Disaster Management · M2 · mocks
M2 mock C · ethics, hazards and management
M2 practice papers
Confirmed 2 + 2 + any two of 3, 3, 3 = 10 marks
Pattern: Q1(a) and Q1(b) are compulsory. Attempt any two of Q2, Q3 and Q4. Printed marks = 13; attempted marks = 10. These are newly written practice questions. Answers are directly below each question.
Q1(a). Explain two ethical principles with examples. [2 practice marks]
Answer
- Humanity. Protect life, health and human dignity. Provide water, shelter and urgent care while preventing humiliation or exploitation.
- Impartiality. Allocate assistance according to assessed need and urgency. A severely affected settlement may receive more resources than a less affected one.
Q1(b). Name two cyclone hazards and explain how they cause damage. [2 practice marks]
Answer
- Strong wind. Damages roofs, trees and utilities and produces flying debris.
- Storm surge. Raises coastal water levels and can inundate low-lying settlements.
Q2. Explain three reasons why urbanisation can increase flood risk. [3 practice marks]
Answer
- Impervious roofs and roads increase runoff; permeable surfaces and rain gardens can reduce and delay it.
- Blocked or inadequate drains cannot carry peak flows; cleaning, capacity upgrades and connected outlets improve drainage.
- Encroachment on wetlands and floodplains removes storage and exposes settlements; protection of these areas and risk-based land-use control reduce losses.
Q3. Distinguish earthquake magnitude from intensity with a suitable example. [3 practice marks]
Answer
Magnitude expresses the size of an earthquake from instrument-based measurements, for example moment magnitude. Intensity expresses its observed effects at a particular site, for example Modified Mercalli I–XII. A given event has an estimated magnitude on a specified scale, but intensities vary among sites because distance, soil and construction differ.
Q4. A coastal council receives a cyclone warning. Explain three actions that turn the warning into protection. [3 practice marks]
Answer
- Communicate clearly. Send official, location-specific action messages through accessible channels.
- Arrange movement. Provide transport and assistance along safe routes before conditions deteriorate.
- Prepare shelters. Open accessible shelters, provide essentials and maintain accountability.