QUESTION BANK FOR TERM TEST 1

1. What is Climate change? What is the effect of Global warming?

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, weather
patterns, and other environmental conditions on Earth. It is primarily driven
by the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the Earth's atmosphere,
mainly carbon dioxide (CO2) from human activities such as burning fossil fuels
(coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes. The most
significant driver of climate change is global warming, which refers to the
increase in the Earth's average surface temperature due to the enhanced
greenhouse effect caused by these greenhouse gases.

The effects of global warming and climate change are wide-ranging and have far-
reaching consequences for both the environment and human society. Some of the
key effects and impacts of global warming include
1. Rising Temperatures: Global warming leads to an increase in average
global temperatures. This can result in more frequent and severe heatwaves,
which can have deadly effects on vulnerable populations and ecosystems.
2. Melting Ice and Glaciers: Higher temperatures cause ice sheets in polar
regions and glaciers in mountainous areas to melt. This contributes to rising sea
levels, which can lead to coastal erosion and the flooding of low-lying coastal
areas.
3. Sea Level Rise: As ice melts and seawater expands due to higher
temperatures, sea levels rise. This can lead to the inundation of coastal
communities, threatening infrastructure and displacing people.
4. Ocean Acidification: Increased levels of atmospheric CO2 are absorbed by
the oceans, leading to ocean acidification. This can harm marine ecosystems
and disrupt the food chain.
5. Impacts on Agriculture: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns
canaffect crop yields and food production. This can lead to food shortages and
increased food prices.
6. Health Effects: Heat-related illnesses, the spread of diseases, and decreased
airquality due to climate change can have adverse effects on human health.
7. Economic Consequences: The economic costs of climate change, including
damage to infrastructure, increased healthcare costs, and disruptions to
supply chains, can be substantial.
Efforts to mitigate climate change include reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency,
reforestation, and implementing policies and international agreements like the
Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above
pre-industrial levels.
It's important to address climate change to minimize its adverse effects and
protect the planet for future generations.

2. What are Man-made hazards?

Man-made hazards are events or situations that result from human actions and
activities and pose a threat to human life, property, the environment, or
general well-being. Unlike natural hazards, which arise from natural processes
like earthquakes or hurricanes, man-made hazards are directly caused or
significantly influenced by human behavior, decisions, or negligence. These
hazards can take various forms and have wide-ranging consequences. Some
common types of man-made hazards include:
1. Industrial Accidents: Accidents in industrial facilities, such as chemical
spills, explosions, and leaks of hazardous materials, can lead to
environmental contamination, health hazards, and property damage.
2. Nuclear Accidents: Catastrophic events at nuclear power plants, like the
Chernobyl disaster in 1986 or the Fukushima Daiichi accident in 2011, can release
radioactive materials into the environment, causing long-term health and
environmental risks.
3. Hazardous Materials Transportation: Accidents during the transportation
of hazardous materials, such as chemicals or radioactive materials, can result
in spills, fires, and explosions that pose risks to communities along
transportation routes.
4. Terrorism: Acts of terrorism, including bombings, chemical or biological
attacks, and cyberattacks, are deliberate man-made hazards aimed at causing
fear,harm, and disruption.
5. Infrastructure Failures: The collapse or failure of critical infrastructure
elements, such as bridges, dams, and levees, can lead to significant property
damage, loss of life, and disruptions to communities.
6. Oil Spills: Accidental or deliberate releases of oil into marine
environments, often from oil tankers or offshore drilling operations, can cause
extensive damage to marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
7. Air Pollution: The release of pollutants into the air from industrial processes,
vehicles, and other sources can lead to health problems, including respiratory
illnesses and smog formation.
8. Water Pollution: Contamination of water sources, such as rivers, lakes,
and groundwater, by pollutants like chemicals, sewage, and heavy metals, can
harm aquatic ecosystems and risk drinking water quality.
9. Deforestation and Land Degradation: The clearing of forests and
unsustainable land-use practices can lead to soil erosion, desertification, and
loss of biodiversity, resulting in environmental hazards.
10. Climate Change: While climate change is driven primarily by greenhouse
gas emissions, these emissions are largely caused by human activities such as
burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Climate change can lead to various
hazards, including extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and disruptions to
ecosystems.
11. Human Error: Mistakes, negligence, or human error in various settings,
such as healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing, can lead to accidents
andhazards.
Effective mitigation and management of man-made hazards often involve
regulatory measures, safety protocols, emergency response plans, public
awareness campaigns, and international cooperation to reduce risks and minimize
their impact on society and the environment.

4. What are the different types of floods? Enlist structural mitigation for
floods.

A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry. In the
sense of "flowing water", the word may also be applied to the inflow of the
tide. Floods can also occur in rivers when the flow rate exceeds the
capacity of the river channel, particularly at bends or meanders in the
waterway. Floods often cause damage to homes and businesses if they are in
the natural flood plains of rivers.
Floods can occur in various forms, and they are typically categorized based on
their causes or sources. Here are some different types of floods:
1. Riverine Floods:
- Causes: Riverine floods occur when rivers overflow their banks due to heavy
rainfall, snowmelt, or a combination of factors. They are among the most
common types of floods.
- Characteristics: Riverine floods tend to develop gradually and can last for an
extended period, allowing for some advance warning.
2. Flash Floods:
- Causes: Flash floods are characterized by their rapid onset and high intensity.
They result from heavy rainfall, often in a short period, and can occur in urban or
rural areas.
- Characteristics: Flash floods can be extremely dangerous due to their sudden
nature. They are associated with swift-moving water and can carry debris and
sediment.
3. Coastal Floods (Tidal or Storm Surges):
- Causes: Coastal floods are caused by factors like storm surges from hurricanes
or tropical storms, high tides, or tsunamis.
- Characteristics: Coastal floods typically affect coastal regions and can result
in saltwater inundation, causing damage to infrastructure and ecosystems.
4. Urban Flooding:
- Causes: Urban flooding occurs in cities and urban areas due to factors such as
inadequate drainage systems, rapid runoff from impermeable surfaces, and heavy
rainfall.
- Characteristics: Urban floods can disrupt transportation, damage buildings,
and pose health risks due to contaminated water.
5. Snowmelt Flooding:
- Causes: Ice jams occur when ice accumulates in rivers, obstructing the flow
of water. Snowmelt flooding occurs when melting snow contributes to high water
levels in rivers and streams.
- Characteristics: These types of floods are common in cold regions during the
spring thaw and can result in localized flooding.
6. Dam or Levee Breaks:
- Causes: Dam or levee failures can lead to catastrophic flooding. These failures
can be caused by structural issues, overtopping, or excessive rainfall.
- Characteristics: Dam and levee failures can result in sudden and severe
flooding downstream, with potentially devastating consequences.
Structural mitigation measures for floods involve engineering and construction
methods to reduce the impact of floods. Some common structural flood mitigation
measures include:
1. Levees and Floodwalls: These are barriers built along riverbanks or coastlines
to prevent floodwaters from inundating populated areas
2. Dams and Reservoirs: Dams can store excess water during heavy rainfall and
release it gradually to prevent downstream flooding. Reservoirs also serve as
flood control measures.
3. Flood Gates and Barriers: These can be deployed in urban areas to block
floodwaters from entering critical infrastructure like subways and tunnels.
4. Elevated Buildings: Constructing buildings on stilts or elevated platforms can
protect them from floodwaters.
5. Urban Drainage Systems: Developing efficient stormwater drainage systems
in urban areas can reduce the risk of urban flooding.
6. Floodplain Zoning and Land Use Planning: Restricting certain types of
development in flood-prone areas and implementing building codes that consider
flood risk can help mitigate the impact of floods
It's important to note that while structural mitigation measures can reduce the
impact of floods, they are most effective when combined with non-structural
measures such as early warning systems, floodplain management, and community
preparedness and education to create a comprehensive approach to flood risk
reduction.

5. Discuss Direct and Indirect effects of Disaster.

Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can have both direct and indirect effects
on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Understanding these effects
is crucial for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Here's an
overview of the direct and indirect effects of disasters:
Direct Effects:
1. Loss of Life and Injury: One of the most immediate and devastating direct
effects of disasters is the loss of human life and injuries. Disasters such as
earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and industrial accidents can result in fatalities
and severe injuries.
2. Physical Damage: Disasters can cause extensive physical damage to
infrastructure, buildings, roads, bridges, and utilities. This damage can disrupt
transportation, communication, and essential services.
3. Property Loss: Individuals and businesses can suffer direct property loss,
including damage to homes, vehicles, and personal belongings. This can lead to
financial hardship and displacement.
4. Environmental Impact: Natural disasters can have direct environmental
effects, such as deforestation, habitat destruction, soil erosion, and contamination
of air and water. Man-made disasters can result in pollution, chemical spills, and
long-term ecological damage.
5. Disruption of Services: Disasters can disrupt essential services like electricity,
water supply, healthcare, and emergency services, leading to challenges in
meeting basic human needs.
Indirect Effects:
1. Economic Impact: Disasters can have profound indirect economic effects,
including decreased economic productivity, job loss, reduced income, and
increased economic inequality. The cost of recovery and rebuilding can be
substantial
2. Psychological and Emotional Trauma: Survivors and responders may
experience long-lasting psychological and emotional trauma as a result of the
disaster, leading to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) and depression.
3. Health Consequences: Indirect health effects can include the spread of diseases,
lack of access to healthcare, and increased vulnerability to illnesses due to
disrupted healthcare systems.
4. Social Disruption: Disasters can disrupt social structures and communities,
leading to social unrest, conflict, and the breakdown of social support systems.
5. Environmental Consequences: Indirect environmental effects can include
long- term ecological changes, habitat loss, and altered ecosystems, which can
have cascading effects on biodiversity and the availability of natural resources.
6. Educational Impact: Disasters can disrupt education by damaging schools
and causing the displacement of students and teachers. This can have long-term
consequences for human capital development.
It's essential to recognize that the indirect effects of disasters often persist long
after the immediate crisis has passed. Effective disaster management strategies
should consider both direct and indirect effects to mitigate their impact and
support recovery and resilience-building efforts in affected communities.

6. Explain the types of landslides and factors affecting them.

Landslides are the movement of rock, soil, and debris down a slope under the
influence of gravity. The term "landslide" encompasses five modes of slope
movement: falls, topples, slides, spreads, and flows. Debris flows (commonly
referred to as mudflows or mudslides) and rock falls are examples of common
landslide types. They can vary in size and speed and are typically categorized into
several types based on their characteristics and triggering factors. The main types
of landslides are as follows:
1. Rockfall: Rockfalls are the most rapid type of landslide. They involve the
sudden fall of individual rocks or blocks of rocks from steep cliffs or slopes.
Factors such as weathering, freeze-thaw cycles, and seismic activity can weaken
the rock and trigger rockfalls.
2. Rockslide: Rockslides occur when a mass of rock slides down a slope. This
type of landslide involves larger volumes of rock than rockfalls and can be very
destructive. Factors like steep slopes, geological faults, and heavy rainfall can
trigger rockslides.
3. Debris Flow: Debris flows, also known as mudflows or lahars (if volcanic
material is involved), are fast-moving mixtures of water, rock, soil, and organic
material. They often occur in areas with a history of wildfires, volcanic eruptions,
or heavy rainfall. Steeper terrain, saturated soil, and the presence of loose
materials can increase the likelihood of debris flows.
4. Earthflow: Earthflows are slow-moving landslides characterized by the gradual
downslope movement of saturated soil or regolith. They are typically triggered
by prolonged rainfall and often resemble a flowing mass of soil. Earthflows can
cause damage to structures and infrastructure over time.
Factors Affecting Landslides:
Several factors can trigger or influence landslides. These factors often interact in
complex ways, making landslide prediction and prevention challenging. Some of
the key factors include:
1. Slope Angle and Steepness: Steeper slopes are more prone to landslides
because gravity has a stronger influence on material movement. A steep slope
increases the potential for instability.
2. Rock Type: The type of rock or soil present in an area plays a significant role.
Weak or poorly consolidated rocks are more susceptible to landslides.
3. Water Saturation: Excess water in the soil can reduce its stability and
lubricate the material, making it more prone to sliding. Heavy rainfall, snowmelt,
or rapidsnowmelt can contribute to saturation.
4. Vegetation and Land Use: Vegetation can stabilize slopes by providing root
cohesion. Deforestation, urbanization, and land-use changes can remove this
stabilizing effect and increase landslide risk.
5. Climate and Weather Patterns: Long periods of rainfall or intense rainfall
events can increase water infiltration into the soil, leading to saturation and
potential landslides.
6. Human Activities: Activities such as construction, mining, excavation, and
deforestation can alter the natural landscape, removing stability and increasing
landslide risk.
7. Previous Landslides: Areas with a history of landslides are more likely to
experience future events.
It's crucial for communities and governments to assess landslide risk, implement
mitigation measures, and raise awareness to reduce the impact of landslides on
people and infrastructure, especially in regions prone to these natural hazards.

7. List the types of Natural Disaster. Explain any 2 in detail.

A major event brought about by the natural processes of the Earth that causes
widespread destruction to the environment and loss of life. A natural disaster is a
sudden and terrible event in nature, such as a hurricane, tornado, or flood, usually
resulting in a significant amount of property damage to the affected community
and a substantial number of deaths.

FLOODS, FLASH FLOODS, DROUGHT, CLOUD BURST, EARTHQUAKES,

LANDSLIDES, AVALANCHES, VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS, MUDFLOW,
CYCLONE, STORMS
EARTHQUAKES
8. Explain the flow chart of DM process.

Disaster Management can be defined as the organization and management of

resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of
emergencies, in particular preparedness, response and recovery in order to lessen the
impact of disasters. It means that all such measures should be taken so that hazard
cannot take the form of disaster. Since we cannot prevent the coming of many natural
hazards but can reduce their harmful effects through proper management, so that the
loss of life and property can be minimized. As we know, the present danger is not
from the natural disasters, but are the human disasters.
The flowchart of the Decision-Making (DM) process is a visual representation of
the steps involved in making a decision. It helps individuals or organizations
organize their thoughts and actions to arrive at a well-informed choice. Below is
an explanation of the typical components and steps in a decision-making process
flowchart:
1. Start/Initiation:
- The process begins with a decision-making need or problem that requires
resolution. This can be triggered by various factors such as a goal, an issue, an
opportunity, or a challenge.
2. Identification of the Decision-Making Problem:
- In this step, the problem or decision to be made is defined clearly and
precisely. This involves understanding the context, gathering information, and
specifying the desired outcome.
3. Gather Information:
- Decision-makers collect relevant data, facts, and information related to the
problem. This can involve research, surveys, interviews, or data analysis.
4. Generate Alternatives:
- Decision-makers brainstorm and create a list of possible solutions or
alternatives to address the problem. This step encourages creative thinking and
explores different approaches.
5. Select the Best Alternative:
- Based on the evaluation, one or more alternatives are chosen as the best course
of action. The decision-maker may prioritize or rank the alternatives.
6. Implement the Decision:
- Once the best alternative is selected, an action plan is developed for its
implementation. This step includes allocating resources, assigning
responsibilities, and setting a timeline.
7. Monitor and Control:
- After implementation, decision-makers continuously monitor the progress and
outcomes of the chosen alternative. They may need to make adjustments or
changes as needed to ensure the decision's success.
8. Feedback Loop:
- Decision-making often involves learning from past decisions. Feedback from
the monitoring and control phase is used to refine future decision-making
processes.
9. Closure/End:
- The decision-making process is considered complete when the desired results
have been achieved, and the problem has been resolved. Alternatively, it may be
necessary to revisit the process if the chosen alternative does not produce the
desired outcomes.
10. Decision Outcomes:
- The final outcomes of the decision, whether successful or not, are documented
and reviewed. This information can be valuable for future decision-making and
organizational learning.
11. End/Exit:
- The flowchart ends, signifying the conclusion of the decision-making
process.

9. Write a note on Disaster management.

Disaster Management can be defined as the organization and management of

resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of
emergencies, in particular preparedness, response and recovery in order to lessen the
impact of disasters. It means that all such measures should be taken so that hazard
cannot take the form of disaster. Since we cannot prevent the coming of many natural
hazards but can reduce their harmful effects through proper management, so that the
loss of life and property can be minimized.
Disaster management is a systematic process of planning, organizing,
coordinating, and implementing measures to prevent, mitigate, prepare for,
respond to, and recover from natural or man-made disasters. It aims to reduce the
impact of disasters on people, property, infrastructure, and the environment, and
to enhance the resilience and preparedness of communities and organizations.
Here are some key points to note about disaster management:
1. Phases of Disaster Management:
Disaster management typically consists of four phases:
- Mitigation: This phase focuses on proactively reducing the risk and impact of
disasters by implementing preventive measures, such as building codes, land-use
planning, and public awareness campaigns.
- Preparedness: In this phase, plans, procedures, and resources are developed to
ensure readiness for disasters. This includes creating emergency response plans,
conducting drills, and stockpiling essential supplies.
- Response: When a disaster occurs, the response phase involves immediate
actions to save lives and reduce suffering. This includes search and rescue
operations, medical care, and the distribution of emergency relief.
- Recovery: After the immediate crisis is over, the recovery phase involves
restoring affected communities to a state of normalcy. This can be a long-term
process, including rebuilding infrastructure, providing psychological support, and
addressing economic and social needs.
2. Key Components:
- Early Warning Systems: Implementing effective early warning systems
helps alert communities to impending disasters, allowing them to take preventive
actions and evacuate if necessary.
- Coordination and Collaboration: Disaster management involves
coordination among various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs,
communities, and international organizations.
- Community Engagement: Engaging and educating communities about
disaster risks and preparedness is essential. Local knowledge and participation
are critical for successful disaster management.
- Resource Management: Adequate resources, including funding, equipment,
and trained personnel, are needed to respond effectively to disasters.
3. Types of Disasters:
- Disasters can be categorized into several types, including natural disasters
(e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires) and man-made disasters (e.g.,
industrial accidents, terrorist attacks, pandemics).
 - Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of some natural
disasters, making long-term mitigation strategies even more critical.
4. Global and Local Perspectives:
- Disaster management is both a global and local concern. International
organizations like the United Nations and regional bodies play a role in
coordinating disaster response and providing assistance to affected countries.
- At the local level, municipalities and communities are often the first
responders to disasters, so local planning and preparedness are vital.
5. Lessons Learned:
- Disasters often lead to lessons learned and improvements in disaster
management systems. After each disaster, post-event analysis and evaluation help
identify strengths and weaknesses in the response and recovery efforts.
6. Future Challenges:
- Ongoing challenges in disaster management include addressing the effects of
climate change, ensuring equitable access to resources and assistance, and
enhancing disaster resilience in vulnerable communities.
Disaster management is a multidisciplinary field that requires collaboration
among governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to effectively
reduce the impact of disasters and enhance society's ability to recover and rebuild
in the face of adversity.

10. Explain Rescue operation in brief.

A rescue operation is a coordinated effort undertaken to save and provide
assistance to individuals or groups of people who are in distress, danger, or
emergency situations. These operations are typically conducted by trained
professionals, such as emergency responders, search and rescue teams, and
humanitarian organizations, and are often carried out in response to various
crises, including natural disasters, accidents, medical emergencies, or other life-
threatening situations.
Key aspects of a rescue operation include:
1. Assessment: The first step in a rescue operation is to assess the situation to
determine the extent of the danger and the resources needed to carry out the
rescue. This involves gathering information about the location, the number of
people involved, their condition, and any hazards that may exist.
2. Planning: Once the assessment is complete, a detailed rescue plan is developed.
This plan outlines the specific steps and strategies that will be used to carry out
the rescue safely and effectively. It includes information about equipment,
personnel, and logistics.
3. Mobilization: Rescuers and necessary equipment, such as medical supplies,
ropes, boats, or vehicles, are deployed to the scene of the emergency. This phase
requires careful coordination to ensure that resources are in the right place at the
right time.
4. Execution: The actual rescue operation takes place according to the pre-
established plan. This may involve techniques such as search and recovery,
extraction from hazardous areas, providing first aid and medical care, or
evacuating individuals to safety.
5. Communication: Effective communication is crucial during a rescue operation.
Teams must maintain contact with each other to ensure coordination and safety.
Communication with those in distress is also essential to provide reassurance and
guidance.
6. Safety: The safety of both the rescuers and those being rescued is a top priority.
Proper safety protocols and equipment are used to minimize risks during the
operation.
7. Post-operation: After the rescue is completed, follow-up care may be provided
to the rescued individuals, such as medical treatment, transportation to a medical
facility, or emotional support. Debriefings and evaluations are also conducted to
learn from the operation and improve future rescue efforts.
Rescue operations require a high level of training, skill, and experience, as well
as effective teamwork and coordination among all involved parties. They play a
critical role in saving lives and minimizing the impact of emergencies and
disasters.