Disaster Management · M2 · papers

Institutions and warnings

Solved M2 questions

2-mark and 3-mark practice · full answers below each question

Practice question. Differentiate between NDMA and NDRF. [2 practice marks]

Answer

NDMA is the apex disaster management authority that lays down policies, plans and guidelines and coordinates their implementation. NDRF is a specialised response force that carries out operations such as search and rescue. NDMA’s role is strategic and coordinating; NDRF’s role is primarily operational.

Practice question. Explain three functions of NDMA. [3 practice marks]

Answer

  1. Policy and planning: establish national disaster management policies and the national planning framework.
  2. Guidelines: guide state authorities and ministries in preparing plans and incorporating prevention and mitigation into development.
  3. Coordination and capacity: coordinate implementation, promote mitigation and preparedness and support institutional capacity building.

Practice question. Why can an accurate warning fail to prevent a disaster? [3 practice marks]

Answer

  1. It may not reach everyone because of power loss, network failure or inaccessible language.
  2. People may not understand or trust it if it lacks a clear source and instructions.
  3. Even informed people may lack transport, accessible shelters or enough time to act. Therefore forecasting must be combined with communication and preparedness.