Disasters

What this chapter covers

1. Natural Disasters

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   • Definition and TypesNatural or man-made large-scale losses.
   • FloodsWater spreads beyond its normal level.
   • EarthquakesCrust shakes as lithospheric plates move.
   • CyclonesViolent storms over warm ocean waters.
   • DroughtAcute water shortage and crop failure.

2. Man-Made Disasters

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   • FiresFaulty wiring, cooking equipment and heaters.
   • Industrial and Nuclear AccidentsExplosions and leaks, like Bhopal 1984.
   • TerrorismViolence to create terror for goals.

3. Disaster Management

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   • Elements of Disaster ManagementSteps before, during and after disasters.
   • Role of GovernmentEarly warnings, funds, training, mock drills.
   • Mitigation StrategiesReducing long-term risk; reforestation, reservoirs.

4. Floods in Assam

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   • Brahmaputra RiverAssam's life-line, from Manasarovar, Tibet.
   • Causes of FloodsMonsoon rain, snowmelt and shallow riverbed.
   • Effects and Remedies2016 floods; relief camps, compensation.

5. Earthquake in Nepal

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   • The 2015 EarthquakeMagnitude 7.8; about 9,000 killed.
   • Causes and ImpactIndian Plate pushes against Eurasian Plate.

6. Oil Spills in Coastal USA

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   • Definition and CausesAccidental oil leaks from ships, rigs.
   • Effects and Clean UpToxic pollution; booms, skimmers, sorbents.
   • Major Oil SpillsExxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon.

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