# Q4B · Critically evaluate the five preparedness measures for mitigating the effects of eart…

Subject: Disaster Management

Exam: TEE

Reader: https://deep-learning-study-room.vercel.app/dm/#tee/papers/paper-2025-02-25/q4b

Canonical: https://deep-learning-study-room.vercel.app/read/dm/tee/papers/paper-2025-02-25--q4b/

Actual older TEE paper · 100 marks · Q1 compulsory; any four of Q2–Q7

### Q4B. Critically evaluate the five preparedness measures for mitigating the effects of earthquakes and droughts in an area. [10 marks]

#### Answer

## Earthquakes

1. **Assess and strengthen buildings.** Use qualified structural assessment, appropriate seismic design and retrofitting. This reduces vulnerability but requires resources and competent execution.
2. **Secure non-structural hazards.** Anchor tall furniture and heavy equipment and keep exits clear. This reduces falling-object injuries but cannot compensate for an unsafe main structure.
3. **Rehearse protective action and accountability.** Practise Drop, Cover and Hold On, safe movement after shaking, assistance and headcounts. Repeated, evaluated drills make plans usable.
4. **Prepare communication and essential resources.** Keep verified contacts, first-aid supplies, water and backup communications. Supplies must be maintained and accessible.
5. **Plan coordinated response and continuity.** Identify shelters, emergency access, trained responders and backup arrangements for hospitals and utilities. Review the plan as population, staff and risks change.

Earthquake preparedness manages likely consequences; it does not provide reliable prediction of the exact date, place and magnitude of the next earthquake.

## Droughts

| Preparedness measure | How it helps | Limitation / condition |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monitor rainfall, soil moisture, storage and groundwater with trigger levels. | Recognises developing shortage and activates an agreed plan earlier. | Data must be current and interpreted for local seasons; one dry day does not define drought. |
| Prepare a fair water-allocation and demand-management plan. | Protects drinking water and essential services while controlling avoidable demand. | Requires enforceable, equitable rules and a realistic water budget. |
| Arrange tested contingency drinking-water supplies. | Identifies reliable sources, safe transport and quality testing before severe shortage. | Tankers and temporary sources are costly and cannot replace long-term secure supply. |
| Prepare livelihood, crop and fodder advisories and support. | Helps households adjust decisions and protects vulnerable livelihoods. | Advice must match local crops, rainfall prospects and available resources. |
| Assign responsibilities, communications and relief readiness. | Specifies who issues advisories, assists vulnerable households and reviews progress. | Plans and contacts must be updated; a written plan without resources is insufficient. |

Long-term recharge, efficient irrigation and crop planning are mitigation measures. Preparedness ensures that agreed actions and support can be activated when a drought develops. Neither guarantees that rainfall deficiency will not recur.

#### Illustrative application · A classroom earthquake illustration

A fault begins to rupture below ground at the focus. The surface point vertically above it is the epicentre. Waves spread outward and shake buildings; the damage also depends on local ground and construction. Use the labelled diagram in the earthquake chapter to connect these terms.