Disaster Management MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Disaster Management - Download Free PDF

Key Points

• With effect from April 2018, the Government of India decided to enhance its contribution in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) from 75% to 90%.
• The decision was made to strengthen the financial support to states in managing disaster response and relief measures more effectively.
• The increase in the central government's contribution aims to ensure better preparedness and quicker response in disaster-hit regions.
• The enhancement of SDRF contribution is crucial for states which often face natural calamities like floods, cyclones, and earthquakes.

Additional Information

• State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)
  • The SDRF is a primary fund available with state governments for responses to notified disasters.
  • It was constituted based on the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission and is managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
  • SDRF funds are used for immediate relief operations in the event of a disaster.
  • It is allocated to states based on the vulnerability and risk profile of each state.
• National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)
  • The NDRF is managed by the Central Government and supplements the SDRF of states in case of severe calamities.
  • It is used for immediate relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction activities following a disaster.
  • The NDRF was established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
  • The fund is financed through the levy of a National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) on certain items and other receipts.
• Disaster Management Act, 2005
  • The Disaster Management Act, 2005 provides the legal framework for disaster management in India.
  • It establishes the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) for a comprehensive and coordinated response to disasters.
  • The Act outlines the roles and responsibilities of central and state governments, local authorities, and other stakeholders in disaster management.
  • It emphasizes a proactive approach, focusing on preparedness, mitigation, and capacity-building to reduce disaster risks.

Explanation:

Landslide Susceptibility Mapping

Landslide susceptibility mapping is a critical process in identifying areas at risk of landslides. This process uses various GIS-based methods to analyze and predict potential landslide zones. Among the available methods, Weighted Overlay Analysis is widely utilized due to its effectiveness in integrating multiple factors and assigning appropriate weights to them.

Analyzing the Given Options

1. "Supervised classification" (Option 1)

   • Supervised classification is a technique used in remote sensing to classify pixels into land cover classes. It is not specifically tailored for landslide susceptibility mapping.

2. "Weighted overlay analysis" (Option 2)

   • Weighted overlay analysis is a GIS-based method that integrates multiple factors by assigning weights to them according to their importance. This method is widely used for generating landslide susceptibility maps because it effectively combines various data layers (such as slope, geology, land use, etc.) to produce a comprehensive susceptibility map.

3. "NDVI remote sensing" (Option 3)

   • NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) remote sensing is primarily used for monitoring vegetation health and coverage. It is not specifically applicable to landslide susceptibility mapping.

4. "Relief ratio method" (Option 4)

   • The relief ratio method is used in geomorphology to measure the height difference between the highest and lowest points in a given area. While it can be a factor in landslide analysis, it is not a comprehensive method for generating landslide susceptibility maps.

Explanation:

Least Probable Failure in Slope Stability During Earthquakes

During earthquakes, the stability of slopes can be compromised due to the seismic forces acting on them. Different types of slope failures can occur, but some are more likely than others. Let's analyze the given options:

1. Rotational Slip (Likely)

   • Rotational slips are common in slopes with homogeneous and cohesive materials. During an earthquake, the shaking can cause the slope to rotate and fail.

2. Translational Slip (Likely)

   • Translational slips occur along a planar surface and are typical in stratified or layered materials. Earthquakes can induce shear forces that cause the layers to slide past each other.

3. Toppling (Possible)

   • Toppling failures occur when blocks of material tilt and fall over. Earthquakes can induce this type of failure in steep, jointed rock masses.

4. Swelling of Clay Minerals (Least Likely)

   • Swelling of clay minerals is a process that occurs over time due to moisture changes. It is not directly induced by the sudden shaking of an earthquake.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the types of failures, the least probable failure in slope stability during earthquakes is the swelling of clay minerals. Therefore, the correct answer is option 4.

Explanation:

Analysis of NDMA Statements

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India is a government agency responsible for disaster management. Let's analyze each statement to determine their correctness:

• Statement A: It was constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005

• Yes, the NDMA was established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. This statement is correct.

• Statement B: It is chaired by the Prime Minister of India

• Yes, the Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio chairperson of the NDMA. This statement is correct.

• Statement C: It directly conducts rescue operations

• No, the NDMA does not directly conduct rescue operations; it formulates policies and plans for disaster management. This statement is incorrect.

• Statement D: It is responsible for national disaster policy formation

• Yes, the NDMA is responsible for the formation of policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management. This statement is correct.

Analyzing the Given Options

1. Option 1: A, B, and D only

   This option includes all the correct statements (A, B, and D) and excludes the incorrect statement (C).

2. Option 2: A, C, and D only

   This option incorrectly includes statement C, which is not correct.

3. Option 3: A and D only

   This option is partially correct but does not include statement B, which is also correct.

4. Option 4: All of the above

   This option incorrectly includes statement C, which is not correct.

Conclusion:

The correct statements are A, B, and D. Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1: A, B, and D only.

Explanation:

Seismic Loading Design Guidelines for Tall Chimneys

Seismic loading design guidelines are crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and safety of tall chimneys during an earthquake. The appropriate IS (Indian Standards) code provides the necessary design parameters and considerations to account for seismic forces. These guidelines help engineers and designers in creating structures that can withstand seismic activities.

Analyzing the Given Options

1. IS 456 (Incorrect)

   • IS 456:2000 pertains to the code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete. It provides guidelines on the design and construction of concrete structures but does not specifically address seismic loading for tall chimneys.

2. IS 875 Part 3 (Incorrect)

   • IS 875 Part 3:1987 deals with the code of practice for the design loads (other than earthquake) for buildings and structures. It specifically covers wind loads and does not address seismic design for tall chimneys.

3. IS 6533 Part 2 (Correct)

   • IS 6533 Part 2:1989 provides guidelines for the design and construction of steel chimneys, including seismic loading considerations. This code specifically addresses the design requirements for tall chimneys subjected to seismic forces, making it the correct answer.

4. IS 13920 (Incorrect)

   • IS 13920:2016 provides guidelines for the ductile detailing of reinforced concrete structures subjected to seismic forces. While it is essential for earthquake-resistant design, it does not specifically focus on the seismic design of tall chimneys.

The correct answer is I, II and IV.

Key Points

• The main objective of a search and rescue team is to rescue the survivors trapped under debris.
• This includes providing first aid to the survivors and handing over the deceased bodies to the appropriate authorities.
• Listening to all sources of information is also important, as it can help the team to find the survivors more quickly.

Therefore, the answer is I, II and IV.

Additional Information

Here is a more detailed explanation of the main objectives of a search and rescue team:

• Rescue the survivors trapped under debris: This is the primary objective of a search and rescue team. The team will use a variety of methods to find the survivors, including listening to all sources of information, using search dogs, and using specialized equipment. Once the survivors are found, the team will provide them with first aid and transport them to a safe location.
• Provide first aid to the trapped survivors: Once the survivors are found, the team will provide them with first aid. This may include providing oxygen, bandaging wounds, and treating shock. The team will also transport the survivors to a safe location where they can receive further medical treatment.
• Hand over, recover and dispose of the deceased bodies: If the survivors are not found, the team will hand over the deceased bodies to the appropriate authorities. The team will also recover the bodies and dispose of them in a safe and respectful manner.
• Listen to all sources of information: The team will listen to all sources of information, including eyewitness accounts, social media posts, and news reports. This information can help the team to find the survivors more quickly and efficiently.

The Correct Answer is Local administration

Key Points

• Role of local administration in a disaster
• Your local administration has first-hand knowledge of your community's social, economic, infrastructure, and environmental needs, helping them to provide support in a disaster.
• The role of local administration under the Disaster Management Act 2003 is to:
  • have a disaster response capability
  • approve a local disaster management plan
  • ensure local disaster information is promptly given to the District Disaster Coordinator.

Additional Information

• Local disaster management groups
• Local governments appoint local disaster management groups.
• Their role is to:
  • develop, review and assess effective disaster management practices
  • help local government to prepare a local disaster management plan
  • ensure the community knows how to respond in a disaster
  • identify and coordinate disaster resources
  • manage local disaster operations
  • ensure local disaster management and disaster operations integrate with state disaster management.

The correct answer is 2016.

Key Points

 Disaster management plan in India:

The National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) was released in 2016, it is the first ever national plan prepared in the country for disaster management. With National Disaster Management Plan (2016), India has aligned its National plan with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.

Vison:

Make India disaster resilient, achieve substantial disaster risk reduction, and significantly decrease the losses of life, livelihoods, and assets – economic, physical, social, cultural, and environmental  by maximizing the ability to cope with disasters at all levels of administration as well as among communities.

Objectives:

• The Disaster Management Act, 2005 provides for the integration of measures for the prevention of disasters and mitigation into the development plans and projects In accordance with the guidelines of the National Disaster Management  Authority (NDMA).
• The NDMA had prepared the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) in 2016 and then further revised it in 2019.
• NDMA has also issued 33 guidelines for management of various disasters on various cross-cutting issues
• Invest in disaster risk reduction for resilience through structural, non-structural and financial measures, as well as comprehensive capacity development.
• Increase resilience and prevent the emergence of new disaster risks and reduce the existing risks

The Correct Answer is Fire

Key Points

• Fire Accident - Man-made Disasters.
  • Human-caused fires result from campfires left unattended, the burning of debris, equipment use and malfunctions, negligently discarded cigarettes, and intentional acts of arson.  Lightning is one of the two natural causes of fires.
  • Man-made hazards are disruptions of a massive scale over a short or long period of time, caused by human action or inaction.
  • These disasters cause economic damage, loss of life, health emergencies, etc.
  • Man-made disasters can be classified into Sudden disasters, Continuing disasters, and Armed conflicts.
    

Additional Information

• Disasters have been a part of human life since the beginning of time.
• Man-made Disasters in India
  • Bhopal Gas tragedy
  • Recalling the night of December 2-3 1984 in Bhopal still sends a shiver down the spine of those who were there that fateful night when toxic Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) 
    gas leaked from the factory owned by Union Carbide. The gas silently spread out engulfing the densely populated areas around the factory.

The correct answer is 'Resource'.

Key Points

• Emergency management is the management of disasters which involves creating the framework within which communities reduce vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters.
• The outcome of emergency management is to prevent disasters and where this is not possible, to reduce their harmful impacts.
• The four phases of Emergency Management make up a continuous cycle of planning and action undertaken by the Department of Emergency Management to ensure maximum safety.
• The phases are -
  1. ​Mitigation
     • Disaster mitigation measures are those that eliminate or reduce the impacts and risks of hazards through proactive measures taken before an emergency or disaster occurs.
  2. ​Preparedness
     • ​Preparedness focuses on preparing equipment and procedures for use when a disaster occurs. 
  3. ​Response
     • ​The response phase of an emergency commences with Search and Rescue.
     • It focuses on providing quick assistance to fulfill the basic humanitarian needs of the affected community. 
  4. Recovery
     • ​​​The recovery phase starts after the threat to human life has subsided.
     • The immediate goal of the recovery phase is to bring the affected area back to normal condition as quickly as possible.

Thus, Resource is NOT a phase of Emergency Management.

The Correct Answer is the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Key Points

• The institutional and policy mechanisms for carrying out response, relief and rehabilitation have been well-established since Independence.
• These mechanisms have proved to be robust and effective insofar as response, relief and rehabilitation are concerned. 
• At the national level, the Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal Ministry for all matters concerning disaster management.
• The Central Relief Commissioner (CRC) in the Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal officer to coordinate relief operations for natural disasters.
  • The CRC receives information relating to forecasting/warning of a natural calamity from India Meteorological Department (IMD) or from Central Water Commission of Ministry of Water Resources on a continuing basis. 

Additional Information

The correct answer is workers.

Key Points

• Famine is a widespread condition in which many people in a country or region are unable to access adequate food supplies.
• Famines cause a lack of food.
• The most affected people during the famines are workers.
• Workers are hard hit by these calamities as they work in the unorganized sector.
• They do not have job security and are dependent on daily wages for their livelihood.
• Agricultural workers are the most hard-hit people during times of calamity.

 Thus, we can say that workers are the most affected during famines.

The correct answer is (a), (c), and (d).

Key Points

• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex statutory body for disaster management in India.
• The Disaster Management Act was passed by Parliament in 2005.
• The NDMA may have not more than Nine members including Vice-Chairman.
• Hence, Options (a), (c) and (d) are correct.
• The Prime Minister acts as a Chairperson of the NDMA instead of the Union Home Minister. Hence statement b is not correct.

Additional Information

• The NDMA came into Existence.
  • The origin of NDMA dates back to August 1999 when the government of India set up a High Powered Committee (HPC) to make recommendations for preparing disaster management plans while also suggesting effective mitigations mechanisms.
  • Similarly, the National Committee was set up in 2001 post the Gujarat earthquake for the same purpose.
  • The Government enacted the Disaster Management Act 2005, institutionalizing NDMA.
• ​Main Objective of NDMA.
  • The objective of the NDMA is "To build a safer and disaster resilient India by a holistic, pro-active, technology-driven and sustainable development strategy that involves all stakeholders and fosters a culture of prevention, preparedness, and mitigation."

The correct answer is C, B, A.

Key Points

Disaster Management Plan (DMP)  is a continuous and integrated process of planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing measures that are necessary or expedient for disaster management. It consists of four cyclic steps:

Disaster preparedness:

• It is an ongoing multi-sectoral activity that is carried out prior to the disaster.
• It involves the coordination of a variety of sectors to carry out:
  • Evaluation of the risk.
  • Adopting standards and regulations.
  • Organizing communication and response mechanism.
  • Ensuring all resources- ready and easily mobilized.
  • Developing public awareness and education programs.
  • Coordinating information with news media.
  • Performing disaster simulation exercises.

Disaster response:

• It involves activities during a disaster.
• It is the immediate reaction to disaster as the disaster is anticipated, or soon after it begins in order to assess the needs, reduce the suffering, and spread of the disaster.
• It involves:
  • Mass evacuation.
  • Search and rescue.
  • Emergency medical services.
  • Securing food and water.
  • Maintenance of Law & Order

Disaster recovery:

• It involves activities after a disaster.
• It occurs after the emergency is over and displaced people return to their place of origin.
• It encompasses community recovery (including psychological), infrastructure recovery (services and lifelines), economy recovery (financial, political), and environmental recovery.
• It involves:
  • Rehabilitation-restoration of basic social functions.
  • Providing temporary shelters.
  • Stress debriefing for responders and victims.
  • Economic rehabilitation.
  • Psycho-social rehabilitation.
  • Scientific damage assessment.
  • Rebuilding homes.
  • Permanently repairing and rebuilding infrastructures. 

Disaster mitigation:

• It involves activities that will reduce the effects of future disasters of a similar kind.
• It involves:
  • Planning control.
  • Training and education.
  • Economic assistance.
  • Subsidies.
  • Facilities-refugee points, storage.
  • The requirement to conform with design codes.
  • Checking compliance of controls on site.
  • Court proceedings, fines, closure orders.

The correct answer is A, B and C.

Key Points

• Being prepared means taking measures to lessen the effects of disasters is referred to as Preparedness.
• It is the measures taken before a disaster event that is aimed to minimize:
  • ​Loss of life​
  • Damage when the disaster occurs
  • Disruption of critical services
• More people and assets are at risk from disasters as a result of rising populations, rapid and unplanned urbanisation, climate change, environmental degradation, and pervasive poverty.

Additional Information

• The idea and practice of disaster risk reduction are to lessen the likelihood of catastrophes occurring by methodically identifying and minimising the causes of disasters.
• Mitigation is the process of reducing or eliminating the effects and risks of hazards through proactive actions conducted in advance of an emergency or disaster.
• Rescue is one aspect of post-disaster risk reduction. Other aspects include warning, evacuation, search, and rescue, as well as urgent aid.
• Relief: To respond to communities that are disaster victims by offering assistance in the form of food packages, water, medication, temporary housing, relief camps, etc.
• Recovery: This stage focuses on helping disaster victims, restoring damaged infrastructure, and repairing any harm done.