Chapter 10: Disaster Management and Modern Geography (Part-1)
Natural disasters can cause widespread damage and loss of life; which example best illustrates a sudden natural hazard?
A Earthquake
B Deforestation
C Industrial pollution
D Traffic congestion
Earthquakes occur suddenly due to tectonic movements, causing immediate destruction and loss of life, making them classic examples of sudden natural hazards.
Man-made disasters often result from human activities; which scenario is most accurately described as a man-made disaster?
A Flood caused by heavy rainfall
B Tsunami from undersea earthquakes
C Nuclear reactor meltdown
D Volcanic eruption
Nuclear accidents arise from human errors or technology failure, classifying them as man-made disasters with potentially long-term environmental and health impacts.
Which of the following is a primary cause of forest fires in dry regions?
A Excessive rainfall
B Lightning strikes
C Overgrazing
D Melting glaciers
Lightning can ignite dry vegetation, especially in forested and drought-prone regions, leading to uncontrolled fires that threaten biodiversity and property.
Flood mitigation strategies typically include structural and non-structural measures; which measure best exemplifies a non-structural approach?
A Building levees and dams
B Afforestation along riverbanks
C Constructing embankments
D Canal diversion
Non-structural measures like planting trees reduce soil erosion and water runoff, mitigating flood impact without heavy infrastructure investment.
Earthquake-resistant building designs are a key mitigation strategy; which feature is most effective for minimizing structural collapse?
A Rigid walls without flexibility
B Lightweight construction materials
C Tall and narrow buildings
D Non-engineered masonry
Using lighter materials reduces seismic forces acting on structures, enhancing building resilience and reducing casualties during earthquakes.
NDMA plays a central role in disaster management in India; which function is correctly attributed to NDMA?
A Conducting local community awareness programs
B Coordinating national disaster preparedness and response
C Issuing state-level disaster warnings only
D Rehabilitating international disaster victims
The National Disaster Management Authority formulates policies, plans, and guidelines to strengthen India’s preparedness and coordination during disasters.
SDMA primarily functions at the state level; which role reflects its core responsibility?
A Formulating state disaster management plans
B Conducting global disaster research
C Providing international humanitarian aid
D Manufacturing disaster relief equipment
State Disaster Management Authorities create and implement strategies tailored to local risks, ensuring efficient preparedness, response, and recovery.
Which organization is mainly responsible for training and capacity building in disaster management in India?
A NDMA
B NIDM
C SDMA
D WHO
The National Institute of Disaster Management focuses on education, training, research, and capacity building for disaster mitigation and management nationwide.
Community-based disaster management emphasizes local participation; which practice best reflects this approach?
A Centralized disaster response planning
B Local volunteers trained in early warning systems
C Reliance solely on national authorities
D Exclusive use of imported relief technology
Empowering communities through awareness and training enhances local preparedness, ensuring timely response and reducing disaster impacts.
Disaster management is a continuous process; which phase is primarily focused on risk reduction before the disaster occurs?
A Pre-disaster
B During disaster
C Post-disaster
D Rehabilitation
Pre-disaster phase includes hazard assessment, preparedness, mitigation, and early warning to prevent or reduce the impact of disasters.
During a disaster, rapid decision-making is crucial; which activity best exemplifies the “during disaster” phase?
A Evacuation of affected populations
B Construction of dams
C Long-term urban planning
D Post-disaster economic recovery
The response phase involves immediate actions like evacuation, rescue, and emergency relief to minimize casualties and damage.
Post-disaster activities focus on recovery and reconstruction; which task is a clear example of this phase?
A Risk mapping
B Relief distribution
C Rebuilding houses and infrastructure
D Early warning dissemination
Post-disaster recovery includes reconstruction of homes, roads, and facilities to restore normalcy and improve future resilience.
Remote sensing technology aids disaster management; which application demonstrates its use effectively?
A Observing forest cover changes for fire risk assessment
B Conducting local community drills manually
C Manufacturing earthquake-resistant materials
D Running hospitals during emergencies
Satellite imagery enables monitoring of land and vegetation, helping identify areas prone to wildfires and other hazards for proactive measures.
GPS technology is increasingly used in disaster management; which function exemplifies its importance?
A Locating disaster-affected regions accurately
B Developing food aid policies
C Formulating disaster laws
D Training volunteers offline
GPS provides precise positioning for emergency responders, enabling efficient rescue, relief distribution, and resource allocation.
GIS plays a crucial role in hazard mapping; which use best illustrates its application?
A Creating detailed flood risk maps for urban planning
B Manufacturing relief supplies
C Conducting manual surveys only
D Building shelters without planning
Geographic Information Systems integrate spatial data to visualize risks, plan evacuation routes, and prioritize mitigation strategies.
Georeferencing is important in disaster management; which statement correctly reflects its use?
A Linking spatial data to precise coordinates for mapping hazards
B Training volunteers in manual reporting
C Producing relief kits
D Organizing community festivals
Georeferencing allows accurate overlay of maps, satellite images, and hazard data, enhancing planning and response during emergencies.
Which of the following best represents a mitigation strategy for earthquake-prone areas?
A Developing early warning systems and seismic building codes
B Planting seasonal crops
C Organizing cultural programs
D Restricting migration
Mitigation reduces disaster impact through preparation, structural safety, and timely alerts, minimizing potential losses and casualties.
Flood prevention in urban areas often involves integrated measures; which strategy is most effective?
A Improving drainage systems and enforcing floodplain regulations
B Building factories near rivers
C Encouraging deforestation
D Constructing roads over wetlands
Proper drainage and regulatory control reduce urban flooding risk, preserving life, property, and infrastructure.
Tsunami early warning systems rely on which technology primarily?
A Remote sensing and GPS
B Manual surveys only
C Traditional media
D Road construction
Sensors detect undersea seismic activity, satellites transmit data, and GPS helps pinpoint affected areas for timely alerts.
Landslides are a major hazard in hilly areas; which preventive measure is most appropriate?
A Slope stabilization and afforestation
B Building roads on steep slopes without support
C Ignoring rainfall forecasts
D Unplanned deforestation
Planting vegetation and engineering slopes reduce soil erosion and prevent landslides, enhancing safety in mountainous regions.
Which disaster management principle emphasizes the role of local communities in preparedness and response?
A Centralized control
B Community-based disaster management
C International intervention
D Exclusive government planning
Involving local communities ensures faster response, risk awareness, and resource utilization, making disaster management more effective and sustainable.
Cyclone mitigation strategies include early warning dissemination; which action best supports this strategy?
A Broadcasting alerts through multiple communication channels
B Ignoring weather forecasts
C Concentrating only on post-cyclone relief
D Avoiding coastal planning
Timely dissemination of cyclone warnings allows evacuation and preparedness, reducing casualties and property loss.
Which disaster is most influenced by climate change and rising sea levels?
A Earthquake
B Tsunami
C Coastal flooding
D Landslide
Global warming and sea-level rise increase the frequency and severity of coastal flooding, threatening settlements and infrastructure.
Which organization coordinates disaster management training at national level in India?
A SDMA
B NIDM
C NDMA
D UNICEF
The National Institute of Disaster Management trains personnel, conducts research, and builds capacities for effective disaster management nationally.
Which disaster mitigation approach is best suited for industrial chemical spills?
A Hazard identification and containment measures
B Tree plantation
C Public entertainment
D Building roads only
Early identification and containment prevent chemical spread, protecting human health and the environment during industrial accidents.
Which disaster management phase involves evaluating the effectiveness of response and recovery operations?
A Pre-disaster
B During disaster
C Post-disaster
D Mitigation
Post-disaster assessment identifies gaps, lessons learned, and improvements for future preparedness and risk reduction.
Which technology enables tracking and monitoring of wildfire spread in real time?
A Remote sensing
B Manual observation only
C Paper maps
D Telephone lines
Satellite imagery detects heat and fire patterns, enabling authorities to monitor and respond to wildfires efficiently.
Which phase of disaster management focuses on education, awareness, and preparation before disasters occur?
A Pre-disaster
B During disaster
C Post-disaster
D Reconstruction
Pre-disaster phase includes awareness campaigns, drills, early warning systems, and risk reduction measures to minimize impacts.
Which disaster is caused primarily by tectonic activity along fault lines?
A Earthquake
B Flood
C Cyclone
D Drought
Sudden movement of earth’s crust along faults generates seismic waves, causing earthquakes and structural damage.
Which GIS application is crucial in planning evacuation routes during disasters?
A Hazard mapping and spatial analysis
B Manufacturing materials
C Random road construction
D Cultural documentation
GIS identifies vulnerable zones, calculates safe routes, and supports timely evacuation to reduce casualties during disasters.
Cyclones are severe tropical storms; which factor primarily contributes to their formation?
A Warm ocean waters and low-pressure systems
B Cold ocean currents
C Mountainous terrain
D Deserts
Cyclones form over warm oceans where low-pressure zones cause strong winds and heavy rainfall, leading to extensive coastal damage.
Which disaster management strategy focuses on reducing the intensity of hazards before they impact people and property?
A Mitigation
B Response
C Recovery
D Rehabilitation
Mitigation involves structural and non-structural measures to minimize hazard impact, such as flood barriers, building codes, and awareness programs.
Which natural disaster often results from prolonged drought and poor water management?
A Earthquake
B Flood
C Drought
D Cyclone
Droughts occur due to extended rainfall deficiency, mismanaged water resources, and climatic variations, causing agricultural losses and water scarcity.
Community-based disaster management improves resilience; which action best demonstrates this concept?
A Training local volunteers in first aid and emergency response
B Relying only on national authorities for relief
C Importing foreign relief teams exclusively
D Constructing unrelated infrastructure
Empowering local communities ensures faster, effective response, resource utilization, and preparedness during disasters.
Landslides are common in hilly regions; which preventive measure is most effective?
A Planting deep-rooted vegetation and slope terracing
B Deforestation
C Constructing roads without support
D Ignoring rainfall forecasts
Vegetation stabilizes soil, while terracing reduces slope gradient, minimizing landslide occurrence and protecting communities.
NDMA guidelines emphasize capacity building; which activity aligns with this objective?
A Conducting disaster preparedness workshops for government officials and communities
B Issuing international loans
C Exporting disaster relief materials
D Building only luxury infrastructure
Capacity building enhances knowledge, skills, and preparedness at both government and community levels for effective disaster response.
Which phase of disaster management involves immediate actions like search, rescue, and relief distribution?
A Pre-disaster
B During disaster
C Post-disaster
D Mitigation
Response phase focuses on life-saving operations, emergency relief, and minimizing immediate losses during disaster events.
Which modern technique uses satellite imagery to monitor forest fires and flooding?
A Remote sensing
B GIS
C GPS
D Manual surveying
Remote sensing provides timely, large-scale data to detect, monitor, and predict natural hazards for effective disaster management.
GPS technology is crucial in disaster management; which task illustrates its use effectively?
A Tracking location of relief teams and affected populations
B Manufacturing emergency shelters
C Planting trees
D Conducting cultural surveys
GPS ensures accurate positioning and coordination, optimizing rescue and relief efforts during disasters.
Which disaster results from sudden accumulation and overflow of water on land?
A Earthquake
B Flood
C Cyclone
D Drought
Floods occur due to heavy rainfall, river overflow, or coastal surges, causing property damage, loss of life, and environmental impacts.
GIS helps in disaster management; which application best demonstrates its utility?
A Mapping high-risk zones and planning evacuation routes
B Manufacturing disaster relief kits
C Conducting manual surveys exclusively
D Organizing entertainment programs
GIS integrates spatial data to visualize hazards, prioritize interventions, and design safe evacuation and response strategies.
Georeferencing supports accurate disaster planning; which statement reflects its role?
A Linking maps and satellite imagery to geographic coordinates for precise risk assessment
B Training volunteers offline
C Building houses
D Arranging cultural events
Georeferencing ensures accurate overlay of spatial data for hazard analysis, planning mitigation measures, and coordinating emergency responses.
Coastal communities are prone to cyclones; which preventive measure is most suitable?
A Constructing cyclone shelters and enforcing building codes
B Planting crops only
C Ignoring early warnings
D Avoiding urban planning
Cyclone shelters protect people during storms, while strict construction standards reduce structural damage and casualties.
Flood risk reduction in urban areas can be achieved effectively by which method?
A Improving stormwater drainage and restricting construction on floodplains
B Deforestation along riverbanks
C Building roads over wetlands
D Ignoring flood forecasts
Proper urban planning reduces waterlogging, preserves natural water flow, and prevents property loss during floods.
Which disaster management principle emphasizes the systematic planning and coordination of resources and responsibilities?
A Integrated disaster management
B Random response
C Exclusive international aid
D Ad hoc relief
Coordinated planning ensures resources, authorities, and communities work together efficiently before, during, and after disasters.
Earthquake-resistant construction reduces casualties; which design element is most effective?
A Flexible frames and lightweight materials
B Heavy masonry walls without reinforcement
C Tall narrow structures
D Non-engineered materials
Flexibility absorbs seismic shocks and lightweight materials reduce building mass, minimizing structural failure and human loss.
Tsunami early warning systems rely on which technology combination for effectiveness?
A Seismic sensors, remote sensing, and GPS
B Manual observation only
C Traditional sirens alone
D Paper maps
Combining sensors and satellite data allows detection of undersea earthquakes and precise location tracking for timely warnings.
Which disaster is primarily associated with prolonged dry conditions and high temperatures?
A Flood
B Drought
C Cyclone
D Earthquake
Droughts arise from extended rainfall deficiency, mismanaged water resources, and climatic variability, impacting agriculture, water supply, and livelihoods.
Community participation enhances disaster resilience; which initiative exemplifies this approach?
A Forming local disaster management committees and conducting mock drills
B Relying only on central authorities
C Importing external relief teams exclusively
D Focusing on cultural festivals
Active local involvement in planning, training, and drills improves preparedness, awareness, and rapid response during emergencies.
Which mitigation strategy is most effective for preventing landslides in mountainous regions?
A Terracing slopes, afforestation, and drainage management
B Random road construction
C Deforestation and soil excavation
D Ignoring rainfall patterns
Engineering and vegetative measures stabilize slopes, reduce erosion, and prevent landslides, protecting life, property, and infrastructure.