Chapter 4: Disaster Management
Solved textbook questions with step-by-step explanations.
Grade 6 Q&A: Chapter 4: Disasters and Disaster Management
Welcome to the Questions and Answers section for Grade 6 Environmental Studies (Part One), Chapter 4: "Disasters and Disaster Management." This chapter introduces us to various types of disasters, both natural and man-made, and their devastating effects on human life and the environment. More importantly, it teaches us about the crucial steps involved in disaster management, including preparedness, safety measures, and the role of emergency services to minimize harm and ensure recovery.
Important Questions and Answers
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: Name two types of disasters.
Answer: The two types of disasters are natural disasters and man-made disasters.
Q3: Give examples of natural disasters.
Answer: Examples of natural disasters include earthquakes, floods, cyclones, droughts, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis.
Q4: Give examples of man-made disasters.
Answer: Examples of man-made disasters include accidents (road, rail, air), industrial accidents, terrorist attacks, and forest fires caused by human negligence.
Q5: What is an earthquake?
Answer: An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's crust.
Q6: What are the effects of an earthquake?
Answer: Effects of an earthquake can include cracking of buildings, collapse of structures, landslides, damage to roads and bridges, and loss of life.
Q7: What is a flood?
Answer: A flood occurs when a large amount of water overflows from rivers or other water bodies and submerges land that is usually dry.
Q8: What are the causes of floods?
Answer: Floods are often caused by heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, melting snow, or dam failures.
Q9: What is a cyclone?
Answer: A cyclone is a large-scale air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure, characterized by strong winds and heavy rain.
Q10: What is disaster management?
Answer: Disaster management involves planning and implementing measures to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, aiming to reduce their impact.
Q11: Why is disaster management important?
Answer: Disaster management is important to minimize loss of life, reduce injuries, protect property, and ensure quick recovery after a disaster.
Q12: What should you do during an earthquake if you are indoors?
Answer: If indoors during an earthquake, 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' under a sturdy table or desk, away from windows and heavy objects.
Q13: What should you do during a flood?
Answer: During a flood, move to higher ground, avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, and stay informed through official warnings.
Q14: What precautions should be taken during a cyclone?
Answer: During a cyclone, stay indoors, secure loose objects, keep an emergency kit ready, and follow instructions from disaster management authorities.
Q15: What is 'First Aid'?
Answer: First Aid is the immediate assistance given to an injured or sick person to prevent their condition from worsening before professional medical help arrives.
Q16: Why is it important to know First Aid?
Answer: It is important to know First Aid because it can save lives, prevent further injury, and reduce pain in emergency situations.
Q17: Name some items that should be in a First Aid kit.
Answer: A First Aid kit should contain bandages, antiseptic lotion, cotton, scissors, pain relievers, adhesive tape, and a thermometer.
Q18: What are emergency contact numbers?
Answer: Emergency contact numbers are phone numbers for services like police, fire brigade, and ambulance that can be called in case of an emergency (e.g., 100 for Police, 101 for Fire, 102 for Ambulance in India).
Q19: What is the role of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)?
Answer: The NDRF is a specialized force in India that responds to disasters, conducts search and rescue operations, and provides relief to affected areas.
Q20: How can we prepare for a disaster?
Answer: We can prepare for a disaster by creating an emergency plan, assembling a disaster kit, knowing evacuation routes, and participating in disaster drills.
Q21: What is a drought?
Answer: A drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water for human needs, agriculture, and the environment.
Q22: How do forest fires occur?
Answer: Forest fires can occur naturally due to lightning, or due to human activities like discarded cigarettes, unattended campfires, or intentional burning.
Q23: What is the importance of early warning systems in disaster management?
Answer: Early warning systems are crucial as they provide timely information about impending disasters, allowing people to take necessary precautions and evacuate, thereby saving lives and reducing damage.
Q24: How can communities help each other during a disaster?
Answer: Communities can help each other during a disaster by sharing resources, providing shelter, assisting in rescue efforts, and offering emotional support to those affected.
Q25: What role do schools play in disaster preparedness?
Answer: Schools play a vital role by conducting disaster drills, educating students about safety measures, and having emergency plans in place to protect students and staff during a disaster.
Q26: What is a 'safe spot' during an earthquake?
Answer: A safe spot during an earthquake is typically under a sturdy table or desk, or against an interior wall, away from windows, heavy furniture, and falling objects.
Q27: Why should we avoid using elevators during an earthquake?
Answer: We should avoid using elevators during an earthquake because they might get stuck, power might fail, or the elevator shaft could be damaged, trapping people inside.
Q28: What is the importance of communication during and after a disaster?
Answer: Communication is vital for coordinating rescue efforts, sharing information about safe zones, contacting family members, and ensuring that help reaches those in need.
Q29: How can we help people who have lost their homes in a disaster?
Answer: We can help people who have lost their homes by donating food, clothes, blankets, providing temporary shelter, and contributing to relief funds.
Exercise Solutions
Q1: Fill in the blanks.
- An earthquake is a natural disaster.
- Road accidents are man-made disasters.
- Immediate help given to an injured person is called First Aid.
- We should keep an emergency kit ready for disasters.
- During a flood, we should move to higher ground.
Q2: Match the pairs.
(Note: As an AI, I cannot create interactive matching. I will provide the correct pairs.)
- Earthquake - Shaking of the Earth
- Flood - Excessive water overflow
- Cyclone - Strong rotating winds
- Forest fire - Burning of forests
- First Aid - Immediate help
Q3: True or False.
- Disasters always occur due to natural causes. False
- We should use elevators during an earthquake. False
- Knowing First Aid is not important. False
- The NDRF helps in disaster response. True
- We should ignore disaster warnings. False
Q4: Answer the following questions.
- What is a disaster?
Answer: A disaster is a sudden, calamitous event that causes significant damage, loss of life, and disrupts the normal functioning of a community or society. - Name two types of disasters with examples.
Answer: Two types of disasters are natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods) and man-made disasters (e.g., road accidents, industrial fires). - What precautions should be taken during an earthquake?
Answer: During an earthquake, if indoors, 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' under sturdy furniture. If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings and trees. Avoid using elevators. - What is First Aid? Why is it important?
Answer: First Aid is the immediate medical assistance given to an injured or sick person. It is important because it can save lives, prevent further injury, and provide comfort until professional medical help arrives.
Q5: Give reasons.
- It is important to have an emergency kit ready.
Reason: It is important to have an emergency kit ready because it contains essential supplies like food, water, medicines, and a flashlight, which are crucial for survival and immediate needs during and after a disaster when normal services might be disrupted. - We should not panic during a disaster.
Reason: We should not panic during a disaster because panic can lead to irrational decisions, hinder effective response, and put ourselves and others at greater risk. Staying calm helps us think clearly and follow safety protocols. - Disaster management is necessary.
Reason: Disaster management is necessary to reduce the loss of life and property, minimize the impact of disasters, ensure quick relief and recovery, and build resilience in communities to face future calamities effectively.
References
- Maharashtra State Board Environmental Studies (Part One) Standard Six Textbook (2015 Edition) - Chapter 4: Disasters and Disaster Management.
- Maharashtra State Board 6th Standard Environmental Studies Syllabus.
- Balbharati Environmental Studies Part 1 Textbook.