The word “disaster” is derived from Middle French “desastre” and from old Latin “disastro”. A disaster can be defined as any tragic event that can cause damage to life, property and destroy the economic, social and cultural life.
The natural disaster is a consequence when a natural hazard affects humans or built environment. Human vulnerabilityand lack of appropriate emergency management lead to financial, environmental and human loss. The resulting loss depends on the capacity of the population to support or resist the disaster. Disasters occur when hazards meet vulnerability.
A natural hazard will never result in a natural disaster in areas without vulnerability. Various phenomena like earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, floods and cyclones are all natural hazards that kill thousands of people and destroy a lot of money and property each year.
Natural hazards can strike in unpopulated areas and never develop into disasters. The rapid growth of the world’s population and its increased concentration often in hazardous environments has escalated both the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Tropical climate, unstable land forms, deforestation and non-engineered constructions make the disaster–prone areas more vulnerable. Developing countries suffer more or less chronically by natural disasters.
| Listening |
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Listen to the “News Bulletin” read by your teacher and answer the following questions.
1. What was the havoc caused by the flood?
2. What relief measures were taken by the Government of A.P.?
3. What are the other highlights of the news bulletin?
| Oral Activity |
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Read the lesson “A Havoc of Flood” once again. On the basis of the ideas in it, prepare a mock interview for a TV / newspaper.
Work in groups and collect the information about the havoc caused, relief operations etc from the following.
1. Victims 2. Officials 3. Doctors
4. N.G.Os. (Non-Governmental Organisations / Voluntary Organisations)
In each group one member will be the reporter and the others will play the other roles.
Afterwards each group will make the presentation.