APPSC Paper I · Paper I · Topic 8

8 APPSC Paper I Disaster Management questions with answers

23 questions from APPSC Paper I Mock 1 with answers and APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I question paper with answers. Try each one, then tap Show answer.

Previous-paper questions are as in the original paper. Medha AI wrote the answers and explanations.

8.1Hazards & vulnerability profileNotes

  1. Q1 Paper I Mock 1, Q114

    Two coastal villages in Krishna district face the same cyclone hazard. Village X has a cyclone shelter, a working early-warning system and mostly pucca houses; Village Y has none of these. Compared with Y, Village X has lower:

    1. AHazard, because cyclones are weaker near shelters
    2. BProbability of a cyclone making landfall nearby
    3. CDisaster risk, because its vulnerability is lower and its capacity higher
    4. DWind speed during a cyclone
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Disaster risk, because its vulnerability is lower and its capacity higher

    The hazard (cyclone frequency and strength) is the same for both; preparedness lowers vulnerability and raises capacity, so X's risk is lower.

    Source: UNDRR Terminology (2017); NDMA Cyclone Guidelines (2008)

  2. Q2 Paper I Mock 1, Q117

    Consider the following statements about naming of cyclones over the North Indian Ocean:

    1. The Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC), New Delhi, run by IMD, assigns the names.

    2. A name, once used, is reused for another cyclone after ten years.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. 1 only

    RSMC New Delhi (IMD) names a system when it reaches cyclonic storm strength, taking names in sequence from the 2020 list. A used name is retired and never repeated, so statement 2 is wrong.

    Source: WMO, Northern Indian Ocean names; IMD RSMC New Delhi

  3. Q3 Paper I Mock 1, Q120

    As per the IMD classification of low-pressure systems, a 'Severe Cyclonic Storm' has maximum sustained surface winds of:

    1. A62-88 km/h
    2. B89-117 km/h
    3. C118-166 km/h
    4. D167-221 km/h
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. 89-117 km/h

    IMD: cyclonic storm 62-88 km/h, severe cyclonic storm 89-117 km/h, very severe 118-166 km/h, extremely severe 167-221 km/h, super cyclonic storm 222 km/h or more.

    Source: IMD classification of cyclonic disturbances

  4. Q4 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q55

    Which of the following statements best differentiates between natural and manmade disasters ?

    1. ANatural disasters are caused only by human negligence, while manmade disasters occur due to natural processes.
    2. BNatural disasters originate from environmental or geological phenomena, whereas manmade disasters result from technological failures or human activities.
    3. CBoth natural and manmade disasters have identical causes but differ only in their economic impact.
    4. DManmade disasters occur suddenly, while natural disasters occur slowly over time.
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Natural disasters originate from environmental or geological phenomena, whereas manmade disasters result from technological failures or human activities.

    The difference lies in origin: natural disasters come from geological, hydro-meteorological or biological processes; manmade ones from technological failure, accidents or human action.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q60, final key

  5. Q5 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q57

    Identify the correct relationship between the geographical regions of Andhra Pradesh and their predominant disaster vulnerabilities.

    1. ACoastal Andhra experiences frequent droughts, whereas Rayalaseema is highly prone to cyclones and storm surges
    2. BBoth Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra experience identical disaster profiles dominated by landslides
    3. CCoastal districts such as Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Nellore are highly prone to cyclones and floods, while Rayalaseema districts like Anantapur and Kurnool are more susceptible to droughts due to arid climate and low rainfall
    4. DThe entire state of Andhra Pradesh is equally vulnerable to all types of natural disasters without any regional variation
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Coastal districts such as Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Nellore are highly prone to cyclones and floods, while Rayalaseema districts like Anantapur and Kurnool are more susceptible to droughts due to arid climate and low rainfall

    AP's long Bay of Bengal coastline exposes coastal districts to cyclones, storm surges and floods, while semi-arid, low-rainfall Rayalaseema (Anantapur, Kurnool) is chronically drought-prone.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q62, final key

  6. Q6 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q60

    In earthquake studies, which of the following statements best distinguishes magnitude from intensity ?

    1. AMagnitude depends on human perception, while intensity is instrument-based
    2. BMagnitude is measured by the energy released at the focus, whereas intensity refers to the degree of shaking and damage observed at different places
    3. CMagnitude varies from place to place, but intensity remains the same everywhere
    4. DBoth magnitude and intensity describe the same property of an earthquake
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Magnitude is measured by the energy released at the focus, whereas intensity refers to the degree of shaking and damage observed at different places

    Magnitude (Richter/moment scale) is a single instrumental value for the energy released; intensity (Modified Mercalli scale) describes observed shaking and damage, which varies from place to place.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q65, final key

  7. Q7 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q61

    Which of the following States of India was badly affected by Titli Cyclone in 2018 ?

    1. AAndhra Pradesh
    2. BGujarat
    3. CTamilnadu
    4. DKerala
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Andhra Pradesh

    Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Titli (October 2018) made landfall near Palasa and devastated Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh along with southern Odisha.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q66, final key

  8. Q8 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q62

    Which of the following combinations correctly lists major causes of floods in India ?

    1. AHeavy rainfall, poor drainage, deforestation and dam failure
    2. BHigh temperature, low humidity and groundwater recharge
    3. CGlacier melting, windstorms and desertification
    4. DRiver sedimentation and ocean acidification
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Heavy rainfall, poor drainage, deforestation and dam failure

    Floods in India are mainly caused by intense monsoon rain, choked drainage, deforestation in catchments that increases runoff, and dam breaches or sudden releases.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q67, final key

  9. Q9 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q63

    Which is one of the long-term ecological and economic consequences of recurrent droughts ?

    1. AIncrease in soil fertility and forest cover
    2. BDepletion of groundwater, land degradation and rural migration
    3. CRapid industrial growth in drought-affected areas
    4. DHigh rainfall leading to flood risk
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Depletion of groundwater, land degradation and rural migration

    Repeated droughts force over-pumping of aquifers, degrade land towards desertification and push farm families to migrate for work.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q68, final key

  10. Q10 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q64

    The 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy was primarily caused by the accidental release of which toxic gas ?

    1. AChlorine Gas
    2. BCarbon Monoxide
    3. CMethyl Isocyanate (MIC)
    4. DAmmonia
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. Methyl Isocyanate (MIC)

    On the night of 2-3 December 1984, methyl isocyanate leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, killing thousands.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q69, final key

8.1Prevention, mitigation & institutionsNotes

  1. Q11 Paper I Mock 1, Q115

    Consider the following statements about the Sendai Framework:

    1. One of its targets is to substantially reduce global disaster mortality by 2030.

    2. One of its targets is to substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems by 2030.

    3. It is a legally binding international treaty.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 2 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. 1 and 2 only

    Reducing mortality (target a) and increasing access to multi-hazard early warning systems (target g) are Sendai targets. The Framework is a voluntary, non-binding agreement.

    Source: UNDRR, Sendai Framework for DRR 2015-2030

  2. Q12 Paper I Mock 1, Q118

    The National Executive Committee constituted under Section 8 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 is chaired by

    1. Athe Cabinet Secretary
    2. Bthe Union Home Secretary
    3. Cthe Vice-Chairperson of the NDMA
    4. Dthe Director General of the NDRF
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. the Union Home Secretary

    Section 8 makes the Secretary of the ministry having administrative control of disaster management (the Union Home Secretary) the ex officio Chairperson of the NEC.

    Source: Disaster Management Act 2005 s.8

  3. Q13 Paper I Mock 1, Q121

    Which of the following best describes the basic idea of Community-Based Disaster Management (CBDM)?

    1. ADisaster management is left entirely to the community, with no role for government
    2. BOnly trained national forces such as the NDRF respond, and the community waits for them
    3. CCommunities are moved permanently out of all hazard-prone areas
    4. DThe local community takes part in assessing its own risks and in planning and carrying out preparedness and response, since it is the first responder
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. The local community takes part in assessing its own risks and in planning and carrying out preparedness and response, since it is the first responder

    CBDM recognises that people on the spot are the first to respond and know local conditions best; they join in hazard and vulnerability mapping, village disaster management plans, task forces and drills, with support from government and NGOs. It complements, not replaces, government action.

    Source: NIDM, Community Based Disaster Management training material; NDMP 2019

  4. Q14 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q56

    Which of the following statements best reflects the functional role of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) as per the Disaster Management Act (2005) ?

    1. AAPSDMA is a voluntary non-governmental organization primarily engaged in post-disaster relief fund distribution.
    2. BAPSDMA functions as the apex state-level statutory body responsible for formulating policies, approving state disaster management plans and coordinating with the NDMA and district authorities for prevention, mitigation and preparedness activities.
    3. CAPSDMA operates under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, implementing pollution-control and climate-change programs.
    4. DAPSDMA deals only with man-made disasters such as industrial accidents and excludes natural disasters from its jurisdiction.
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. APSDMA functions as the apex state-level statutory body responsible for formulating policies, approving state disaster management plans and coordinating with the NDMA and district authorities for prevention, mitigation and preparedness activities.

    Under Sections 14-18 of the DM Act 2005, each state has an SDMA chaired by the Chief Minister that lays down state policy, approves the State Plan and coordinates with NDMA and DDMAs.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q61, final key

  5. Q15 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q58

    Which of the following statements correctly identifies the institutional hierarchy and primary responsibilities of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) as established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 ?

    1. ANDMA operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology, while NIDM functions as a state-level training body.
    2. BNDMA, chaired by the Prime Minister of India, is responsible for national policy and coordination, whereas NIDM serves as the apex national institute for training, capacity building and research under NDMA's guidance.
    3. CNIDM is the policy-making authority and NDMA executes on-ground disaster operations.
    4. DBoth NDMA and NIDM are private organizations functioning independently of the Government of India.
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. NDMA, chaired by the Prime Minister of India, is responsible for national policy and coordination, whereas NIDM serves as the apex national institute for training, capacity building and research under NDMA's guidance.

    NDMA (Section 3, chaired by the PM) lays down national DM policies and plans; NIDM (Section 42) handles training, research and capacity building within the broad policies set by NDMA.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q63, final key

  6. Q16 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q59

    Which of the following correctly matches the stages of the disaster management cycle with their primary focus areas ?

    1. APre-disaster – relief activities; During-disaster – preparedness; Post-disaster – prevention
    2. BPre-disaster – reconstruction; During-disaster – awareness creation; Post-disaster – early warning
    3. CPre-disaster – rescue operations; During-disaster – policy formation; Post-disaster – forecasting
    4. DPre-disaster – preparedness and mitigation; During-disaster – emergency response; Post-disaster – recovery and rehabilitation
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Pre-disaster – preparedness and mitigation; During-disaster – emergency response; Post-disaster – recovery and rehabilitation

    In the DM cycle, prevention, mitigation and preparedness come before a disaster, rescue and relief (response) during it, and recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction after it.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q64, final key

  7. Q17 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q65

    Which of the following statements best shows the link between education and long-term disaster mitigation ?

    1. AEducation only helps in post-disaster relief operations
    2. BTechnical education has no role in community safety
    3. CAwareness campaigns delay immediate relief measures
    4. DEducated communities are more likely to follow land-use rules and early warning instructions
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Educated communities are more likely to follow land-use rules and early warning instructions

    Education builds risk awareness, so people respect zoning and building rules and act promptly on warnings, which reduces losses over the long term.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q71, final key

  8. Q18 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q66

    During Cyclone Hudhud (2014), APSDMA's quick coordination between meteorological alerts and district administration helped minimize casualties. Which underlying principle of disaster governance does this reflect ?

    1. AProactive risk governance integrating early warning with preparedness
    2. BReactive management focused on post-disaster relief
    3. CCentralized control limiting local participation
    4. DEmergency planning limited to infrastructure rebuilding
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer A. Proactive risk governance integrating early warning with preparedness

    Acting on IMD warnings before landfall (evacuation, pre-positioning) through district machinery is proactive risk governance that links early warning to preparedness.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q72, final key

  9. Q19 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q67

    A drought-prone district in Rayalaseema adopted a watershed-based community resilience project. After five years, groundwater levels improved, but crop yield remained stagnant. Which factor is most likely responsible for the partial success ?

    1. AExcessive rainfall disrupted irrigation plans
    2. BWatershed model was not implemented scientifically
    3. CDrought intensity reduced, but project lacked long-term monitoring
    4. DCommunity ignored crop diversification and soil management
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. Community ignored crop diversification and soil management

    Rising groundwater shows the watershed works were effective; yields stay flat when farmers keep the same crops and neglect soil health, so the missing farm-level practices explain the partial success.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q73, final key

  10. Q20 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q68

    The main objective of disaster management is to

    1. AEliminate disasters completely
    2. BReduce loss of life and property
    3. CStop natural processes
    4. DControl climate
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. Reduce loss of life and property

    Hazards cannot be eliminated; disaster management aims to reduce risk and minimise loss of life, property and livelihoods.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q74, final key

  11. Q21 EO Grade III 2026 Paper I, Q69

    Which organisation is responsible for disaster management at the National level in India ?

    1. AISRO
    2. BNDMA
    3. CWHO
    4. DIMD
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer B. NDMA

    The National Disaster Management Authority, set up under the DM Act 2005 and chaired by the Prime Minister, is the apex national body for disaster management.

    Source: APPSC EO Grade III 2026 Paper I (Notification 10/2025), Q75, final key

8.1Remote sensing & GIS in disaster assessmentNotes

  1. Q22 Paper I Mock 1, Q116

    A satellite image has a spatial resolution of 10 m. How many pixels are needed to cover an area of 1 square kilometre?

    1. A100
    2. B1,000
    3. C100,000
    4. D10,000
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer D. 10,000

    1 km = 1,000 m, so one side has 1,000/10 = 100 pixels; the square needs 100 x 100 = 10,000 pixels.

    Source: Standard remote sensing calculation

  2. Q23 Paper I Mock 1, Q119

    Flood inundation maps prepared from satellite data most commonly rely on

    1. Athe reading of a single GNSS receiver at one place
    2. Brainfall at one rain-gauge station
    3. Ccomparing satellite images of the same area taken before and after the flood
    4. Dcounting clouds in a geostationary weather image
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer C. comparing satellite images of the same area taken before and after the flood

    Change detection compares a pre-flood (normal water) image with a post-flood image; water present only in the later image is the flood inundation.

    Source: NRSC Disaster Management Support (flood maps)

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