Question 1

How are disasters broadly classified in disaster management?

Accepted Answer

Natural and Man-made. Disasters are broadly classified into Natural and Man-made (anthropogenic) categories. Natural disasters include hydro-meteorological, geological, and biological events, while man-made disasters include industrial accidents, chemical spills, nuclear incidents, and conflicts. The Disaster Management Act 2005 uses this broad classification as the foundation for India's disaster risk management framework.

Question 2

Which of the following is a hydro-meteorological disaster?

Accepted Answer

Cyclone. Cyclone is a hydro-meteorological disaster caused by atmospheric and oceanic processes. Hydro-meteorological disasters include floods, cyclones, droughts, heatwaves, cold waves, hailstorms, and lightning events. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) monitors and issues warnings for all hydro-meteorological hazards in India.

Question 3

Which of the following is classified as a geological disaster?

Accepted Answer

Earthquake. Earthquake is a geological disaster originating from processes within the Earth's crust and lithosphere. Geological disasters include earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. India has a high exposure to geological disasters due to its tectonic setting along the Himalayan collision zone and the peninsular shield.

Question 4

Which of the following is classified as a biological disaster?

Accepted Answer

Epidemic. Epidemics are classified as biological disasters as they involve the rapid spread of infectious disease across a population. Biological disasters include epidemics, pandemics, pest infestations such as locusts, and outbreaks of plant or animal diseases. COVID-19 was declared a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act 2005 in India, allowing special relief measures.

Question 5

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 falls under which category of disaster?

Accepted Answer

Chemical/Industrial disaster. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy is classified as a chemical and industrial disaster caused by the accidental release of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas from the Union Carbide plant. Man-made disasters include chemical, nuclear, industrial, and technological accidents resulting from human activities and failures. The Bhopal tragedy remains the world's worst industrial disaster and prompted global reforms in industrial safety standards.

Types of Disasters — Set 1