Major Disasters in India — Set 7
Disaster Management · भारत में प्रमुख आपदाएं · Questions 61–70 of 160
Cyclone Biparjoy means 'disaster' in which language?
Correct Answer: C. Bengali
Cyclone Biparjoy means 'disaster' or 'calamity' in Bengali. Bangladesh contributed the name Biparjoy to the list of cyclone names maintained by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for the North Indian Ocean region. The cyclone of 2023 affecting Gujarat was the most intense tropical cyclone ever observed so late in June in the Arabian Sea.
Which body of water generates approximately 85% of all cyclones that hit India?
Correct Answer: B. Bay of Bengal
The Bay of Bengal generates approximately 85% of all cyclones that affect India, making it the most cyclone-prone water body in the Indian Ocean region. The Bay of Bengal's warm waters, high humidity, and favorable wind patterns make it ideal for cyclone formation and intensification. India's eastern coastal states like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu are most frequently impacted by Bay of Bengal cyclones.
The Nepal Earthquake of 2015 had its epicenter in which district?
Correct Answer: B. Gorkha
The Nepal Earthquake of April 25, 2015 had its epicenter in Gorkha district, approximately 77 km northwest of Kathmandu. The earthquake measured 7.8 Mw and killed approximately 8,964 people in Nepal, also affecting neighboring Indian states including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Sikkim. The earthquake caused widespread damage to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
What does the term 'GLOF' stand for in the context of Himalayan disasters?
Correct Answer: B. Glacial Lake Outburst Flood
GLOF stands for Glacial Lake Outburst Flood, which occurs when a glacial lake suddenly drains due to failure of an ice dam or moraine dam. GLOFs are a significant and increasing hazard in the Himalayas due to climate change causing glacier retreat and formation of new glacial lakes. The 2021 Chamoli disaster in Uttarakhand was triggered by a GLOF or rockfall event that caused the Rishiganga and Dhauliganga rivers to flood.
The 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone belonged to which bay?
Correct Answer: B. Bay of Bengal
The 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone formed and intensified over the Bay of Bengal before making landfall near Paradip on October 29, 1999. Bay of Bengal cyclones are generally more destructive than Arabian Sea cyclones due to the shape of the bay which causes storm surges to intensify. The cyclone's storm surge of 5-8 meters was one of the primary causes of mass casualties.
Annual floods in India damage approximately what percentage of the country's total cultivated land?
Correct Answer: B. 10%
Annual floods in India damage approximately 10% of the country's total cultivated land, causing enormous agricultural losses and food security challenges. The flood-prone areas account for approximately 12% of India's total land area. Besides crop losses, floods damage infrastructure, housing, livestock, and disrupt the livelihood of millions of people every year.
The 2013 Uttarakhand disaster killed how many army personnel in rescue operations?
Correct Answer: B. About 20
The correct answer is 'About 20'. Approximately 20 army and rescue personnel lost their lives during the 2013 Uttarakhand rescue operations, making it one of the largest and most dangerous rescue missions in Indian military history. The Indian Army, NDRF, ITBP, and SDRF deployed tens of thousands of personnel for the rescue and relief operations. Over 1,00,000 stranded pilgrims and locals were evacuated during this massive operation.
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy settlement payment of $470 million was made in which year?
Correct Answer: B. 1989
A landmark settlement of $470 million was reached in 1989 between Union Carbide Corporation and the Government of India, which acted as the representative of all victims. Critics argued the amount was grossly inadequate for the scale of harm caused. The settlement was challenged legally for years and Warren Anderson, the CEO of Union Carbide, was declared a fugitive in India for evading trial.
Which natural disaster causes the maximum number of deaths annually in India among all natural disasters?
Correct Answer: C. Lightning
Lightning (thunderstorm lightning strikes) causes the maximum number of deaths annually in India among all natural disasters, killing approximately 2,000-2,500 people every year. This is higher than deaths from cyclones, earthquakes, or floods in most years. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha record the highest number of lightning deaths, primarily affecting agricultural workers in open fields.
What major earthquake occurred in Sikkim in 2011?
Correct Answer: B. 6.9 magnitude earthquake
A major 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Sikkim on September 18, 2011, killing approximately 97 people and causing significant damage to infrastructure. The earthquake affected parts of Sikkim, Darjeeling in West Bengal, Bihar, and also Nepal and Bhutan. It highlighted the seismic vulnerability of the northeastern Himalayan region which falls in Zone V, the highest seismic risk zone in India.