Cyclone & Flood Management — Set 7
Disaster Management · चक्रवात और बाढ़ प्रबंधन · Questions 61–70 of 140
Which cyclone is considered a landmark event for demonstrating India's improved disaster management capabilities?
Correct Answer: C. Cyclone Fani 2019
Cyclone Fani 2019 is widely considered a landmark event for demonstrating India's vastly improved disaster management capabilities. The evacuation of 1.2 million people in under 48 hours and the limited death toll of around 89 people — compared to over 10,000 in the 1999 Odisha cyclone of similar intensity — showcased dramatic improvements. International bodies praised India's disaster response as a global model.
What is 'cyclone preparedness' primarily about in the Indian coastal context?
Correct Answer: B. Early warning, evacuation, and community awareness
Cyclone preparedness in the Indian coastal context primarily involves early warning systems, planned evacuation procedures, construction of cyclone shelters, and community awareness programmes. Structural measures like shelter belts, mangroves, and sea walls complement these non-structural measures. Effective preparedness has been proven to dramatically reduce cyclone-related casualties even when the storms themselves are of extreme intensity.
Which authority manages and coordinates cyclone shelters in coastal India?
Correct Answer: B. State Disaster Management Authorities
State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) manage and coordinate cyclone shelters in coastal India, in collaboration with district administrations and local bodies. The central government provides funding through schemes like the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project for construction of multipurpose cyclone shelters. These shelters serve dual purposes — as schools or community halls during non-cyclone periods.
The concept of 'zero casualty' goal in cyclone management refers to which aspiration?
Correct Answer: B. Zero human deaths through perfect preparedness
The 'zero casualty' goal in cyclone management refers to the aspiration of achieving zero human deaths through perfect early warning, timely evacuation, and effective disaster response. Odisha has been a pioneer in pursuing this goal in India, and while true zero casualties remain elusive, the dramatic reduction from thousands of deaths to tens of deaths is a major achievement. This philosophy has transformed India's approach to cyclone management.
Which river delta region of West Bengal is highly vulnerable to both cyclones and coastal flooding?
Correct Answer: B. Sundarbans
The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove delta at the mouth of the Ganga-Brahmaputra river system in West Bengal, is highly vulnerable to both cyclones and coastal flooding. The Sundarbans was severely impacted by Cyclone Aila in 2009 and Cyclone Amphan in 2020. The low-lying island communities here face existential threats from rising sea levels and increasing cyclone intensity.
Which of the following is a NON-structural measure for flood management?
Correct Answer: B. Flood forecasting and warning
Flood forecasting and warning is a non-structural measure for flood management that does not involve physical construction. Non-structural measures include early warning systems, land-use planning, flood plain zoning, flood insurance, and community awareness. Structural measures, in contrast, include embankments, dams, detention basins, and drainage channels.
What is 'flood plain zoning' as a flood management measure?
Correct Answer: B. Restricting land use in flood-prone areas
Flood plain zoning is a non-structural flood management measure that restricts or regulates land use in areas prone to flooding. By preventing construction of homes, factories, and critical infrastructure in flood plains, this measure reduces the potential for flood damage. India's Flood Plain Zoning Act model bill has been shared with states, though implementation remains limited.
During which month did the 2013 Uttarakhand floods (Kedarnath disaster) occur?
Correct Answer: B. June 2013
The 2013 Uttarakhand disaster occurred in June 2013, during the onset of the southwest monsoon, when heavy rainfall and cloudbursts triggered massive flash floods and landslides across the Uttarakhand Himalayas. The Kedarnath area was most severely affected on June 16–17, 2013. The Indian Air Force and Army conducted one of India's largest rescue operations to evacuate stranded pilgrims.
Which is the most flood-prone state in India in terms of annual area affected?
Correct Answer: B. Assam
Assam is often considered the most flood-prone state in India in terms of the proportion of its area that is affected annually by floods. The Brahmaputra and its tributaries inundate vast areas of Assam during the monsoon season every year. More than 40% of Assam's total area is flood-prone, and the state experiences annual flooding that displaces hundreds of thousands of people.
What was the approximate rainfall recorded in Mumbai on July 26, 2005, during the historic cloudburst?
Correct Answer: D. 944 mm
Mumbai recorded approximately 944 mm of rainfall on July 26, 2005, in a single day, making it one of the highest single-day rainfall records in India. This exceptional rainfall overwhelmed the city's drainage systems, causing widespread flooding across Mumbai and its suburbs. The event killed over 1,000 people and exposed serious deficiencies in Mumbai's urban drainage infrastructure.