Types of Disasters — Set 3

Correct Answer: B. 2011

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster occurred on March 11, 2011, following a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan. The disaster caused three nuclear reactor meltdowns at the Fukushima plant, releasing radioactive material into the environment and ocean. It is the second most severe nuclear accident in history after Chernobyl and is rated Level 7 on the International Nuclear Event Scale (INES).

Correct Answer: C. 1986

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster occurred on April 26, 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine (then part of the Soviet Union). It is the worst nuclear power plant accident in history and is one of only two nuclear events rated at the maximum Level 7 on the INES scale. The disaster released 400 times more radiation than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima and contaminated large areas of Europe.

Correct Answer: A. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear

CBRN stands for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear — a category of hazards that pose special dangers due to their mass casualty potential and the need for specialized protective equipment and decontamination procedures. CBRN incidents include industrial chemical accidents, bioterrorism, radiological dispersal devices, and nuclear accidents. NDRF has dedicated CBRN-trained battalions for response to such disasters.

Correct Answer: B. A drought followed by wildfires

A compound disaster involves two or more hazards occurring simultaneously or in close sequence that together produce impacts greater than each disaster would cause individually. A drought followed by wildfires is a typical compound disaster — the dry conditions created by drought dramatically increase fire risk and intensity. The IPCC and Sendai Framework highlight compound disasters as a growing concern due to climate change.

Correct Answer: B. Bhopal Gas Tragedy

The night of December 2-3, 1984 is marked by the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, when methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant in Bhopal. The leak occurred due to water entering a storage tank containing MIC, triggering a runaway chemical reaction. It is considered the world's worst industrial disaster, with estimates of 15,000–20,000 deaths and over 5 lakh people affected.

Correct Answer: C. 15,000–20,000

Estimates of deaths from the Bhopal Gas Tragedy range from 15,000 to 20,000, with the Indian government officially acknowledging over 5,000 deaths in the immediate aftermath. Various studies suggest the long-term death toll from gas-related illness is even higher. Over 5 lakh people were exposed to the toxic gases and many survivors continue to suffer chronic health conditions including respiratory disease, cancer, and neurological disorders.

Correct Answer: B. Methyl isocyanate (MIC)

Methyl isocyanate (MIC), an extremely hazardous intermediate chemical used in pesticide manufacturing, was responsible for the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. MIC reacts violently with water, producing intense heat and toxic gases. The leak was caused by water entering a tank storing MIC, triggering a rapid exothermic reaction that expelled the lethal gas into the densely populated surrounding neighbourhoods.

Correct Answer: C. Industrial disaster

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy of December 1984 is universally described as the world's worst industrial disaster due to its enormous human toll and long-term health consequences. The disaster led to landmark changes in industrial safety law in India, including the Environment Protection Act 1986 and Public Liability Insurance Act 1991. It remains a defining event in the global movement for corporate accountability and environmental justice.

Correct Answer: C. Union Carbide India Limited

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy occurred at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide manufacturing plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) of the USA was the majority shareholder of UCIL. The disaster triggered years of legal battles, culminating in a $470 million settlement in 1989 that many victims' groups considered grossly inadequate compensation.

Correct Answer: C. Locust attack

A locust attack is classified as a biological disaster because it involves a biological organism — the desert locust — causing mass destruction of crops and vegetation. Biological disasters include epidemics, pandemics, pest infestations (locusts, rats), and plant or animal disease outbreaks. In India, locust attacks historically occur in the arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat.