Disasters, NDMA and Preparedness

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.An instrument that records earthquake waves is called a:

   • A.seismograph✓ Correct Answer
   • B.barometer
   • C.anemometer
   • D.hygrometer

   Explanation: It plots ground motion.

2. Q2.The Disaster Management Act was passed in India in:

   • A.1986
   • B.1999
   • C.2013
   • D.2005✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: It followed the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

3. Q3.The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is headed by the:

   • A.President
   • B.Prime Minister✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Home Minister
   • D.Defence Minister

   Explanation: State authorities are headed by Chief Ministers.

4. Q4.The word "tsunami" comes from the language of:

   • A.China
   • B.Japan✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Greece
   • D.Hawaii

   Explanation: It means harbour wave.

5. Q5.NDRF stands for:

   • A.National Disaster Response Force✓ Correct Answer
   • B.National Defence Reserve Force
   • C.National Disaster Relief Fund
   • D.Northern Defence Response Force

   Explanation: It specialises in rescue operations.

6. Q6.A tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal is known in the Pacific as a:

   • A.hurricane
   • B.typhoon✓ Correct Answer
   • C.willy-willy
   • D.tornado

   Explanation: In the north-west Pacific a tropical cyclone is called a typhoon.

7. Q7.The Richter scale measures the:

   • A.intensity of damage
   • B.depth of the focus
   • C.magnitude of an earthquake✓ Correct Answer
   • D.speed of waves

   Explanation: It is logarithmic.

8. Q8.The Mercalli scale measures the:

   • A.magnitude of energy released
   • B.height of tsunami waves
   • C.intensity of an earthquake based on its effects✓ Correct Answer
   • D.speed of winds

   Explanation: It runs from I to XII.

9. Q9.The Indian Ocean tsunami struck on 26 December of the year:

   • A.2004✓ Correct Answer
   • B.1999
   • C.2001
   • D.2011

   Explanation: It was triggered by an earthquake off Sumatra.

10. Q10.The devastating Gujarat earthquake with its epicentre near Bhuj occurred in:

    • A.1993
    • B.2004
    • C.2015
    • D.2001✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: It struck on 26 January 2001.

11. Q11.The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) is located in:

    • A.Mumbai
    • B.Chennai
    • C.New Delhi✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Kolkata

    Explanation: It provides training and research.

12. Q12.The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake is the:

    • A.hypocentre
    • B.seismic gap
    • C.fault
    • D.epicentre✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: The focus is the point of origin underground.

13. Q13.The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction covers the period:

    • A.2015-2030✓ Correct Answer
    • B.2005-2015
    • C.2000-2010
    • D.2020-2040

    Explanation: It succeeded the Hyogo Framework.

14. Q14.The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed on:

    • A.5 June
    • B.22 April
    • C.1 December
    • D.13 October✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: The UN designated it in 1989.

15. Q15.Which of these is a slow-onset natural disaster?

    • A.Earthquake
    • B.Drought✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Flash flood
    • D.Volcanic eruption

    Explanation: Drought develops over months.

16. Q16.The calm central region of a tropical cyclone is called the:

    • A.eyewall
    • B.rain band
    • C.eye✓ Correct Answer
    • D.storm surge

    Explanation: The eye has light winds, but the surrounding eyewall is the most violent part.

17. Q17.India's seismic zones, as classified by the Bureau of Indian Standards, range from:

    • A.Zone I to Zone III
    • B.Zone I to Zone V
    • C.Zone III to Zone VIII
    • D.Zone II to Zone V✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Zone V is the most seismically active.

18. Q18.The 2013 Uttarakhand disaster, centred on Kedarnath, was mainly a:

    • A.flood and landslide disaster✓ Correct Answer
    • B.cyclone
    • C.earthquake
    • D.drought

    Explanation: Extreme rainfall in June triggered it.

19. Q19.Under the Disaster Management Act 2005, the District Disaster Management Authority is headed by the:

    • A.Superintendent of Police
    • B.District Magistrate / Collector✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Chief Medical Officer
    • D.Zila Parishad President

    Explanation: Zila Parishad head is the co-chairperson in rural areas.

20. Q20.The Pacific "Ring of Fire" is known for:

    • A.frequent droughts
    • B.frequent floods only
    • C.frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity✓ Correct Answer
    • D.rare seismic events

    Explanation: Most of the world's earthquakes occur along it.