DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Project

 Topic: Earthquake
 Name: Supriya
 Class: 9 Subject: Social Science
 Submission Date: 02/07/2025

Acknowledgement

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This project emerged from my
curiosity about the powerful
forces shaping our planet and the
human spirit’s ability to
withstand disaster. I thank the
Earth for its dynamic nature, and
all those who dedicate their lives
to studying and managing natural
hazards. This project represents
my journey through
understanding earthquakes, their
effects, and how we can prepare
to face them with courage and
knowledge.

Index
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 1. Introduction to Disasters

2. What are Earthquakes?

3. Causes of Earthquakes

4. Effects of Earthquakes

5. Major Earthquakes in History

6. Safety Measures and Preparedness

7. Timeline of Disaster Response

8. Role of Government and NGOs

9. Case Study – Gujarat Earthquake 2001

10. Maps and Pictures

11. Mind Map

12. Disaster Management in Schools

13. Conclusion

14. Bibliography

Introduction to Disasters

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Disasters are sudden, extreme events that affect
large areas, causing loss of life, destruction of
property, and disturbance in normal life. These
events can strike anytime, anywhere — some
without warning.
There are two major types:
 Natural Disasters: Caused by nature, such
as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, cyclones,
droughts, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.
 Man-made Disasters: Result of human
negligence or error, like nuclear explosions,
industrial fires, oil spills, pollution, wars, and
train accidents.
Disaster Management includes:
 Preparedness: Planning before a disaster
occurs.
 Response: Immediate rescue, relief, and
aid.
 Recovery: Rebuilding infrastructure and
communities.
 Mitigation: Steps taken to reduce future
disaster impacts.

What are Earthquakes?

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An earthquake is the sudden shaking or
vibration of the Earth's surface due to the
release of energy stored underground. The
energy travels as seismic waves, which shake
the land.
Important definitions:
 Focus (Hypocenter): The point inside the
Earth where the quake starts.
 Epicenter: Point directly above the focus on
the surface.
 Seismograph: Instrument used to detect
and record seismic waves.
 Richter Scale: Measures the strength of
earthquakes.
o 1–3: Minor

o 4–5: Noticeable

o 6–7: Strong

o 8+: Destructive

There are about 500,000 earthquakes

worldwide each year, but only 100,000 are felt,
and around 100 cause damage.

Causes of Earthquakes

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1. Tectonic Movements
 Earth's crust is divided into tectonic plates.
These plates float on magma and constantly
move.
 When plates collide (converge), pull apart
(diverge), or slide past each other
(transform), pressure builds and gets
released suddenly — causing an earthquake.
 India’s north (Himalayan belt) lies on a
major collision zone between the Indian and
Eurasian plates.
2. Volcanic Activity
 When magma rises and pushes against the
Earth's crust, it can create earthquakes —
called volcanic earthquakes.
 Common in areas like Japan, Indonesia, and
Iceland.
3. Fault Zones
 Faults are cracks in the crust. Earthquakes
often happen when rocks on either side of a
fault slip suddenly.
 Examples: San Andreas Fault (USA),
Alpide belt (Turkey, Iran), and Himalayan
Frontal Fault (India).
4. Human-Induced Causes
 Reservoir-induced seismicity (from large
dams)
 Mining explosions

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  Underground nuclear testing
 Oil and gas drilling (fracking)

Effects of Earthquakes

[Link] of Life

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  Thousands of people may die instantly due to
collapsing buildings, landslides, or tsunamis
triggered by quakes.
[Link] and Infrastructure Damage
 Roads crack, buildings fall, bridges collapse,
gas lines break causing fires.
 Example: Nepal earthquake (2015) caused
$10 billion in damage.
[Link] Disasters
 Earthquakes can cause tsunamis (as in 2004),
fires (as in 1906 San Francisco), and
landslides (as in Uttarkashi, 1991).
[Link] Collapse
 Shops, factories, and offices shut down; banks
and markets suffer; tourism is affected.
[Link] and Social Impact
 Trauma, depression, fear, and displacement of
people.
 Children and elderly are the most affected
mentally.

Major Earthquakes in History

Locatio Magnitu Year Impact
n de
Indian 9.1 2004 Tsunami

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 Ocean killed 2.3
lakh+ people
in 14
countries
Haiti 7.0 2010 3 lakh
people
injured, 2
lakh+ deaths
Nepal 7.8 2015 Over 9,000
killed, many
UNESCO
sites
destroyed
San 7.9 1906 Fires broke
Francisco out, 80% city
destroyed
Gujarat, 7.7 2001 Over 20,000
India deaths, Bhuj
worst
affected
Safety Measures and Preparedness

Before an Earthquake:
 Fix shelves and heavy furniture to walls.
 Know safe spots in every room: under tables,
corners away from glass.

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  Prepare an emergency kit: water, torch,
medicines, whistle, ID cards, masks.
During an Earthquake:
 Don’t panic. Follow DROP, COVER &
HOLD.
 Stay indoors and protect your head.
 Stay away from windows, lifts, and heavy
objects.
 If outdoors, move to an open area away from
trees or buildings.
After an Earthquake:
 Check for injuries in yourself and others.
 Don’t use matches — gas leaks may be
present.
 Stay updated via radio or mobile alerts.
 Be ready for aftershocks.
Disaster Drills should be done in schools and
offices to make people act quickly and safely.

Timeline of disaster response

0–24 Hours (Emergency Response):

 Search and rescue teams arrive.
 Injured taken to hospitals.
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  Relief materials distributed.
Week 1–Month (Recovery):
 Tent shelters, mobile toilets, and food
kitchens set up.
 Damaged power, water, and roads repaired.
1 Month – 1 Year (Rehabilitation):
 Mental health support given.
 Permanent homes rebuilt using earthquake-
resistant methods.
 Financial support for farmers, businesses,
and families.

Role of government and NGO’s

Government Bodies:
 NDMA: Creates guidelines for earthquake
safety.
 NDRF: Special teams trained for rescue
missions.
 IMD: Monitors seismic activity and shares
early warnings.

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  State Governments: Provide relief funds,
shelters, and long-term rehabilitation.
NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations):
 CARE, Red Cross, SEEDS, Oxfam: Provide
food, blankets, counselling, and community
rebuilding.
 Mobilize volunteers and local resources
quickly.

Case Study- Gujrat Earthquake (2001)

 Date: 26 January 2001, 8:46 AM

 Epicenter: Bhuj, Kutch district
 Magnitude: 7.7
 Deaths: ~20,000
 Injuries: 1.5 lakh+
 Buildings Collapsed: Over 3.5 lakh homes
Government Response:

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  Indian Army and Air Force deployed within
hours.
 Foreign aid, doctors, and engineers sent
support.
 Rs. 1,800 crore relief package announced.
Reconstruction:
 Focus shifted to earthquake-resistant
buildings.
 Community participation improved local
awareness.
 Led to creation of Gujarat State Disaster
Management Authority (GSDMA).

Maps and Picture

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 Mind map

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 Disaster Management in Schools

Disaster management in schools is crucial to protect

students and staff during emergencies like
earthquakes. Schools must be well-prepared, as
children are especially vulnerable in such situations.

Schools conduct regular mock drills to teach

students how to respond calmly and safely during an
earthquake. Activities like “Drop, Cover, and Hold
On”, evacuating to open areas, and forming lines
help students stay organized in emergencies.

A Disaster Management Committee is often

formed in schools with teachers and selected
students. This group is responsible for planning
safety measures, conducting drills, and maintaining
first-aid kits.

Basic first-aid training is also provided to teachers

and sometimes students. Posters, charts, and

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awareness campaigns are used to spread information
on earthquake safety.

Schools also focus on making their buildings

earthquake-resistant and removing any unsafe
furniture or hanging objects that may fall during a
tremor.

By preparing students through awareness and

practice, schools play an important role in building a
safer and more disaster-ready society.

Conclusion

Earthquakes are unpredictable and powerful

natural disasters that can cause serious
destruction and loss of life. However, with the
right knowledge, planning, and awareness, their
impact can be reduced.
Through this project, I have learned about the
causes of earthquakes, their devastating effects,
and how preparedness can make a big
difference. Governments, communities, schools,
and individuals all have important roles in
disaster management.
Preparedness is not just about saving lives
during an earthquake — it is about acting
responsibly before, during, and after it.
Together, we can build safer cities, safer
schools, and a stronger nation.
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 Bibliography

 National Disaster Management Authority

(NDMA)
 Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)
 United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction
(UNDRR)
 NCERT Class 9 Social Science Book
 Indian Express, The Hindu (Gujarat
earthquake coverage)
 YouTube: NDMA Awareness Videos

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 AT THE END….

"Let this knowledge empower us

to stay alert, act wisely, and
support one another in times of
disaster—so that when the Earth
trembles, our courage and
preparedness help us stand firm
and rebuild stronger than
before."

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 THANK
YOU

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