Major Disasters in India — Set 8
Disaster Management · भारत में प्रमुख आपदाएं · Questions 71–80 of 160
The Chamoli disaster of February 2021 in Uttarakhand was caused by?
Correct Answer: B. Rockfall or glacier collapse causing flash flood
The Chamoli disaster of February 7, 2021 in Uttarakhand was caused by a rockfall or partial glacier collapse (possibly a GLOF) in the Nanda Devi area that triggered a massive flash flood in the Rishiganga and Dhauliganga rivers. The flood destroyed the Rishiganga power plant and severely damaged the Tapovan-Vishnugad hydro project, killing approximately 204 people. This disaster raised serious questions about construction of hydropower projects in ecologically fragile Himalayan valleys.
Which Indian city was affected by devastating floods in 2015 including major infrastructure damage?
Correct Answer: C. Chennai
Chennai experienced devastating floods in November-December 2015, the worst in 100 years, when 1,049mm of rainfall was recorded in a single day (December 1, 2015). The floods killed over 470 people and caused damage estimated at Rs 20,000 crore. The disaster highlighted problems of urban encroachment on floodplains, destruction of wetlands, and inadequate stormwater drainage in rapidly expanding Indian cities.
The Malpa landslide of 1998 in Uttarakhand killed approximately how many people?
Correct Answer: B. 220
The Malpa landslide of August 18, 1998 in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand killed approximately 220 people including 60 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrims. A massive rockfall triggered by heavy rain buried the entire village of Malpa. This disaster remains one of the deadliest single landslide events in India's history.
In the context of Indian disasters, what does 'SDRF' stand for?
Correct Answer: B. State Disaster Response Force
SDRF stands for State Disaster Response Force, which is the state-level equivalent of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Each state government maintains its own SDRF for first response to disasters within the state. SDRF teams work in coordination with NDRF, local police, and other agencies during disaster response operations.
What is the primary reason the Bay of Bengal is more cyclone-prone than the Arabian Sea?
Correct Answer: B. Warmer surface temperatures and enclosed shape
The Bay of Bengal is more cyclone-prone than the Arabian Sea due to warmer surface temperatures, higher humidity levels, and the shape of the bay which traps cyclones and intensifies their storm surges. The Bay of Bengal's near-landlocked shape on three sides prevents cold water mixing that would otherwise weaken cyclones. Additionally, the Arabian Sea has stronger dry winds from the Arabian Peninsula that inhibit cyclone formation for part of the year.
Which decade saw the highest number of disaster-related deaths in India: 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, or 2000s?
Correct Answer: C. 1990s
The 1990s witnessed the highest number of disaster-related deaths in India, including major events like the Latur Earthquake 1993, the Surat plague 1994, and the Odisha Super Cyclone 1999, along with severe annual floods. The cumulative death toll from major disasters in the 1990s was significantly higher than other decades. This decade also coincided with a period when India's disaster preparedness infrastructure was still in early stages of development.
Which Indian state faces drought conditions most frequently?
Correct Answer: B. Maharashtra (Marathwada region)
Maharashtra, particularly the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, faces drought conditions most frequently and severely among all Indian states. These regions are situated in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats and receive erratic rainfall heavily dependent on the southwest monsoon. Recurring droughts in this region have been linked to high rates of farmer suicides and economic distress among agricultural communities.
The Great Indian Drought of 1987 was among the worst droughts affecting what percentage of India's area?
Correct Answer: C. 60%
The 1987 drought was one of India's worst in the 20th century, affecting approximately 60% of India's geographical area and 285 million people. It was triggered by a severely deficient southwest monsoon and affected 19 of India's 25 states at the time. Despite the scale, effective government response through the Public Distribution System and employment programs prevented widespread famine.
The Surat plague outbreak of 1994 caused mass panic and was caused by which organism?
Correct Answer: A. Yersinia pestis (pneumonic plague)
The Surat plague outbreak of September 1994 was caused by Yersinia pestis bacteria manifesting as pneumonic plague. The outbreak caused widespread panic, with approximately 300,000 people fleeing Surat city within days. While the official death toll was around 52 people, the economic impact was severe as many countries briefly banned imports from India during the crisis.
The Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004 first struck India's coast in which state?
Correct Answer: B. Tamil Nadu
The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami first struck India's coast in Tamil Nadu, particularly the coastal districts of Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, and Chennai. Tamil Nadu suffered the highest death toll among Indian states with approximately 8,000 deaths. Nagapattinam district was the worst affected district in Tamil Nadu where entire fishing villages were wiped out by the tsunami waves.