Disaster Management
Short Questions
1. What defines a disaster according to the United Nations?
Answer : A sudden event causing significant loss of life and property.
2. How does a man-made disaster differ from a natural disaster?
Answer : Man-made disasters result from human activities, unlike natural disasters caused by environmental forces.
3. What is a catastrophic disaster?
Answer : A disaster causing widespread chaos and significant loss, like cyclones or earthquakes.
4. Why are disasters unpredictable?
Answer : Their sudden occurrence prevents accurate forecasting and precaution.
5. What is the primary impact of floods on infrastructure?
Answer : Collapsing bridges and flooding coastal villages disrupt connectivity.
6. How does an earthquake affect the landscape?
Answer : It causes land cracks and collapses buildings, altering terrain.
7. What environmental impact does a forest fire have?
Answer : It destroys ecosystems and contributes to air pollution.
8. Why do disasters affect the economy long-term?
Answer : Reconstruction of damaged infrastructure like ports requires substantial funds.
9. How does weak local leadership impact disaster response?
Answer : It causes confusion, reducing citizen participation in rescue efforts.
10. What is the key feature of the emergency phase in disaster management?
Answer : Quick actions like search and rescue save maximum lives.
11. What is the focus of the transitional phase post-disaster?
Answer : Restoring normalcy through debris clearance and infrastructure repair.
12. Why is the reconstruction phase complex?
Answer : It involves long-term rebuilding of facilities and livelihoods.
13. How does population growth exacerbate disasters?
Answer : It increases resource demands, intensifying disaster impacts.
14. What is a significant risk from atomic energy plants?
Answer : Radiation leakage, as seen in Chernobyl, poses long-term threats.
15. Why is public participation crucial in disaster management?
Answer : Citizens are primary sufferers and key to effective response and recovery.
16. What is the role of predictive intensity maps in pre-disaster management?
Answer : They identify disaster-prone areas for targeted preparation.
17. How does the National Disaster Response Force operate in India?
Answer : It conducts rescue operations nationwide, coordinated through army divisions.
18. What is the purpose of a first aid kit in disasters?
Answer : It provides immediate medical assistance to stabilize victims.
19. Why are mock drills conducted in schools?
Answer : To evaluate preparedness and response efficiency for disasters.
20. What is the significance of disaster warning symbols?
Answer : They alert people to potential hazards, preventing mishaps.
Long Questions
1. What are the main types of disasters and their characteristics?
Answer : Natural disasters like floods and earthquakes occur suddenly, damaging environments. Man-made disasters, like terrorism or chemical spills, result from human negligence. Both cause significant life and property loss, disrupting societal functions.
2. How do disasters impact the economy and administration of a region?
Answer : Disasters strain economies through reconstruction costs, like rebuilding ports. Weak local leadership leads to administrative chaos, reducing rescue efficiency. Affected departments struggle, causing systemic collapse during crises.
3. Explain the effects of floods on public life and infrastructure.
Answer : Floods collapse bridges and flood villages, disrupting transport and livelihoods. They cause food shortages and contaminate water sources. Long-term economic strain arises from rebuilding damaged infrastructure.
4. Describe the phases of disaster management with their significance.
Answer : Emergency phase saves lives through quick rescue and medical aid. Transitional phase restores normalcy via debris clearance and rehabilitation. Reconstruction phase rebuilds infrastructure, ensuring long-term recovery.
5. What is the role of the District Disaster Management Authority?
Answer : The district collector plans and coordinates rehabilitation schemes. They instruct and review disaster response systems. They design district-specific disaster plans, securing state-level approval.
6. How does the National Disaster Response Force contribute to disaster management?
Answer : It conducts rescue operations nationwide, with 12 army divisions. In Maharashtra, it operates via State Reserve Police Force. It excels in handling cyclones, landslides, and building collapses.
7. Why is first aid critical in disaster situations?
Answer : First aid stabilizes victims, relieving pain and preventing condition deterioration. It saves lives before professional medical help arrives. Knowledge of first aid empowers communities to respond effectively.
8. What are the objectives of conducting mock drills?
Answer : Mock drills evaluate response efficiency and coordination among disaster control units. They identify response strengths and potential errors. They enhance quick reaction capabilities for actual disasters.
9. How does pre-disaster management prepare communities for calamities?
Answer : It identifies disaster-prone areas using hazard maps and trains communities. Public awareness campaigns via media promote preparedness. It minimizes losses through proactive planning and resource allocation.
10. Explain the environmental and social impacts of a forest fire disaster.
Answer : Forest fires destroy ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and polluting air. They displace communities, causing emotional and economic stress. Long-term effects include soil erosion and increased epidemic risks.
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