Natural Disasters

Earthquake A sudden tremor on the Earth’s

surface. Caused by movements deep inside

the Earth. Huge disaster- death, buildings

collapse, roads cave in, trees fall, bridge break, fire due to the snapping of electric wires & floods due to the bursting of dams.

People live in tents after earthquakes.

1.Earthquake

Study of earthquake is called seismology .

The instruments used to record the shaking of the land is called seismographs.

The intensity of an earthquake is measured from 1 to 10 on a Richter Scale.

Earthquakes of intensity 3 or less on a Richter Scale are of low intensity & intensity 6 or above is of high intensity.

Precautions to be taken

Run out of the building immediately. OR

Take shelter under a table Do not enter any building even after the

earthquake stops

2. FLOOD

1. It damages crops, roads & buildings; affect electricity & water supply, transport & communication.2. Shortage of food, drinking water & shelter.3. Unhygienic conditions often lead to diseases

CONSEQUENCES

CAUSES OF FLOODS1.TOo much of

rain- Flash floods

2. Melting snow

Side effects of floods

Floods also brings in new fertile soil ( advantage).

Assam, Bihar, UP & West Bengal are flood affected areas.

Precautions to be taken

Watch out for warnings of flood in the newspaper.

Prepare to move out of your house to a safer place on higher ground.

Build up your store of food, water & essential medicines.

High embankments should be constructed.

Afforestation- trees slow down the water current.

CYCLONES- Tornaos A very strong wind

accompanied by heavy rain.

Causes tidal waves in the sea – which cause flood in the coastal areas.

Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat & Maharshtra are often hit by cyclones.

d

DROUGHTS Hot climate & very

little rainfall causes shortage of water.

There is scarcity of food & water for both human beings & animals.

This condition is called famine.

There may be widespread diseases. (epidemic)

Prevention Afforestation

Water harvesting

Dams on rivers

TSUNAMI*A series of very

high waves (1m-20m)

*Created by some disturbances under the sea- under water earthquake, volcanic eruption or landslide .

Relief work during a natural calamity

Govt. organizes relief work.

Several NGO’s are involved in helping people – RED CROSS SOCIETY, WHO, UNICEF etc.

It’s also the duty of the common people to extend help however possible.

Thank YouNABANITA BARMAN