Earthquake & Disaster Preparedness MCQs
Assam General Knowledge
Module 16: Assam Disaster Management & Climate Change MCQs
Topic: Earthquake & Disaster Preparedness MCQs
Sub-Topic I: Earthquakes in Assam – Basic Concepts
Q1.
Assam is one of the most earthquake-prone states of India because it lies in:
A. Stable continental region
B. Coastal belt
C. Himalayan seismic belt
D. Deccan plateau
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Assam lies in the Himalayan seismic belt where tectonic plates are highly active, making the region prone to frequent earthquakes.
Q2.
Which seismic zone covers most parts of Assam?
A. Zone II
B. Zone III
C. Zone IV
D. Zone V
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Assam largely falls under Seismic Zone V, the highest risk zone in India.
Q3.
Earthquakes in Assam are mainly caused by:
A. Volcanic eruptions
B. Plate tectonic movements
C. Ocean currents
D. Wind erosion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The collision and movement of tectonic plates cause frequent seismic activity in Assam.
Sub-Topic II: Historical Earthquakes of Assam
Q4.
Which major earthquake of 1950 severely affected Assam?
A. Latur Earthquake
B. Bhuj Earthquake
C. Assam–Tibet Earthquake
D. Nepal Earthquake
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Assam–Tibet Earthquake (1950) was one of the most powerful earthquakes recorded in the region.
Q5.
The 1950 Assam earthquake had an estimated magnitude of:
A. 6.0
B. 7.0
C. 8.6
D. 9.5
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The earthquake had a magnitude of around 8.6 on the Richter scale, causing massive destruction.
Q6.
Which region suffered maximum damage during the 1950 earthquake?
A. Barak Valley
B. Brahmaputra Valley
C. Karbi Anglong Plateau
D. Lower Assam Plains
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Brahmaputra Valley experienced widespread destruction due to landslides and river changes.
Sub-Topic III: Seismic Vulnerability of Assam
Q7.
Which geological factor increases Assam’s earthquake vulnerability?
A. Stable rock formation
B. Young fold mountains
C. Desert soil
D. Coastal erosion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The young fold mountains of the Himalayas are geologically unstable, increasing seismic risk.
Q8.
Urban areas of Assam are more vulnerable to earthquakes mainly due to:
A. Low population
B. Poor construction practices
C. Heavy rainfall
D. Forest cover
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Non-engineered and poorly designed buildings increase damage risk during earthquakes.
Q9.
Liquefaction during earthquakes mostly affects areas with:
A. Rocky terrain
B. Sandy and waterlogged soil
C. Hill slopes
D. Dense forests
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Loose, water-saturated soils can behave like liquid during strong shaking.
Sub-Topic IV: Earthquake Impacts in Assam
Q10.
Earthquakes in Assam can lead to:
A. Floods and landslides
B. Tsunami only
C. Droughts
D. Cyclones
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Earthquakes often trigger landslides and alter river courses, sometimes causing floods.
Q11.
Damage to infrastructure during earthquakes mainly includes:
A. Crop failure
B. Collapse of buildings and bridges
C. Forest fires
D. Soil salinity
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Structural damage is the most immediate and visible impact of earthquakes.
Q12.
Which lifeline infrastructure is most critical during earthquakes?
A. Parks
B. Roads, bridges, and hospitals
C. Markets only
D. Playgrounds
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Lifeline infrastructure ensures rescue, relief, and medical support during disasters.
Sub-Topic V: Earthquake Preparedness & Mitigation Measures
Q13.
Earthquake-resistant construction primarily aims to:
A. Prevent earthquakes
B. Reduce loss of life and property
C. Increase building height
D. Eliminate tremors
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Proper design helps buildings withstand shaking and reduces casualties.
Q14.
Which code provides guidelines for earthquake-resistant buildings in India?
A. National Building Code
B. Forest Conservation Act
C. Disaster Relief Code
D. Motor Vehicles Act
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The National Building Code (NBC) includes seismic safety standards.
Q15.
Retrofitting of buildings means:
A. Demolishing old buildings
B. Strengthening existing structures
C. Painting buildings
D. Changing land use
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Retrofitting improves the safety of existing buildings against earthquakes.
Sub-Topic VI: Disaster Preparedness & Response Mechanism
Q16.
Which organization coordinates disaster management activities in Assam?
A. Assam Police
B. District Administration only
C. Assam State Disaster Management Authority
D. NITI Aayog
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) coordinates preparedness, mitigation, and response.
Q17.
At the national level, disaster management is guided by:
A. Planning Commission
B. National Disaster Management Authority
C. Election Commission
D. UPSC
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) frames policies and guidelines.
Q18.
Mock drills are conducted mainly to:
A. Create panic
B. Improve preparedness and response
C. Test weather conditions
D. Stop earthquakes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Drills train people and authorities for real emergency situations.
Sub-Topic VII: Community Participation & Awareness
Q19.
Community-level preparedness is important because:
A. Government alone cannot manage disasters
B. Disasters occur only in cities
C. Relief is always delayed
D. It replaces technology
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Active community participation reduces casualties and damage.
Q20.
The “Drop, Cover, and Hold” technique is used during:
A. Floods
B. Cyclones
C. Earthquakes
D. Fires
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: It protects individuals from falling debris during shaking.
Q21.
School safety programs mainly aim to:
A. Increase attendance
B. Train students in disaster response
C. Promote sports
D. Reduce syllabus
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Children trained in safety measures can respond calmly and effectively.
Sub-Topic VIII: Exam-Oriented Facts & Long-Term Strategies
Q22.
Earthquake risk reduction requires:
A. Only relief measures
B. Only structural measures
C. Combination of mitigation and preparedness
D. Migration only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Long-term safety needs planning, awareness, and resilient infrastructure.
Q23.
Why is urban planning important for earthquake safety in Assam?
A. To increase population density
B. To ensure safe land use and construction
C. To reduce city size
D. To control rainfall
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Planned development reduces exposure to seismic hazards.
Q24.
Which sector is most vulnerable during earthquakes?
A. Agriculture
B. Housing and infrastructure
C. Fisheries
D. Handloom
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Poorly built houses and infrastructure face maximum damage.
Q25.
Public awareness about earthquakes helps in:
A. Preventing earthquakes
B. Reducing panic and casualties
C. Stopping tectonic movement
D. Increasing tremors
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Informed citizens respond better during emergencies.
Q26.
Assam’s disaster preparedness must consider:
A. Desertification
B. Seismic sensitivity
C. Coastal erosion
D. Snow avalanches
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: High seismic risk defines Assam’s disaster planning priorities.
Q27.
Which level authority manages disaster response at district level?
A. State Cabinet
B. District Disaster Management Authority
C. High Court
D. Panchayat Samiti
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: District authorities implement local preparedness and response plans.
Q28.
Earthquake preparedness in Assam also helps in managing:
A. Industrial strikes
B. Secondary disasters like fires and landslides
C. Elections
D. Tourism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Preparedness reduces cascading disaster impacts.
Q29.
Which approach ensures long-term earthquake safety?
A. Relief-centric approach
B. Reactive approach
C. Proactive risk reduction approach
D. Ignoring hazard maps
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Proactive planning reduces losses before disasters strike.
Q30.
From an exam perspective, earthquake and disaster preparedness falls under:
A. Assam Geography
B. Assam Disaster Management & Climate Change
C. Assam Economy
D. Assam Culture
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Earthquake preparedness is a core topic of Assam Disaster Management & Climate Change in Assam GK.
✅ Exam-Oriented Takeaway
These Earthquake & Disaster Preparedness MCQs provide in-depth coverage of Assam’s seismic vulnerability, historical earthquakes, preparedness measures, institutional frameworks, and community resilience. They are highly relevant for APSC, UPSC, Assam Police, TET, Forest, Banking, Grade III & IV, and are equally useful for CBSE, SEBA, AHSEC, ASSEB, CEE, and university-level examinations across Assam.
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Earthquake prone zones of Assam MCQs
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Assam seismic zone GK questions
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Disaster preparedness in Assam MCQs
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Assam earthquake history GK
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APSC disaster management Assam GK
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Earthquake resistant buildings Assam
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ASDMA and NDMA MCQs
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Climate change and disasters Assam
⭐ Importance of Assam Earthquake & Disaster Preparedness MCQs
These Assam Earthquake & Disaster Preparedness MCQs offer a well-structured, exam-oriented understanding of Assam’s seismic vulnerability, major historical earthquakes, mitigation measures, institutional frameworks, and community preparedness strategies. Developed strictly as per the Assam-specific General Knowledge curriculum, this MCQ set is highly beneficial for APSC, UPSC, Assam Police, TET, Forest, Banking, Grade III & IV, and other competitive examinations.
They are equally useful for CBSE, SEBA, AHSEC, ASSEB, CEE, and college- and university-level examinations across Assam, ensuring strong conceptual clarity and confident performance in objective tests.
❓ FAQ Section
Q1. Are these MCQs useful for APSC and Assam Police exams?
Yes. These MCQs are prepared strictly according to the Assam GK syllabus and are highly relevant for APSC, Assam Police, and other state-level competitive exams.
Q2. Do these MCQs cover Assam-specific earthquake history?
Yes. Important events such as the 1950 Assam–Tibet earthquake and Assam’s seismic zone classification are included.
Q3. Are disaster preparedness and mitigation measures covered in detail?
Absolutely. The MCQs include earthquake-resistant construction, retrofitting, mock drills, early warning, and community preparedness.
Q4. Are government agencies like ASDMA and NDMA included in the questions?
Yes. Roles of ASDMA, NDMA, and district-level disaster management authorities are clearly covered.
Q5. Can school students preparing for SEBA, AHSEC, and CBSE exams use these MCQs?
Yes. These MCQs are equally relevant for SEBA, AHSEC, CBSE, ASSEB, and Common Entrance Examination (CEE) preparation.
Q6. Why is earthquake preparedness a high-priority topic in Assam GK exams?
Because Assam lies in the highest seismic risk zone of India, making earthquake preparedness a frequently asked and high-scoring topic in Assam GK exams.