Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Context: Introduce the tsunami event of December 2004, highlighting its global impact, particularly on India.
- Thesis Statement: Outline the focus on factors causing tsunamis, their effects on life and the economy, and preparedness mechanisms as per NDMA guidelines.
2. Factors Responsible for Tsunami Occurrence
A. Submarine Earthquakes
- Fact: The 2004 tsunami was triggered by a magnitude 9.1 undersea earthquake near the Indian-Burmese tectonic plate boundary (Source: US Geological Survey).
- Explanation: Describe how tectonic movements lead to sudden water displacement.
B. Water Displacement
- Fact: The vertical movement of the ocean floor during the earthquake displaced vast volumes of water, generating tsunami waves.
- Explanation: Explain the mechanics of wave generation and propagation across ocean basins.
3. Effects on Life and Economy
A. Human Impact
- Fact: The tsunami resulted in the loss of over 230,000 lives globally, with major casualties in Tamil Nadu and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Source: United Nations).
- Explanation: Discuss the immediate human toll and long-term psychological effects on survivors.
B. Infrastructure Damage
- Fact: Critical infrastructure such as the Indira Gandhi Hospital in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was severely damaged (Source: National Disaster Management Authority).
- Explanation: Assess how infrastructure damage affects healthcare and recovery efforts.
C. Socio-Economic Disruption
- Fact: The fishing industry in Nagapattinam suffered significant losses, leading to economic hardships for local communities (Source: Ministry of Fisheries, Government of India).
- Explanation: Discuss broader economic impacts, including loss of livelihoods and increased poverty.
4. NDMA Guidelines for Preparedness
A. Early Warning System
- Fact: The Indian Tsunami Early Warning System (ITEWS) was established at INCOIS for rapid tsunami assessments.
- Explanation: Highlight the importance of timely alerts in saving lives.
B. Structural Mitigation Measures
- Fact: Coastal infrastructure in states like Kerala has been upgraded to withstand tsunami impacts.
- Explanation: Explain how structural improvements enhance community safety.
C. Non-Structural Measures
- Fact: Community-based disaster management programs in Odisha have been effective in risk reduction (Source: NDMA guidelines).
- Explanation: Discuss the role of local involvement in disaster preparedness.
D. Capacity Building
- Fact: Training programs for NDRF teams and local communities have been prioritized.
- Explanation: Emphasize the importance of preparedness training for effective response.
E. Awareness Generation
- Fact: Public awareness campaigns in coastal areas educate residents about tsunami risks and safety measures.
- Explanation: Discuss the role of education in enhancing community resilience.
5. Conclusion
- Summary: Recap the key points about the causes and effects of the 2004 tsunami and the importance of preparedness.
- Final Thought: Emphasize the need for ongoing efforts to improve disaster risk reduction and enhance community resilience against future tsunamis.
Model Answer
Introduction
A tsunami is a catastrophic oceanic event, primarily caused by submarine earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. On December 26, 2004, an undersea megathrust earthquake off the west coast of northern Sumatra triggered one of the deadliest natural disasters in history, severely impacting 14 countries, including India. This tragedy highlighted the urgent need for a robust disaster preparedness strategy, as outlined by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in 2010.
Factors Responsible for Tsunami Occurrence
A. Submarine Earthquakes
The 2004 tsunami was primarily triggered by a powerful undersea earthquake at the boundary of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates, registering a magnitude of 9.1.
B. Water Displacement
The vertical movement of the earthquake displaced vast amounts of water, generating waves that traveled across the Indian Ocean at high speeds, affecting coastal areas far from the epicenter.
Effects on Life and Economy
A. Human Impact
The tsunami resulted in the loss of over 230,000 lives globally, with India’s coastal regions, particularly Tamil Nadu and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, suffering devastating casualties.
B. Infrastructure Damage
Critical infrastructure, including the Indira Gandhi Hospital in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, sustained significant damage, impairing healthcare services in affected areas.
C. Socio-Economic Disruption
The fishing industry in regions like Nagapattinam faced severe losses, negatively impacting livelihoods and leading to widespread economic hardship.
NDMA Guidelines for Preparedness
A. Early Warning System
The Indian Tsunami Early Warning System (ITEWS) was established at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) to enable faster tsunami assessments and alerts.
B. Structural Mitigation Measures
Coastal structures in tsunami-prone areas, such as Kerala, have been upgraded to better withstand tsunami impacts.
C. Non-Structural Measures
Community-based disaster management programs in states like Odisha have effectively reduced risks and enhanced local resilience.
D. Capacity Building
Training for National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, healthcare professionals, and local communities has been prioritized to improve response efforts.
E. Awareness Generation
Public awareness campaigns in coastal regions aim to educate residents about tsunami risks and safety measures.
Conclusion
The 2004 tsunami underscored the destructive potential of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness. Following NDMA guidelines, India has made significant improvements in disaster risk reduction, yet further efforts are essential, particularly at the community level, to foster resilience against future catastrophes. Enhancing our ability to respond to natural disasters remains a critical challenge, especially in the context of climate change.
जलवायु परिवर्तन के कारण भारत पर प्रभाव
1. भारत पर सामान्य प्रभाव:
1. तापमान वृद्धि:
2. चरम मौसम घटनाएँ:
3. कृषि पर प्रभाव:
2. हिमालयी राज्यों पर प्रभाव:
1. ग्लेशियरों का पिघलना:
2. बाढ़ का बढ़ता खतरा:
3. पर्यावरणीय विघटन:
3. समुद्रतटीय राज्यों पर प्रभाव:
1. समुद्र स्तर की वृद्धि:
2. नमक का प्रवेश:
3. साधारण लहर:
निष्कर्ष: