9 – Disaster Management
Q.
1 Give scientific reasons :
(1)
It is safer to find shelter under like a bed, table at the time of earthquake.
Ans.
When earthquake takes place, due to the vibrations in the earth's surface,
there is possibility of the roof and walls of the house to fall. This collapse
can cause severe head injury which can be fatal. Thus, one must take shelter
below the hard-supporting structures such as bed or table. This precaution can
save one's life.
(2)
Don't use lifts at the time of earthquake.
Ans.
Lifts or elevators run on electricity. The electricity supply can be hindered
due to earthquake. There may be chances of fire due to short circuit. We may
get trapped in the elevator at such times. The building may also collapse due
to earthquake. It is always better to use stairs at the time of such
calamities, so that one can safely come out of the building. Therefore, it is
said that lifts should not be used at the time of earthquakes.
(3)
The foundation of earthquake proof building is separated from lowe land.
Ans.
The surface of the earth trembles a the time of earthquake. These tremors ca
seismic waves which are responsible for the movements of the earth's surface.
ground thus shakes or it goes upThese shocks and waves formed interior of the
earth spread on the sun all directions. This causes collapse of the building
and other structures on the land, To prevent such disasters the foundation of
earth-quake proof building is separated from lower land.
(4)
In monsoon, don't take shelter near hillside.
Ans.
The excessive rainfall can cause landslides. The soil and rocks from the
hillside can be pushed down along with the flow of rainwater. This debris
slides to the lower heights from the hills. This explains us that taking
shelter near the base of the hillside can be disastrous as one can be buried in
the debris due to sudden landslide. Therefore, in monsoon, one should not take
shelter near hillside.
Q.
2 Answer the following questions :
(1)
What are the specifications of an earthquake-proof building?
Ans.
The earthquake-proof building is such that even if the earthquake is caused, it
should not cause damage to the buildings due to these earth movements. There
are some codes of conduct while constructing such buildings. Advanced
technology is used for earthquake resistant construction. The foundation of
earthquake-proof building is separated from lower land. The walls are of less
weight or they are wooden. The house constructed with special light materials
are preferred in earthquake-prone regions.
(2)
Is there any relation between dam and earthquake? Explain.
Ans.
There is abundant water stored in the dams. This water column puts additional
weight on the ground. Initially there may not be any weight, but later due to
construction of dam, suddenly the pressure of this weight is so high that this
ground experiences the tension. If such area is already earthquake-prone, then
there can be chances of earthquake. According to theory of plate tectonics,
there are continuous movements in the earth's surface. If over such fragile
plates, the dams are constructed then the chances of earthquake are enhanced.
(3)
Explain the relation between continuous rains and landslide. Give reasons.
Ans.
Before the actual landslide, many changes occur in the surrounding hilly
ground. The hard rocks develop cracks and crevices. These are natural changes
but due to man-made activities, the cracks are widened due to erosion. These
cracks make the big rocks to break into smaller stones. The cracks widen
further due to excessive rainfall. These rocks further get eroded and they fall
down along with soil from the slopes. The entire process is speeded up due to
rainwater.
(4)
Explain the effects of landslide.
Ans.
(1) Mostly rivers originate in the hills and mountains. When there is
landslide, the rivers naturally get flooded.
(2)
The paths of the riverine water changes due to landslide.
(3)
Waterfalls are displaced from their original positions.
(4)
New and artificial water reservoirs are created.
(5)
The falling debris, soil and rocks make the trees at the base of hillside
uprooted. All the plant life is lost.
(6)
The constructions done by the villagers on the slope can be totally damaged due
to landslide. There is large scale damage to property and life. In few cases
like Malin the entire village was buried due to landslide and accompanied
rainfall.
(7)
Transportation is affected as the roads and railway tracks are blocked due to
debris.
Q 3. Prepare a chart showing 'Dos' and 'don'ts' at the time
of earthquake.
Ans At the time
of earthquake
Dos
Don'ts
(1)
Go in the open grounds. (1) Don't
wait in the multi-storeyed buildings.
Do not use lifts. Use stairs to descend.
(2)
Keep the electrical appliances (2) Do
not stand near buildings, trees or
and
cooking gas closed. electric
wires and poles.
(3)
Use battery or torch. (3)
Do not light candles, lantern or match
sticks.
(4)
Stand silently at one place. (4) Do
not sit in uncomfortable posture for a Do not panic or get scared. long time.
(5)
Take protection under some hard
covering,
especially to protect the head
and
face. Cover the face.
(6)
If, in vehicle, find a safe place and stop
the
vehicle, sit in the vehicle than coming out in open.
Q
4. If a crowd gathers at the place of earthquake, what would be the difficulties
in relief work ?
Ans.
If people flock in crowd, the rescue work will not be possible. The ambulances
and the fire engines will not reach the spot where the help is needed. The
personnel from disaster management cells cannot thus act in time. It will be
difficult to manage the situation and thus such crowding should never be done.
Q
5. With the help of the following picture, explain your role in the disaster
management.
Ans.
The picture given is not very clear. It does not indicate the condition of
disaster.
Therefore, there are two alternatives for this answer.
Option
1: The boy holds a paper on which is written, 'I am at risk'! The boy is
shocked to read this. Someone has given message to him. He must search that
person and help him or her. He should therefore take help from some elder or
from police force in such matter.
Option
2: The boy shown in the picture is in danger. So, he is typing in his I - pad,
"I am at Risk". After receiving this message, someone will help him.
It depends upon, to whom is he sending this message. If he sends this message
to us, we can immediately try to help him His message "I am at Risk”,
shows that he is in danger and has to be saved.
