Cyclone & Flood Management — Set 10
Disaster Management · चक्रवात और बाढ़ प्रबंधन · Questions 91–100 of 140
Which of the following was NOT a named cyclone that affected India in 2020?
Correct Answer: D. Phailin
Phailin struck Odisha in 2013, not 2020. In 2020, India was affected by multiple cyclones including Amphan (May, West Bengal-Odisha), Nisarga (June, Maharashtra), Nivar (November, Tamil Nadu-Puducherry), and Burevi (December, Tamil Nadu). The year 2020 was notable for its high cyclone activity in the North Indian Ocean.
Cyclone Nisarga (2020) was unusual because it affected which state not typically vulnerable to cyclones?
Correct Answer: B. Maharashtra
Cyclone Nisarga was unusual because it made landfall near Alibag in Maharashtra on June 3, 2020, making it a rare cyclone strike on the Maharashtra coast. Cyclones affecting Maharashtra are uncommon, and Nisarga was the first significant cyclone to hit the state in over 130 years. Mumbai, which fell within the warning zone, had to manage the dual challenge of cyclone preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the primary purpose of the Doppler Weather Radar network in cyclone monitoring?
Correct Answer: B. Detecting and tracking cyclone position, intensity, and precipitation
Doppler Weather Radars are used to detect and track the position, movement, and intensity of cyclones in real-time, providing critical data on wind patterns and precipitation distribution. India has significantly expanded its Doppler radar network along the coastline to improve cyclone monitoring capabilities. These radars provide detailed information during the final approach of a cyclone that satellites alone cannot provide.
Which government scheme provides insurance to farmers whose crops are damaged by floods and cyclones?
Correct Answer: B. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides crop insurance to farmers against losses due to natural calamities including floods, cyclones, droughts, and other weather events. Launched in 2016, it replaced the earlier National Agricultural Insurance Scheme. PMFBY covers pre-sowing to post-harvest losses and has been instrumental in providing financial relief to farmers after flood and cyclone events.
What is 'storm surge' height that made the 1999 Odisha cyclone particularly destructive?
Correct Answer: C. 7–9 metres
The 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone generated a storm surge of 7–9 metres that swept inland for several kilometres, inundating vast coastal areas of Odisha. This massive storm surge was the primary cause of the high death toll of over 10,000 people. The low-lying coastal districts of Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Ersama were most severely affected by the storm surge.
The Central Water Commission (CWC) operates flood forecasting stations on how many river basins in India?
Correct Answer: D. 25+
The Central Water Commission operates flood forecasting stations on more than 25 river basins across India, providing advance warnings of flood levels to state governments and disaster management authorities. CWC has been providing flood forecasts since 1958 and has significantly expanded its network. The forecasts help in timely evacuation of flood-vulnerable communities along major rivers.
What is the 'flood frequency analysis' used for in flood management?
Correct Answer: B. Estimating return periods of floods of different magnitudes
Flood frequency analysis is a statistical technique used to estimate the return periods (likelihood) of floods of different magnitudes — such as a 50-year flood or 100-year flood. This analysis is essential for designing flood control infrastructure, flood plain zoning regulations, and risk assessment. It helps planners understand the probability that a flood of a given size will occur in any given year.
Which state government has implemented the 'Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force' (ODRAF) to complement NDRF?
Correct Answer: C. Odisha
Odisha established the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) as a state-level disaster response unit to complement the national NDRF. ODRAF is specifically trained for rescue and relief operations during cyclones, floods, and other disasters and is part of Odisha's comprehensive disaster management system. This state-level force enables faster initial response while NDRF teams move in from elsewhere.
Which of the following is a long-term structural measure to reduce cyclone damage to coastal communities?
Correct Answer: B. Construction of embankments and cyclone-resistant houses
Construction of embankments and cyclone-resistant houses are long-term structural measures that reduce physical damage to coastal communities during cyclones. Structural measures also include coastal protection walls, mangrove plantation belts, and multipurpose cyclone shelters. Unlike non-structural measures like evacuation and awareness, structural measures provide ongoing passive protection even without active disaster response.
The 2018 Kerala floods had which major contributing factor beyond just rainfall?
Correct Answer: B. Simultaneous opening of 35+ dams
A major contributing factor to the 2018 Kerala floods was the simultaneous opening of more than 35 dams across the state due to unprecedented water levels, releasing large volumes of water that overwhelmed downstream areas. The combination of exceptional monsoon rainfall and uncoordinated dam releases significantly worsened the flooding. The disaster highlighted the need for better reservoir management and coordinated dam operations during flood events.