Major Disasters in India — Set 3

Correct Answer: C. 483

Approximately 483 people died in the Kerala Floods of August 2018, with many more injured or displaced. Over 14 lakh (1.4 million) people were displaced and had to be sheltered in relief camps. The floods caused an estimated economic damage of over Rs 31,000 crore to Kerala's infrastructure and economy.

Correct Answer: C. Maharashtra

The Latur Earthquake of September 30, 1993 occurred in the Latur district of Maharashtra. The earthquake measured 6.2 on the Richter Scale and struck in the early hours of the morning when most people were asleep. Approximately 10,000 people were killed and over 30,000 were injured, with more than 50 villages completely destroyed.

Correct Answer: B. 6.2

The Latur Earthquake of September 30, 1993 measured 6.2 on the Richter Scale. Despite its moderate magnitude compared to other major earthquakes, it caused tremendous casualties because it struck at 3:56 AM when people were asleep in poorly constructed houses. The earthquake killed approximately 9,748 to 10,000 people and injured over 30,000.

Correct Answer: B. Odisha and West Bengal

Cyclone Amphan made landfall near the Sagar Island in West Bengal on May 20, 2020, also severely affecting Odisha before reaching West Bengal. It was a super cyclonic storm, the strongest ever recorded in the Bay of Bengal. Amphan caused approximately 128 deaths across India and Bangladesh and caused massive damage estimated at over $13 billion.

Correct Answer: C. Super Cyclonic Storm

Cyclone Amphan was classified as a Super Cyclonic Storm at its peak intensity, with sustained wind speeds of over 260 km/h. It was the first super cyclone in the Bay of Bengal since the 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone. After making landfall on May 20, 2020 in West Bengal, it caused widespread destruction to Kolkata and surrounding districts.

Correct Answer: C. 2005

Mumbai experienced devastating floods on July 26, 2005 when the city received 944mm of rainfall in a single day, which was a record for any Indian city. The floods killed over 1,094 people and caused severe damage to infrastructure and property. July 26 is now observed as a reminder of the disaster and the importance of urban flood management.

Correct Answer: D. 944mm

Mumbai received 944mm of rainfall on July 26, 2005, a single-day record for any Indian city and one of the heaviest rainfalls ever recorded globally for an urban area. This extreme rainfall overwhelmed the city's drainage system and caused catastrophic flooding across Mumbai and its suburbs. Over 1,094 people died and property damage was estimated in thousands of crores.

Correct Answer: C. Assam

Assam experiences annual devastating floods primarily due to the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries which overflow every monsoon season. The Brahmaputra carries one of the highest sediment loads in the world, causing riverbed rise and frequent flooding. Each year, floods in Assam affect millions of people, damage crops, and threaten the unique wildlife of Kaziranga National Park.

Correct Answer: D. Gujarat

Cyclone Biparjoy of June 2023 primarily affected Gujarat, making landfall near Jakhau in Kutch district on June 15, 2023. It was an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm with wind speeds exceeding 125 km/h at landfall. Despite the storm's intensity, advance warnings and evacuations helped minimize casualties to a significant extent.

Correct Answer: C. Landslides

Landslides frequently affect Himachal Pradesh due to its steep Himalayan terrain, heavy monsoon rainfall, and geological instability. The state experiences both slow landslides and rapid debris flows that destroy roads, villages, and agricultural land. Climate change and increased construction activity on fragile hill slopes have increased the frequency and intensity of landslides in recent years.