Disaster Management - Standard 8 - General Science - Balbharati
Disaster Management
Exercise
1. Answer
the following in your own words.
a.
Explain the relation between continuous rains and landslide. Give reasons.
Ans. Continuous heavy rain can start landslides because the water from the rain soaks into the soil on slopes and mountains. When the soil gets really wet, it becomes heavy and unstable. If the rain keeps falling, the soil can't hold all the water, and that makes it even more shaky. Eventually, the soil can't support itself, and it starts to slide down the slope, leading to a landslide. So, continuous rains make the ground weak and more likely to slide down, which is why they are connected to landslides.
b. Prepare a chart showing ‘Do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ at the time of earthquake.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| 1. Go to the open ground. | 1. Don't wait in the multi-storeyed buildings. |
| 2. If you are in multi-storeyed building use stairs. | 2. Don't use lifts in multi-storeyed building. |
| 3. Switch off the main electric supply and cooking gas closed. | 3. Do not stand near buildings, trees or electric wires and poles. |
| 4. Use battery or torch. | 4. Do not use candles, lantern, or matchbox, instead use torch or battery. |
| 5. Stand silently at one place. do not panic or get scared. | 5. Do not sit in uncomfortable posture for a long time. Do some movements. |
| 6. Take protection under some hard covering, especially to protect the head and face. Cover the face. | |
| 7. If, in vehicle, find a safe place and stop the vehicle, sit in the vehicle than coming out in open. |
c. What
are the specifications of an earthquake-proof building?
Ans.
1. Earthquake-proof buildings are constructions that withstand earth movements up to a certain limit without getting damaged.
2. The Indian Standard Institute has established specific building codes for the construction of tall buildings. Construction follows the guidelines provided in I.S. 456.
3. Earthquake-resistant buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with IS 1893 (Criteria for earthquake-resistant design of structures).
4. To enhance earthquake resistance, IS 13920 (Ductile detailing of reinforced concrete structures subjected to seismic forces) standards are followed.
5. State-of-the-art technology and construction methods are employed in earthquake-resistant construction to ensure the building's safety during seismic events.
d.
Explain the effects of landslide.
Ans.
1. Rivers get flooded and change their paths.
2. Displacement of waterfalls, formation of artificial water reservoirs.
3. There is live and financial loss on a large scale, as trees, buildings, rocks on sloppy area collapse on low-lying land.
4. Landslide affects the traffic.
5. Landslide destroys plant life on it.
e. Is
there any relation between dam and earthquake? Explain.
Ans. Yes. There is a relation between dam and earthquake.
1. Dams store a lot of water, and this water is heavy. When we fill a dam, it adds a lot of weight on the ground.
2. At first, there's no weight on the ground, but when the dam is filled with water, it suddenly puts a lot of pressure on the ground underneath.
3. This heavy water column can create tension in the ground. Think of it as the ground feeling stretched or pulled because of the weight.
4. If the area where the dam is built is earthquake-prone, increases the chances of an earthquake.
5. The Earth's surface has parts that are always moving. If a dam is built on top of these moving parts (called "plates") and they are fragile or unstable, it can make things even riskier.
2. Give
Scientific reasons.
a. It is
safer to find shelter under things 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.
b. In
monsoon, don’t take shelter near hillside.
Ans. During monsoon, it is not advisable to take shelter near a hillside because heavy rainfall can lead to landslides in hilly areas. The saturated soil on the slopes becomes unstable, increasing the risk of mudslides and debris flow. It leads to a significant danger to anyone seeking shelter in such areas.
c. Don’t
use lifts at the time of earthquake.
Ans. Lifts or elevators run on electricity. The electricity supply can be disrupted due to an 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.
d. The
foundation of earthquake-proof building is separated from other land.
Ans. The surface of the earth shakes at the time of an earthquake. These tremors cause seismic waves which are responsible for the movements of the earth's surface. The ground thus shakes or it goes up-down. These shocks and waves formed in the interior of the earth spread on the surface in 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.
Q. 3 If a
crowd gathers at the place of earthquake, what would be the difficulties in
relief work ?
Ans. A crowd at the earthquake site can:
1. Block Access: It obstructs emergency vehicles and rescue teams' access.
2. Resource Diversion: More resources and time are spent on crowd control instead of rescue efforts.
3. Communication Issues: Overwhelms communication systems, hampering coordination.
4. Additional Hazards: Poses risks like stampedes, structural collapses, and disease spread.
5. Limited Space: Reduces space for medical facilities, supply distribution, and rescue operations.
Q. 4 Make
a list of the institutes and organizations who provide help for disaster
management. Collect more information about their work.
Ans.
1. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): NDMA is the apex body in India responsible for formulating policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management. They work on disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery at the national level.
2. State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs): Each state, including Maharashtra, has its own SDMA responsible for disaster management within the state. Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority focuses on state-level disaster preparedness and response.
3. National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM): NIDM is an autonomous institute that conducts research, training, and capacity building in disaster management. They offer courses and workshops for professionals and students.
4. Indian Red Cross Society: The Red Cross is involved in disaster response and relief efforts. They provide humanitarian aid, including medical support and relief supplies, during disasters.
5. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): NDRF is a specialized force trained for disaster response and rescue operations. They have several teams stationed across India, including Maharashtra, ready for quick deployment during disasters.
6. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Various NGOs like SEEDS, Goonj, and Save the Children work on disaster relief, recovery, and resilience-building projects. They often collaborate with government agencies.
7. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR): UNDRR works on reducing disaster risk and building resilience globally. They provide resources and information on disaster risk reduction.
8. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD): IMD is responsible for weather forecasting and early warning systems, crucial for disaster preparedness and response.
Q. 5 Make
a survey of your school according to the plan of disaster management and write
the pointwise information.
[ Observe the school and note the points]
Q. 6 Are
there any possible places of landslide in your area ? Collect information from
experts.
[ Search on the internet about possible places of landslide in your area]
Q. 7 With the help of following picture, explain your role in the disaster management.
