Major Disasters in India — Set 1

Correct Answer: A. December 2-3, 1984

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy occurred on the night of 2-3 December 1984. It was caused by a leak of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant. It is considered the world's worst industrial disaster, killing over 3,787 people immediately and affecting hundreds of thousands more.

Correct Answer: A. Methyl isocyanate (MIC)

Methyl isocyanate (MIC) was the primary toxic gas that leaked during the Bhopal Gas Tragedy on December 2-3, 1984. MIC is an extremely hazardous chemical used in pesticide production and is lethal even in small concentrations. The leak from the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal caused mass casualties and long-term health effects in survivors.

Correct Answer: B. Union Carbide India Limited

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy occurred at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant. Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) was the American parent company that held majority ownership of the plant. The disaster led to one of the largest industrial liability lawsuits in history and a landmark settlement in 1989.

Correct Answer: A. Over 3,787

The immediate death toll in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy was over 3,787 people as per official government records. However, various estimates suggest the actual number could be much higher, ranging from 8,000 to 16,000 total deaths when accounting for subsequent deaths. Over 500,000 people were exposed to the toxic gas and suffered long-term health consequences.

Correct Answer: B. Industrial/chemical disaster

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy is classified as an industrial or chemical disaster as it resulted from a chemical leak at an industrial plant. It is the world's worst industrial disaster in terms of immediate casualties and long-term health effects. This tragedy led to the strengthening of industrial safety regulations in India and internationally.

Correct Answer: A. January 26, 2001

The Bhuj Earthquake occurred on January 26, 2001, which was India's Republic Day, making it especially tragic as many celebration events were underway. The earthquake struck at 8:46 AM IST in the Kutch district of Gujarat. The timing on a national holiday caused additional casualties as people had gathered for events.

Correct Answer: B. 7.7 Mw

The Bhuj Earthquake of January 26, 2001 measured 7.7 on the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw). This was one of the most powerful earthquakes to strike India in the 20th and early 21st century. The earthquake's epicenter was near Bhuj in the Kutch district of Gujarat and caused widespread destruction across the region.

Correct Answer: C. 20,000

Approximately 20,000 people died in the Bhuj Earthquake of January 26, 2001, making it one of the deadliest earthquakes in Indian history. Over 1,66,000 people were injured and approximately 3,40,000 buildings were destroyed. The earthquake affected 21 districts of Gujarat and left millions homeless.

Correct Answer: B. Gujarat

Gujarat was the state worst affected by the Bhuj Earthquake of January 26, 2001. The Kutch district, particularly the town of Bhuj, suffered the most severe damage with most structures completely destroyed. The earthquake triggered large-scale reconstruction efforts and led to the formation of Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority.

Correct Answer: A. Indonesia (Sumatra)

The Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004 was triggered by a massive undersea megathrust earthquake off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia. The earthquake measured 9.1-9.3 on the Moment Magnitude Scale, making it the third largest earthquake ever recorded. The earthquake occurred at 07:58 AM local time on December 26, 2004.