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Chapter 10 - Disaster Management

Chapter 10 : Disaster Management

Textbook Exercise Solutions

Q1) Complete the table:
Answer :
Disaster Symptoms / Early Indicators Effects on Life and Property Remedial / Preventive Measures
Earthquake Rumbling underground sound; sudden shaking of walls and ceiling fixtures. Collapse of buildings, bridges, and power lines; human casualties and buried victims. Construct earthquake-resistant buildings; take shelter under sturdy tables; turn off gas and electricity.
Cyclone Deep drop in atmospheric pressure; high-speed howling winds; heavy overcast skies. Uprooting of huge trees and electric poles; severe roof destruction; coastal storm surges. Move to cyclone shelters; stay away from seashores; listen to meteorological radio warnings.
Flood Continuous torrential rain; river water crossing danger levels; clogged drainage. Submerging of agricultural crops and towns; water contamination; epidemic outbreaks. Evacuate to elevated higher ground; build protective river embankments; boil drinking water.
Forest Fire Extreme dry summer heat; strong dry winds; visible smoke billowing over tree canopy. Destruction of vast forest biodiversity and wildlife; heavy air pollution. Create firebreaks in forests; rapidly deploy aerial water helicopters; extinguish campfires.
Q2) Write notes:
1. Disaster Management Authority:
Answer :
  1. In India, a multi-tier statutory disaster governance structure operates from national down to grassroots village levels:
    • National Level (NDMA): Chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.
    • State Level (SDMA): Chaired by the respective State Chief Minister.
    • District Level (DDMA): Headed by the District Collector, responsible for overall planning, execution of rescue, and rehabilitation.
    • Taluka Level: Headed by the Tahsildar.
    • Village Level: Managed by the Village Disaster Management Committee headed by the Sarpanch.
  2. This structured authority coordinates emergency services, relief materials, financial aid, and post-disaster reconstruction smoothly.
2. Nature of disaster management:
Answer :
  1. Disaster management is an integrated, continuous scientific process divided into two main phases:
    • Pre-disaster Management: Preparedness, hazard mapping, training citizens, conducting mock drills, and setting up early warning systems.
    • Post-disaster Management: Prompt search and rescue operations, providing emergency medical first aid, supplying food and clean water, and rehabilitating victims.
3. Mock drill:
Answer :
  1. A mock drill is a simulated practical training exercise that mimics an actual sudden disaster (e.g., fire outbreak or earthquake) in real time.
  2. It tests the reaction time, readiness, and coordination of rescue teams, fire brigades, and citizens.
  3. It trains students and employees on escape routes, fire extinguisher operations, and safe evacuation procedures.
  4. Identifying flaws during a mock drill allows authorities to fix weak points before an actual disaster occurs.
4. Disaster Management Act, 2005:
Answer :
  1. Passed by the Parliament of India in December 2005, this landmark Act provides a legal framework for disaster mitigation, preparedness, and emergency response.
  2. It established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the specialized National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
  3. The NDRF consists of specialized battalions trained to handle earthquakes, building collapses, radiological emergencies, and floods across India.
Q3) Answer the following questions:
1. Explain the role of district disaster control unit after occurrence of any disaster:
Answer :
  1. The District Disaster Control Unit, under the direct supervision of the District Collector, is activated immediately when a disaster strikes.
  2. It assesses the scale of damage and establishes 24/7 telecommunication contact with national armed forces, air force, naval rescue units, and the NDRF.
  3. It mobilizes fire tenders, ambulances, medical teams, police, and voluntary NGOs to the affected site.
  4. It coordinates the distribution of food grains, clean drinking water, medicines, and temporary tents to displaced citizens.
2. Give the reasons for increase in human disasters after the World War-II:
Answer :
  1. Post-World War II geopolitics triggered rapid militarization, nuclear proliferation, and the Cold War arms race.
  2. Unchecked industrialization and population explosion resulted in catastrophic chemical disasters (such as the Bhopal gas tragedy).
  3. Racial, ethnic, territorial, and religious extremist conflicts fueled global terrorism, riots, and refugee crises.
  4. Rampant deforestation and pollution destabilized natural ecosystems, intensifying human-induced environmental disasters.
3. What are the objectives of disaster management?
Answer :
  1. Saving human lives through rapid evacuation and timely first-aid treatment.
  2. Providing emergency food, potable water, clothing, and shelter to minimize human suffering.
  3. Preventing secondary hazards (such as disease epidemics and fires).
  4. Restoring damaged public infrastructure (power lines, roads, water supply) back to normalcy.
  5. Rehabilitating and economically compensating affected families.
4. Why is it essential to get the training of first aid?
Answer :
  1. In accidents or disasters, the first 60 minutes (the Golden Hour) are critical to save an injured victim's life.
  2. Emergency medical doctors often take time to reach disaster scenes due to road blockages or traffic.
  3. A citizen trained in first aid can control heavy bleeding, immobilize bone fractures, perform artificial respiration or CPR, and prevent shock.
  4. Immediate first aid stabilizes the patient, preventing fatal complications before hospitalization.
5. Which different methods are used for transportation of patients? Why?
Answer :
Transportation Method When and Why Used
Cradle Method Used for carrying small children and lightweight victims safely.
Piggyback Method Used for conscious victims who can hold on with their arms.
Human Crutch Method Used when one leg of the victim is injured; rescuer acts as a crutch.
Four-Hand Chair Used when major support is required below the waist and thighs.
Two-Hand Chair Used for patients who can hold themselves upright but cannot walk.
Emergency Stretcher Made using bamboo poles, blankets, or jackets for unconscious patients with suspected spinal injuries.
Q4) On the basis of the structure of disaster management authority, form the same for your school:
Answer :

The structured School Disaster Management Committee is organized as follows:

School Principal (Chairman) Vice-Principal / Supervisor (Coordinator) Emergency Evacuation (Class Teachers) First Aid & Medical (School Doctor/Nurse) Search & Rescue (Sports Teachers/Volunteers) Communication & Parent (Administration)
Q5) Write down the reasons, effects and remedial measures taken for any two disasters experienced by you:
Answer :

1. Severe Urban Waterlogging / Floods:

  • Reasons: Cloudburst-level heavy rains combined with plastic-choked stormwater drains and concretized riverbeds.
  • Effects: Water entered ground-floor houses, transport came to a standstill, drinking water became muddy, and power supplies were cut off.
  • Remedial Measures: Citizens moved to upper floors; municipal teams operated de-watering pumps; drinking water was boiled; and community kitchens provided food packets.

2. Cyclone / Severe Storm:

  • Reasons: Deep low-pressure atmospheric cyclonic storm formed over the Arabian Sea.
  • Effects: Gale-force winds uprooted large trees, snapped overhead electric cables, and shattered glass windows.
  • Remedial Measures: Residents stayed safely indoors away from glass windows; power was shut down to prevent electrocution; and municipal disaster teams cleared fallen trees promptly.
Q6) Which different aspects of disaster management would you check for your school? Why?
Answer :

To ensure school safety, I will check the following pre-disaster safety parameters:

  1. Fire Safety: Are functional fire extinguishers mounted on every floor with updated inspection tags? Are fire hose reels operational?
  2. Evacuation Routes: Are staircases, hallways, and fire exits completely clear of furniture or storage clutter? Are emergency exit signs clearly visible?
  3. First Aid Kits: Is there a fully stocked first-aid kit in each science laboratory, sports room, and administrative office?
  4. Communication System: Is the school public address (PA) system working properly to broadcast emergency warnings instantly?
  5. Emergency Contact Directory: Are telephone numbers for the nearest fire station, police station, disaster control room, and hospitals displayed prominently?
Q7) Identify the type of disaster:
Answer :
No. Disaster Classification / Type of Disaster
1 Terrorism Man-made disaster → Intentional / Anthropogenic
2 Soil erosion Natural disaster → Geophysical / Geological
3 Hepatitis Natural disaster → Biological (Viral / Infectious Disease)
4 Forest fire Natural disaster → Biological (Plant-origin / Climatic)
5 Famine Natural disaster → Climatic / Meteorological (Drought)
6 Theft Man-made disaster → Intentional / Social Crime
Q8) Explain the warning symbols and which disasters may occur if ignored:
Answer :
Warning Sign Nature of Hazard Consequences if Ignored
Explosive Material that can violently detonate on spark or heat. Massive explosions causing building destruction and severe loss of life.
Inflammable Substance that catches fire very easily (petrol, LPG). Uncontrollable fire hazards and catastrophic burn injuries.
Corrosive Strong acids/alkalis that destroy skin and metal on contact. Severe chemical burns on skin, blindness, and lung damage.
Toxic (Poison) Substances lethal even in tiny inhaled or ingested doses. Immediate poisoning, organ failure, and death.
Environmentally Hazardous Chemicals toxic to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Massive fish kills, water pollution, and ecological collapse.
Q9) Explain why is it said like that?
1. Mock drill is useful:
Answer :
  1. In sudden disasters, panic and confusion cause more casualties than the disaster itself.
  2. A mock drill provides practical, repeated training under simulated emergency conditions.
  3. It builds muscle memory and calmness, enabling people to evacuate smoothly and assist injured companions without panic.
2. Effective disaster management makes us well prepared for future:
Answer :
  1. Natural phenomena like earthquakes or cyclones cannot be stopped by human power.
  2. However, effective pre-disaster planning (early warning radars, strict building codes, trained rescue squads) reduces loss of life and property to a minimum.
  3. Preparedness transforms vulnerable communities into resilient societies capable of bouncing back rapidly.
Q10) Complete the following chart (Cycle of Disaster Management):
Answer :
1. Preparation 2. Mitigation / Redemption 3. Preparedness 4. Response 5. Relief & Resurgence 6. Restoration & Rebuild
Q11) Following are the pictures of some disasters. How will be your pre- and post-disaster management in case you face any of those disasters?
Answer :
  1. LPG Gas Cylinder Leakage:
    • Pre-disaster: Regularly inspect gas pipes and regulators for cracks; keep kitchen ventilated.
    • Post-disaster: Never switch on electric lights or strike matches. Immediately shut off the main cylinder regulator, open all windows and doors wide, and call the gas agency emergency helpline.
  2. Severe Flooding / Cloudburst:
    • Pre-disaster: Clean rainwater drains; keep emergency torches, dry snacks, and medicines ready; keep battery-operated radio tuned to weather forecasts.
    • Post-disaster: Move immediately to higher floors; switch off main electric meters; never walk or drive through flowing floodwaters; drink only boiled water.
  3. Cyclone / Tornado:
    • Pre-disaster: Secure loose roof tiles; trim dead tree branches near home; move domestic animals to shelter.
    • Post-disaster: Stay indoors in the strongest central room away from windows until the all-clear is announced; stay away from snapped power cables.
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Chapter Overview: Disaster Management

Class 10 Science 2 Chapter 10 covers natural and man-made disasters, disaster management authority structures (NDMA, SDMA, DDMA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Disaster Management Act 2005, first aid techniques, patient transport methods, mock drills, hazard warning signs, and the disaster management cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Who is the chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)?

The Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio Chairman of NDMA.

Q2. What is the Golden Hour in disaster first aid?

The first 60 minutes after severe trauma or disaster injury during which prompt medical intervention offers the highest chance of saving a life.

Q3. What is the primary role of the District Collector in disasters?

The District Collector heads the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), coordinating all rescue, relief, medical, and rehabilitation activities.

Related Study Topics

Class 10 Science 2 Chapter 10 Disaster Management Act 2005 NDMA and NDRF Functions Mock Drill Procedure First Aid Patient Transport Chemical Hazard Warning Signs Disaster Management Cycle
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