ICSE Class 8 Geography
Question 2 of 15
Disasters and their Management — Question 3
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Question Question 1(c)
What is the role of the Indian Meteorological Department in disaster management?
The Indian Meteorological Department studies the development and movement of cyclones, forecast heavy rains and thunderstorms etc. Thus, it helps to warn people, airports, seaports regarding the dangers. This help people as well as government agencies to prepare themselves before the disaster.
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ICSE Class VIII | Academic Year 2026-2027
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Geography | Chapter 8: Disaster ManagementWeb Content
Disaster Management — Interactive Study Guide
Disaster Quick Cards
| Disaster | Cause | Can It Be Predicted? | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | Tectonic plate movement | NO | Seconds to minutes |
| Flood | Heavy rain, dam failure | YES | Days to weeks |
| Cyclone | Low pressure over warm ocean | YES (tracked by satellite) | Hours to days |
| Drought | Low/no rainfall | YES | Weeks to months |
| Tsunami | Undersea earthquake | PARTLY (after earthquake) | Minutes to hours |
Earthquake Safety — DROP, COVER, HOLD
- DROP — Get down on your hands and knees
- COVER — Get under a sturdy desk or table; protect your head and neck
- HOLD — Hold on to the desk/table until shaking stops
Do NOT:
- Run outside during shaking
- Use elevators
- Stand near windows or heavy objects
- Light matches (gas leak risk)
Cyclone Formation — Step by Step
- Warm ocean water (above 27°C) evaporates → creates low pressure
- Surrounding air rushes in → starts spiralling (due to Coriolis effect)
- Moist air rises, cools, condenses → massive clouds and heavy rain
- The eye (centre) is calm; the eyewall has the strongest winds
Warning: The eye passing overhead feels calm, but the storm will resume! Do NOT go outside during the eye.
Disaster Management Cycle
- Prevention/Mitigation: Building codes, afforestation, zoning laws (BEFORE disaster)
- Preparedness: Drills, early warning systems, emergency kits (BEFORE disaster)
- Response: Rescue, first aid, shelter, NDRF deployment (DURING/AFTER disaster)
- Recovery: Rebuilding, financial aid, counselling (AFTER disaster)
Key Organisations
| Abbreviation | Full Form | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| NDMA | National Disaster Management Authority | Makes policies and plans; headed by PM |
| NDRF | National Disaster Response Force | Rescue and response force; 12 battalions |
| SDMA | State Disaster Management Authority | State-level coordination; headed by CM |
| IMD | India Meteorological Department | Weather forecasts and warnings |
Test Yourself
- Can earthquakes be predicted? Answer: No, earthquakes cannot be predicted. Only earthquake-prone zones can be identified.
- Which coast of India is more prone to cyclones? Answer: The east coast (Bay of Bengal) — cyclones are more frequent and stronger here.
- What is a storm surge? Answer: A rise in sea level caused by cyclone winds pushing ocean water towards the coast, causing coastal flooding.
- Name the four phases of the disaster management cycle. Answer: Prevention/Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Recovery.
- What is the difference between the focus and epicentre of an earthquake? Answer: Focus is the point inside the Earth where the earthquake starts; epicentre is the point on the surface directly above the focus.