Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction (50-70 words)
- Briefly introduce India’s geographic and climatic features.
- State that India is prone to a wide range of natural disasters due to its diverse geo-climatic conditions.
- Mention that the answer will discuss various types of natural disasters, supported by examples.
Example:
India’s unique geographical location, varied climatic conditions, and socio-economic factors make it prone to a multitude of natural disasters. These disasters impact various regions of the country in varying degrees. The following discussion highlights the types of natural disasters that occur in India and their effects, supported by real-life examples.
2. Types of Natural Disasters in India (200-250 words)
Break this section into subheadings for each type of disaster, supported by facts and examples.
a. Earthquakes
- Fact: India is located on the Alpine-Himalayan Belt where the Indian Plate meets the Eurasian Plate, making it prone to seismic activity.
- Examples:
- The 2001 Gujarat earthquake resulted in major loss of life and infrastructure damage.
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands and parts of North-East India are highly vulnerable to earthquakes.
b. Floods
- Fact: India receives heavy monsoon rainfall, with over 75% concentrated between June and September, leading to floods.
- Examples:
- Kerala floods (2018) caused widespread devastation, with significant loss of life and infrastructure.
- The Brahmaputra River floods in Assam.
c. Cyclones and Tsunamis
- Fact: India’s coastline is 7,516 km long, and around 71% of the coastal area is prone to cyclones, especially the eastern coast.
- Examples:
- The 1999 Odisha cyclone affected millions of people and caused extensive damage.
- The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami devastated coastal regions, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
d. Droughts
- Fact: 68% of India is prone to drought, and nearly 33% of the country receives less than 750 mm of annual rainfall, making it prone to water shortages.
- Examples:
- The Kachchh region of Gujarat faces frequent droughts.
- Parts of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh suffer from chronic water scarcity.
e. Landslides
- Fact: Areas like the Western Ghats, the Himalayas, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are vulnerable to landslides due to heavy rainfall and seismic activity.
- Examples:
- The 2013 Uttarakhand floods were accompanied by severe landslides.
- Landslides in the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
f. Heatwaves
- Fact: Extreme heatwaves are frequent, especially in northern and central India, impacting regions such as Rajasthan, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Examples:
- The 2015 heatwave in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana claimed hundreds of lives.
3. Conclusion (50-70 words)
- Summarize India’s vulnerability to natural disasters due to its geo-climatic conditions.
- Mention the need for disaster preparedness, government action, and policy initiatives like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to mitigate these risks.
Example:
India’s geo-climatic features make it one of the most disaster-prone nations globally. The government, through bodies like the NDMA, is working towards reducing the impact of these disasters, emphasizing the need for proactive disaster management strategies and climate resilience.
Relevant Facts (for the Answer):
- Earthquake-prone Areas: 58.6% of India’s land is prone to earthquakes of varying intensity. The region covers the Himalayan Belt, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and parts of Western Gujarat (Gulf of Khambhat and Rann of Kutch).
- Source: National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)
- Flood Vulnerability: 12% of the land (40 million hectares) is flood-prone, especially in regions like Kerala, Assam, and Bihar.
- Cyclones and Tsunamis: 71% of the coastline (over 5,700 km) is vulnerable to cyclones and tsunamis, especially in states like Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
- Drought Vulnerability: 68% of India is prone to droughts, with areas like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra being severely affected.
- Landslide Zones: The Himalayas, Western Ghats, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are highly vulnerable to landslides due to high rainfall and seismic activity.
- Heatwaves: Regions like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh are frequently affected by heatwaves, with record-breaking temperatures during the summer.
Model Answer
India’s Vulnerability to Natural Disasters: A Detailed Discussion
India’s diverse geo-climatic conditions make it one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. According to the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), 27 out of India’s 36 states and union territories are susceptible to natural disasters. The country’s vulnerability is heightened by various factors, including its geographical location, climatic conditions, and socio-economic factors.
Earthquakes
India is situated on the Alpine-Himalayan Belt, where the Indian Plate meets the Eurasian Plate, making it highly prone to earthquakes. Fourteen states in India, including regions like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gujarat, and parts of the North-East, are at high seismic risk. For example, the 2001 Gujarat earthquake caused significant destruction, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure. According to NIDM, 58.6% of the country’s land is at risk from earthquakes of moderate to very high intensity.
Floods
Flooding is another major disaster, affecting approximately 12% of India’s land area (40 million hectares). This is largely due to heavy monsoon rainfall, which contributes to floods every year, particularly between June and September. States like Kerala, Assam, and Bihar frequently experience severe floods. The 2018 Kerala floods, for example, caused widespread devastation, with the loss of lives and infrastructure.
Cyclones and Tsunamis
India’s long coastline of 7,516 km is vulnerable to cyclones and tsunamis, especially along its eastern coast. Around 71% of the coastline, including states like Odisha, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh, is prone to these natural disasters. The eastern coast experiences nearly 10% of the world’s tropical cyclones. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 1999 Odisha cyclone are notable examples of the devastation caused by such events.
Droughts and Heatwaves
Around 68% of India is prone to drought, with chronic drought conditions affecting areas like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Maharashtra. In addition, heatwaves are increasingly common, especially in northern and central India, with states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan experiencing extreme temperatures during summer months.
Landslides
Landslides are frequent in regions like the Western Ghats, the Himalayas, and the Andaman Islands due to high rainfall and seismic activity. For instance, the 2013 Uttarakhand floods and landslides caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
Conclusion
India’s unique geo-climatic conditions expose it to a wide range of natural disasters, from earthquakes and cyclones to floods, droughts, and heatwaves. The government has recognized this vulnerability by establishing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to address these challenges and prepare for disaster resilience.