QUESTION 18
GS3
15 marks
On December 2004, the tsunami wreaked havoc on 14 countries, including India. Discuss the factors responsible for the occurrence of a tsunami and its effects on life and the economy. In the light of NDMA guidelines (2010), describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.
WRITE IN
11 min
250 words
What the examiner wants
Explain what causes tsunamis, their effects, and NDMA (2010) preparedness mechanisms.
Discuss + DescribeExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view. Give a clear, detailed account of the main features.
Demand-wise check
- 1Causes: undersea earthquakes with vertical displacement at subduction zones (2004: Mw 9.1 Sumatra–Andaman), submarine landslides, volcanic eruptions, meteorite impacts≈65 words
- 2Effects: deaths, displacement, damage to fishing, tourism, ports; salinised farmland; psychological trauma≈65 words
- 3NDMA 2010 guidelines: hazard and vulnerability mapping, early warning system, structural safety (tsunami-resistant buildings, shelters), coastal bio-shields (mangroves, casuarina), CRZ compliance, awareness and drills, capacity building, response plans≈65 words
Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.
Answer plan
Causes2004 effectsNDMA preparedness mechanismsConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Not using the 2010 NDMA guidelines named in the question
- Only describing the 2004 disaster
Draw this
- Diagram: subduction zone earthquake generating tsunami waves
Value addition
- InstitutionIndian Tsunami Early Warning Centre at INCOIS, Hyderabad, operational since 2007.INCOIS
- DataThe 2004 tsunami killed over 2 lakh people across countries and over 10,000 in India, mostly in Tamil Nadu and Andaman & Nicobar.Government reports
- StudyMangroves at Pichavaram reduced damage to nearby villages in 2004.M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Aniket Ranjan · AIR 48 · Page 17 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Mayank Purohit · AIR 33 · Page 5 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 44 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Aniket Ranjan · AIR 48 · Page 44 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
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