accidents are examples of man-made disasters.
4. The emergency contact number for the Fire Brigade is 101.
5. The phase of disaster management that involves rebuilding is reconstruction.

B. State true or false:

1. Disasters only affect property, not human life. False
2. Droughts are caused by heavy rainfall. False
3. An emergency kit should contain expensive items. False
4. Disaster management is a continuous process. True
5. Police emergency number is 102. False

C. Match the following:

Column A

1. Earthquake
2. Flood
3. Cyclone
4. Drought
5. Industrial Accident

Column B

1. Water scarcity
2. Shaking of Earth's crust
3. Heavy rainfall
4. Bhopal Gas Tragedy
5. Strong winds

Answers:

1. Earthquake - Shaking of Earth's crust
2. Flood - Heavy rainfall
3. Cyclone - Strong winds
4. Drought - Water scarcity
5. Industrial Accident - Bhopal Gas Tragedy

D. Answer the following questions briefly:

Q1: What is a disaster?

Answer: A disaster is a sudden, calamitous event that causes severe disruption to a community or society, leading to human, material, economic, or environmental losses that exceed the affected community's ability to cope with its own resources.

Q2: Name two natural disasters.

Answer: Two natural disasters are Earthquakes and Floods.

Q3: Name two man-made disasters.

Answer: Two man-made disasters are Industrial Accidents and Road Accidents.

Q4: What is disaster management?

Answer: Disaster management is the organized effort to reduce the risks of disasters, prepare for them, respond effectively when they occur, and recover from their impacts. It is a continuous and systematic process.

Q5: What should be in an emergency kit?

Answer: An emergency kit should contain essential items such as non-perishable food, bottled water, a first-aid kit, necessary medications, a flashlight with extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, important documents, and a whistle.

Q6: What is the importance of early warning systems?

Answer: Early warning systems are crucial because they provide timely information about impending disasters, allowing people to take necessary precautions, evacuate to safer places, and prepare themselves. This significantly helps in minimizing loss of life and property.

Q7: What is the role of citizens in disaster management?

Answer: The role of citizens in disaster management includes being informed about potential risks, preparing emergency kits and family plans, participating in drills, following instructions from authorities, and helping others in need within their community.

Q8: List the emergency contact numbers.

Answer:

• Police: 100
• Fire Brigade: 101
• Ambulance: 102

E. Answer the following questions in detail:

Q1: Explain the different types of disasters with examples.

Answer: Disasters are broadly classified into two types:

• Natural Disasters: These are extreme natural events caused by natural processes of the Earth and are beyond human control. They include:
  • Earthquakes: Sudden shaking of the Earth's crust (e.g., Nepal Earthquake 2015).
  • Floods: Overflowing of water onto normally dry land due to heavy rains or melting snow (e.g., Kerala Floods 2018).
  • Cyclones/Storms: Violent rotating storms with strong winds and heavy rainfall (e.g., Cyclone Amphan 2020).
  • Droughts: Prolonged periods of insufficient rainfall leading to water scarcity and crop failure (e.g., Maharashtra Droughts).
  • Volcanic Eruptions: Release of molten rock, ash, and gases from a volcano.
  • Landslides: Downward movement of rock, debris, or earth down a slope.
  • Forest Fires: Uncontrolled fires spreading through forests, often exacerbated by dry conditions.
• Man-made Disasters: These are caused by human activities, negligence, or technological failures. They include:
  • Industrial Accidents: Release of toxic chemicals, explosions, or fires in factories (e.g., Bhopal Gas Tragedy 1984).
  • Road/Rail/Air Accidents: Collisions or derailments of vehicles (e.g., train derailments, plane crashes).
  • Terrorist Attacks: Acts of violence intended to create fear and cause mass casualties (e.g., 26/11 Mumbai Attacks).
  • Building Collapse: Due to faulty construction, poor maintenance, or old age.
  • Wars: Armed conflicts between nations or groups, leading to massive destruction and human suffering.
  • Pollution: Environmental degradation due to human activities (e.g., oil spills, chemical contamination).

Q2: What are the effects of disasters on human life and property?

Answer: Disasters have devastating and far-reaching effects on human life and property:

• Loss of Life and Injury: Direct casualties, physical injuries (fractures, burns, trauma), and psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) among survivors.
• Damage to Property: Widespread destruction of homes, buildings, commercial establishments, and vital infrastructure like roads, bridges, power lines, and communication networks.
• Economic Losses: Damage to agricultural land and crops, disruption of industrial production, loss of businesses, unemployment, and disruption of trade and supply chains, leading to significant financial burden on individuals and governments.
• Environmental Damage: Destruction of natural ecosystems (forests, wetlands), pollution of water sources, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and long-term ecological imbalance.
• Social Disruption: Mass displacement of populations, breakdown of social order, increased crime rates, disruption of education, and potential for epidemics due to poor sanitation and lack of healthcare.
• Psychological Impact: Survivors often experience long-term psychological distress, grief, fear, and anxiety, requiring extensive counseling and support.

Q3: Explain the different phases of disaster management.

Answer: Disaster management is a continuous cycle with three main phases:

1. Pre-disaster Phase (Preparedness and Mitigation): This phase occurs before a disaster strikes and focuses on reducing risks and preparing for potential impacts.
   • Preparedness: Developing emergency plans, conducting drills, training personnel, establishing early warning systems, and stockpiling essential resources (food, water, medicine).
   • Mitigation: Implementing measures to reduce the severity of a disaster's impact. Examples include constructing earthquake-resistant buildings, building flood embankments, and afforestation.
2. During Disaster Phase (Response): This phase involves immediate actions taken during and immediately after a disaster to save lives and meet basic needs.
   • Search and Rescue: Locating and extracting trapped or injured people.
   • First Aid and Medical Assistance: Providing immediate medical care to the injured.
   • Evacuation: Moving people from dangerous areas to safe shelters.
   • Relief Distribution: Providing food, water, temporary shelter, and other essential supplies to affected populations.
   • Damage Assessment: Rapidly evaluating the extent of damage to guide further response efforts.
3. Post-disaster Phase (Recovery and Rehabilitation): This phase focuses on long-term efforts to help affected communities recover and rebuild.
   • Rehabilitation: Helping people return to normal life, including psychological support, livelihood restoration, and provision of temporary housing.
   • Reconstruction: Rebuilding damaged homes, infrastructure (roads, schools, hospitals), and essential services.
   • Long-term Planning: Developing strategies to prevent future disasters or reduce their impact, incorporating lessons learned from the recent event.

Q4: What is the importance of citizen participation in disaster management?

Answer: Citizen participation is of paramount importance in disaster management because it significantly enhances the effectiveness of all phases, from preparedness to recovery.

• Increased Resilience: An informed and prepared citizenry can respond effectively, reducing panic and self-organizing initial relief efforts before official help arrives.
• Effective Preparedness: Citizens who are aware of risks, prepare emergency kits, and have family plans contribute directly to community readiness.
• Faster Response: Trained citizens can assist in early warning dissemination, local search and rescue, first aid, and evacuation, augmenting the efforts of professional responders.
• Better Recovery: Community members are vital in rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, providing local knowledge, labor, and support for rebuilding lives.
• Sustainability: Active participation fosters a culture of safety and preparedness, leading to more sustainable disaster management practices and reduced long-term vulnerability.
• Resource Optimization: Local knowledge and volunteer efforts can optimize the use of resources and target aid more effectively.

In essence, disaster management is a shared responsibility, and active citizen participation is crucial for building resilient communities that can withstand and recover from adverse events.

References

1. Maharashtra State Board 7th Standard Science Syllabus (Based on current curriculum for disaster management)