Cyclone & Flood Management — Set 12
Disaster Management · चक्रवात और बाढ़ प्रबंधन · Questions 111–120 of 140
The 'Bengaluru urban floods' are primarily caused by which factor specific to the city?
Correct Answer: B. Destruction of natural lake network and poor drainage
Bengaluru's urban flooding is primarily caused by the destruction and encroachment of its historic network of interconnected lakes (called 'kere') and tanks that historically absorbed monsoon rainfall, combined with rapid urbanisation that created impervious surfaces and inadequate storm drainage. The city's natural drainage system has been severely compromised by decades of encroachment. This has led to increasingly severe urban flooding despite Bengaluru being located far from the coast.
Which of the following describes 'coastal flooding' specifically caused by sea level rise?
Correct Answer: C. Chronic tidal flooding
Chronic tidal flooding (also called 'sunny day flooding' or 'nuisance flooding') refers to recurring inundation of low-lying coastal areas during high tides as sea levels rise, without any storm event. This type of flooding is becoming more frequent globally as climate change drives sea level rise. Islands in the Sundarbans and other low-lying coastal areas of India are increasingly experiencing this type of chronic coastal flooding.
What is the purpose of the 'National Disaster Risk Management Fund' (NDRMF)?
Correct Answer: B. Financing disaster risk reduction and preparedness activities
The National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) provides financing for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and mitigation activities at the national level. It complements the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) which finances response and relief operations after disasters strike. Together, these funds support India's comprehensive approach to disaster management across the entire disaster cycle.
The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) affects cyclone activity in the Indian Ocean in what way?
Correct Answer: B. A positive IOD enhances cyclone activity in the Arabian Sea
The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) — defined by the difference in sea surface temperatures between the western and eastern Indian Ocean — influences cyclone activity significantly. A positive IOD, associated with warmer western Indian Ocean waters, can enhance cyclone activity in the Arabian Sea. Climate scientists have linked recent increases in Arabian Sea cyclone frequency and intensity partly to positive IOD events and warming Arabian Sea temperatures.
Which Indian satellite series is used for real-time cyclone monitoring?
Correct Answer: B. INSAT series
The INSAT (Indian National Satellite) series, operated by ISRO and the India Meteorological Department, is used for real-time cyclone monitoring through continuous satellite imagery. INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR provide enhanced meteorological observations including cloud imagery, cloud-top temperature, and atmospheric sounding data critical for cyclone tracking. India's geostationary satellite capability has been fundamental to the improvement in cyclone warning lead times.
What is 'rapid intensification' of a cyclone?
Correct Answer: B. An increase in maximum sustained winds of at least 55 km/h in 24 hours
Rapid intensification is defined as an increase in a cyclone's maximum sustained wind speed of at least 55 km/h (35 mph) in a 24-hour period. Rapidly intensifying cyclones are particularly dangerous because they can jump from a moderate to an extreme category very quickly, giving little time for preparedness. Cyclone Amphan and Cyclone Tauktae both underwent rapid intensification phases in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea respectively.
What is the Saffir-Simpson scale's Category 5 wind speed threshold?
Correct Answer: C. 252+ km/h
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale's Category 5 threshold is sustained wind speeds of 252 km/h (157 mph) or higher. At this intensity, a storm causes catastrophic damage with complete roof failure, destruction of buildings, and downed trees and power lines. The 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone reached winds equivalent to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
What was the key lesson from the 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone that transformed Indian disaster management?
Correct Answer: B. Critical importance of early warning systems and pre-disaster evacuation
The critical lesson from the 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone was the fundamental importance of early warning systems and pre-disaster evacuation in saving lives. The 10,000+ deaths were largely due to insufficient advance warning and no organized evacuation system. This disaster directly led to the establishment of NDMA, strengthening of NDRF, and massive investment in cyclone early warning and preparedness infrastructure across India.
The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) was established following which disaster?
Correct Answer: C. 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone
The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) was established in 1999 in direct response to the catastrophic Odisha Super Cyclone of that year. OSDMA was India's first state-level dedicated disaster management authority and became a model for other states. It was responsible for coordinating Odisha's remarkable transformation into a global model of cyclone preparedness over the following two decades.
Which international organization collaborates with IMD on cyclone forecasting and warning in the North Indian Ocean region?
Correct Answer: B. WMO (World Meteorological Organization)
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) collaborates with IMD on cyclone forecasting through the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones for the North Indian Ocean. WMO provides technical standards, data sharing protocols, and designation of regional centres like RSMC New Delhi. This international collaboration strengthens the accuracy and timeliness of cyclone warnings across the entire North Indian Ocean region.