Disaster Management: Types of Disasters, Preparedness and Response Questions

Question 1

Define disaster.

Accepted Answer

A disaster is a serious disruption causing widespread losses beyond the coping capacity of the affected community.

Question 2

Define disaster management.

Accepted Answer

Disaster management is planning and action to reduce risk, respond and recover from disasters.

Question 3

Give one example of natural disaster.

Accepted Answer

Earthquake is an example of natural disaster.

Question 4

Give one example of man-made disaster.

Accepted Answer

Industrial chemical accident is an example of man-made disaster.

Question 5

What is preparedness?

Accepted Answer

Preparedness is readiness planning and training before disasters.

Question 6

What is mitigation?

Accepted Answer

Mitigation is reducing disaster risk and potential losses before a disaster occurs.

Question 7

Differentiate between natural and man-made disasters (any three points).

Accepted Answer

Natural disasters are caused by natural processes (earthquakes, floods); man-made disasters result from human activities (industrial accidents, fires). Natural events may be unavoidable; man-made can often be prevented by safety measures. Their control measures also differ.

Question 8

Write any three phases of disaster management cycle.

Accepted Answer

Mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery are phases (any three).

Question 9

Write any three preparedness measures at community level.

Accepted Answer

Mock drills, identifying shelters and evacuation routes, community awareness training, and emergency supply planning are preparedness measures (any three).

Question 10

Explain hazard, vulnerability and capacity (any three points).

Accepted Answer

Hazard is a potentially damaging event (flood). Vulnerability is weakness that increases harm (poor housing). Capacity is ability/resources to cope (training, shelters, equipment).

Question 11

Write any three response activities during disaster.

Accepted Answer

Search and rescue, medical first aid, evacuation, relief camps, and restoring communication are response activities (any three).

Question 12

Write any three mitigation measures for disasters.

Accepted Answer

Building codes, flood drainage and embankments, afforestation for slopes, land-use planning and early warning systems are mitigation measures (any three).

Question 13

Explain disaster management cycle with suitable examples.

Accepted Answer

Disaster management is the organised process to prevent or reduce disaster risk, respond effectively and recover after disaster.

Disaster management cycle:
1) Mitigation: measures taken to reduce risk before disaster (building codes, flood control, land-use planning).
2) Preparedness: planning and training to handle emergencies (mock drills, early warning, emergency kits, shelters).
3) Response: immediate actions during/after disaster (rescue, relief, medical aid, evacuation, temporary shelters).
4) Recovery: restoration and rebuilding (rehabilitation, livelihood support, reconstruction, ‘build back better’).

Working in all four phases reduces losses and saves lives.

Question 14

Explain preparedness measures for disaster management.

Accepted Answer

Preparedness means being ready before a disaster occurs.

Community preparedness:
- disaster management plan for schools and communities
- mock drills and first aid training
- identification of shelters and evacuation routes
- stock of essential supplies and emergency communication

Individual preparedness:
- emergency kit (water, torch, first aid)
- keep important documents safely
- follow warnings and evacuation orders
- basic knowledge of do’s and don’ts for disasters

Preparedness reduces panic and enables fast, organised response during disasters.

Question 15

Explain mitigation and risk reduction measures in disaster management.

Accepted Answer

Mitigation and risk reduction aim to minimise damage before disasters occur.

Examples:
- earthquake-resistant buildings and strict building codes
- flood mitigation: embankments, drainage and avoiding construction in floodplains
- landslide mitigation: afforestation, slope stabilisation and controlled construction
- cyclone risk reduction: shelters, strong housing design, early warning
- awareness and land-use planning

Mitigation reduces vulnerability and makes communities safer and more resilient.

Disaster Management: Types of Disasters, Preparedness and Response

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