10. Disaster Management

1. Complete the table.
(Motor accident, land sliding, forest fire, theft, riot, war, epidemic, drought, locust attack, financial crisis, flood, famine)

Ans.

2. Write notes.

(a) Disaster management Authority
Ans. (1) Disaster Management Authority is the body that works at the level of government from national level to village level. This work is basically about management of any disaster and tackling the problems of the affected people. (2) At National level there is National Disaster Management Authority for which the Prime Minister is the chairman. (3) For every state there is State Disaster Management Authority, where the chief minister of every state is the chairman. (4) Under the state level, there are district level units where district collector is responsible for disaster management and implementation of rehabilitation schemes. (5) Below district level authority there are Taluka and then Village Disaster Management Committees. The Tahsildar is the chairman for Taluka level while the Sarpanch of the village is responsible for management of disasters at village level. (6) Collector of each district helps in planning, coordinating and controlling the implementation of rehabilitation programme and also gives essential instructions and reviews the entire system.

(b) Nature of disaster management
Ans. (1) Disaster management involves either prevention of disasters (Pre-disaster management) or creating preparedness to face them (Post-disaster management). (2) The action plans are prepared for managing disasters. This is done after studying the different aspects such as preventive measures, rehabilitation and reconstruction plans. (3) The disasters are tackled by executing action plans in the following steps: Preparation, redemption, preparedness, action during actual disaster, response, resurgence and restoration. (4) At every level there are other voluntary organizations and Government meteorological institutions for their help. 

(c) Mock drill
Ans. (1) Mock Drill is a practice to check the preparedness of facing the disaster as early as possible. (2) Virtual or apparent situation of disaster is created to check the reaction time for any type of disaster. (3) Trained personnel observe their responsibilities to check execution of plan designed for disaster redressal. (4) Mock drill helps to check the efficiency of the system prepared for disaster redressal. (5) It is arranged in various schools by the fire fighters to create awareness during fire. (6) It includes demonstrations like extinguishing fire, rescuing the people trapped at higher floors of buildings, rescuing the persons whose clothing have caught fire etc. (7) Such activities are also organised by police force and voluntary organizations.

(d) Disaster Management Act, 2005
Ans. (1) National Disaster Response Force has been established as per the Disaster Management Act 2005. (2) Divisions of these forces are working in the army. (3) Overall 12 divisions are working in the country. (4) Its headquarter is in Delhi and it is in action all over the country with the help of army.

3. Answer the following questions.

(a) Explain the role of district disaster control unit after occurrence of any disaster.
Ans. (1) At the district level, the district collector is responsible for disaster management and implementation of rehabilitation schemes. (2) District control unit is established immediately either after the impact of disaster or getting information about it. (3) It reviews about various aspects of disaster, keeps continuous contact with various agencies like army, airforce, navy, telecommunication department, paramilitary forces etc. for getting help. (4) It is also responsible for co-ordinating with various voluntary organizations for their help in disaster management. (5) It tries to establish the normal condition and proper rehabilitation as early as possible.

(b) Give the reasons for increase in human disasters after the World War-II.
Ans. (1) After Second World War, the feelings of peace and brotherhood among the global citizens were lost. The geographic, religious, racial and ethnic differences sprang up tremendously. (2) Atrocities that Nazi has performed made deep impact on the minds of people. Terrorism, abduction, robberies and social unrest increased in almost all the countries. (3) The financial losses had incurred in the World War II. The misuse of science and technology was done to retrieve these deficits. (4) Social inequality, economic disparity, racial and religious differences were some adversaries that created unrest in the country. All such instances gave rise to man-made disasters.

(c) Which are the objectives of disaster management? (March ’19)
Ans. Objectives of disaster managements are as follows:
(1) Disposal of human life suffered by human being during the calamity and release of the people. (2) Supply of essential commodities to the people reduce the effect of disaster. (3) To restore human life in the region by creating reconciliation in disaster. (4) Rehabilitate disaster victims. (5) Considering protective measures in disaster, such disaster will not repeat in future and to take care to reduce their intensity.

(d) Why is it essential to get the training of first aid?  (July ’19)
Ans. (1) When there is a disaster, we need to immediately help the victim. (2) Till the medical help arrives, one should be in position to treat the injured and save his or her life. In such cases, knowing first aid is essential. (3) Such kind of a need may arise in case of our parents, our siblings at home or with friends in school. Those who are injured should be treated at once. (4) If we know about techniques of first aid, we can save such person before the medical help arrives. Therefore, it is essential to get the training of the first aid.

(e) Which different methods are used for transportation of patients? Why?
Ans. For the transportation of patients following methods are used :
(1) Cradle method : This method is used for children and persons with less weight.
(2) Carrying piggy back : This method is useful in carrying the unconscious persons.
(3) Human crutch method : If one leg of the person is injured, then the victim is supported with minimum load on the other leg. This is called human crutch method.
(4) Pulling or lifting method : For carrying an unconscious person for a short distance this method is used.
(5) Carrying on four-hand chair : This method is used when the support is needed for a part below waist region.
(6) Carrying on two-hand chair : Patients that cannot use their hands but can hold their body upright, are carried by such method.
(7) Stretcher : By making temporary stretcher in case of emergency, the unconscious patient can be moved. Such temporary stretchers are made by using bamboos, blanket, etc.

4. On the basis of the structure of disaster management authority, form the same for your school.
Ans.

5. Write down the reasons, effects and remedial measures taken for any two disasters experienced by you.
Ans.

Disaster :

(1) Bus fell from the overbridge into the flowing river.

Causes:
(i) The bridge had become weak.
(ii) The bridge was not repaired earlier despite of threat of falling down.
(iii) The driver was driving bus at a reckless speed and so he lost control over it.

Effects :
(i) Some passengers died, drowned and some of them were severely injured.
(ii) The wall of the bridge got damaged.

Remedial Measures :
(i) Villages residing near the river rushed for help.
(ii) Survivors were given first aid immediately and were rushed to near-by hospitals.
(iii) The Collector, social organizations came to the accident spot and provided help.

Disaster :
(2) Accident of a four wheeler on the road.

Causes:
(i) Overspeeding of the vehicle.
(ii) Driver was talking on his cellphone while driving and suddenly lost control over the vehicle.

Effects :
(i) Persons in the vehicle got severely hurt.
(ii) Driver died on the spot.
(iii) Passengers did not use seat-belt, hence the injuries were severe.
(iv) Vehicle caught fire after banging on the nearby shop.

Remedial Measures :
(i) Victims were immediately taken in an ambulance to nearby hospital after providing first aid.
(ii) Police were informed.

6. Which different aspects of disaster management would you check for your school? Why?

Ans. Following are the things that can be checked:
(1) First aid box to provide first aid to victims of injuries. (2) Fire extinguisher to extinguish fire in case of emergency. (3) Source of pure water for drinking if people are stuck up. (4) Stretcher and Wheel chair to carry children to hospital. (5) Emergency exits are clear for evacuation in case of any disaster.

7. Identify the type of disaster.
(a) Terrorism (b) Soil erosion (c) Hepatitis (d) Forest fire (e) Famine (f) Theft

Ans.
(i) Terrorism and theft are man-made disasters.
(ii)  Hepatitis and forest fires are biological disasters.
(iii) Famine and soil erosion are geophysical disasters.

8. Some symbols are given below. Explain those symbols. Which disasters may occur if those symbols are ignored?

Ans.
(i) Toxic or irritant : If toxic or harmful chemical or gas is carried through cylinders. If ignored can cause leakage and lead to severe damage.

(ii) Danger: If there is a danger to life, this symbol is used. If ignored, can cause loss of life.

(iii) Harmful for aquatic life: Chemical effluents if left in water can cause loss of aquatic life.

(iv) Dangerous for health: Specially for tabacco and alcohol. If ignored, can cause cancer.

(v) Material causing skin corrosion / burns: Corrosive to metals. If ignored can cause skin corrosion.

(vi) Oxidiser : Contact can cause damage to metals.

(vii) Inflammable: If any highly inflammable material is carried through a vehicle, then this tag is used. If ignored, can cause fire.

(viii) Explosive material: If a vehicle is carrying explosive material then this symbol is used. If ignored, can cause explosion.

(ix) Gas is stored under pressure: If ignored can cause gas leakage and damage.

9. Explain that why is it said like that?

A] Mock drill is useful (2 marks) (Sept. ’21)
Ans. (i) Mock drill is a practice to check preparedness of facing the disaster as early as possible. (ii) It helps in evaluating the response to the disaster. (iii) Virtual or apparent situations of disaster are created to check the reaction time for any types of disaster.(iv) Trained personnel observe their responsibilities to check execution of plan designed for the disaster rehearsal. (v) Mock drill helps to check the competency of planned actions and identifying the possible errors and risks. (vi) Mock drill includes demonstrations like extinguishing the fire, rescuing the people trapped at higher floors of the building, rescuing the persons whose clothing have caught fire etc. (vii) Hence mock drills is useful.

B] Effective disaster management makes us well prepared for future.
Ans.  (1) Disaster Management is achieving or time to time improving the ability to face the disasters through scientific and careful observations and analysis of data. (2) When disaster or natural calamity strikes suddenly with a huge impact, large scale devastation of property and general environment degradation occurs along with substantial mortality of people and animals. (3) Therefore, it is most appropriate to have the preparedness to reduce the impact of any future disasters.

10. Complete the following chart.

Ans.

11. Following are the pictures of some disasters. How will be your pre- and post-disaster management in case you face any of those disasters?

Ans.(a) (Sept. ’21)
(i) The disaster is a leakage of cooking cylinder gas. (ii) This may cause suffocation, difficulty in breathing and can lead to fire. (iii) Open the door and windows, switch off electric supply and close the cylinder knob.

Ans.(b) (Sept. ’21)
(i) Here the disaster is fighting between children. (ii) There may be abusive language used and can lead to noise pollution. Also, it can lead to serious injuries. (iii) We will stop them immediately and separate them. (d) Understand the root cause of quarrel and guide them accordingly. (iv) We will try to explain to them the importance of friendship. (v) If anybody is hurt first aid should be provided.

Ans.(c) (Sept. ’21)
(i) The disaster here is heavy rains and flooding. (ii) To prevent water logging we should keep manholes open for drainage. (iii) Rescuing people from the water logged areas by using ropes, boats etc.(iv) Temporary shelter should be given to effected people. Essential commodities should be provided. (v) Electric supply should be restored at the earliest.

Ans.(d)
(i) The disaster is a ‘Cyclone’ (ii) There may be incidence of uprootment of trees, building collapse etc. (iii) Rescue operation for the victims should be immediately arranged. (iv) Temporary shelters should be given to the victims.