Cyclone & Flood Management — Set 9
Disaster Management · चक्रवात और बाढ़ प्रबंधन · Questions 81–90 of 140
Which Indian state has established the most advanced cyclone preparedness system and is often cited as a model?
Correct Answer: C. Odisha
Odisha is widely cited as India's model state for cyclone preparedness, having transformed its disaster management after the catastrophic 1999 Super Cyclone. The state invested heavily in cyclone shelters, early warning systems, NDRF deployment, trained volunteers, and community awareness. Odisha's preparedness enabled the successful evacuation of 1.2 million people before Cyclone Fani in 2019.
What is the main advantage of mangroves in cyclone-prone coastal areas?
Correct Answer: B. They absorb wave energy and reduce storm surge impact
Mangroves provide a natural protective barrier by absorbing wave energy, reducing storm surge height, and diminishing wind speed as cyclones make landfall. Studies have shown that areas with intact mangrove forests experience significantly less storm surge damage compared to deforested coastal areas. The Sundarbans mangroves have repeatedly demonstrated this protective function during cyclone events.
Cyclone Hudhud (2014) caused major destruction in which Indian city?
Correct Answer: C. Visakhapatnam
Cyclone Hudhud made landfall at Visakhapatnam (Vizag) in Andhra Pradesh on October 12, 2014, causing massive destruction to the port city. It was classified as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm with wind speeds of 185 km/h at landfall. Hudhud uprooted thousands of trees, damaged infrastructure extensively, and disrupted the city for weeks.
The phrase 'Bay of Bengal — the graveyard of cyclones' refers to which characteristic?
Correct Answer: B. Bay of Bengal cyclones frequently cause mass casualties due to storm surges
The Bay of Bengal has historically been associated with catastrophic cyclone casualties primarily because of devastating storm surges that sweep across densely populated low-lying coastal areas in India and Bangladesh. The shallow bathymetry of the Bay amplifies storm surges significantly. Historical events like the 1970 Bhola Cyclone in Bangladesh (300,000+ deaths) and 1999 Odisha cyclone exemplify this characteristic.
Which ministry oversees the India Meteorological Department (IMD)?
Correct Answer: B. Ministry of Earth Sciences
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. IMD is the principal government agency in India responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and issuance of warnings for severe weather events including cyclones and floods. It was established in 1875, making it one of the oldest meteorological organizations in the world.
What is a 'cloudburst' that triggers flash floods in mountainous regions?
Correct Answer: B. Sudden intense rainfall exceeding 100 mm/hour over a small area
A cloudburst is defined meteorologically as sudden intense rainfall exceeding 100 mm per hour over a small area, typically less than a few square kilometres. Cloudbursts in mountainous terrain like the Himalayas trigger violent flash floods and landslides due to the steep slopes and inability of the terrain to absorb the sudden massive rainfall. The 2013 Kedarnath disaster began with cloudbursts in the upper Mandakini valley.
The 1999 Odisha cyclone is officially known by which other name?
Correct Answer: C. Super Cyclonic Storm 05B
The 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone is officially designated as Super Cyclonic Storm 05B in meteorological records, as it occurred before the formal cyclone naming convention was adopted for the North Indian Ocean in 2004. It is also referred to as '05B' after its designation as the fifth storm of the 1999 Bay of Bengal season. The event remains a critical benchmark in India's disaster management history.
Which river in Bihar is known for suddenly changing its course, making it unpredictable?
Correct Answer: C. Kosi
The Kosi River in Bihar is notorious for frequently changing its course — it has shifted its channel by about 120 km westward over the past 250 years. This course-shifting behaviour makes the Kosi extremely unpredictable and dangerous for the communities living along its banks. The river's tendency to shift channels is a key reason for its nickname 'Sorrow of Bihar.'
NDRF teams are trained for which type of cyclone-related rescue operation?
Correct Answer: B. Search and rescue in flood-inundated and cyclone-hit areas
NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams are specifically trained and equipped for search and rescue operations in flood-inundated and cyclone-hit areas, including underwater search, evacuation of stranded victims, and first aid. NDRF is pre-positioned in vulnerable areas before cyclone landfall for rapid response. The force has been internationally recognized for its effectiveness in cyclone and flood disaster response.
What is the significance of the 'RSMC' title held by IMD for the North Indian Ocean?
Correct Answer: B. It is the authoritative regional centre for cyclone tracking and naming
The RSMC (Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre) designation given to IMD by the World Meteorological Organization makes it the authoritative centre for tropical cyclone tracking, intensity analysis, and naming in the North Indian Ocean. RSMC New Delhi provides cyclone advisories and warnings to member countries in the region. This regional authority gives IMD a critical role in international disaster preparedness coordination.