ICSE Class 8 Geography
Question 6 of 15
Disasters and their Management — Question 9
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Question Question 4(a)
Define disaster management.
The preparedness to handle a disaster before it occurs, the response given during a disaster and the recovery activities undertaken after a disaster so as to prevent or mitigate the impact of a disaster is called disaster management.
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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.