In this post, ‘Weathering the Storm in Ersama Question Answer Class 9’, we’ll read NCERT Solutions for Weathering the Storm in Ersama Class 9th English Moments Chapter 6. Below are clear, exam-friendly answers to each Think About It & Talk About It question (based directly on the NCERT text). I’ve kept them precise so you can write them easily in the exam. You can also read the Summary of Weathering the Storm in Ersama to understand these questions better.
Weathering the Storm in Ersama Think About It
Q1. What havoc has the super cyclone wreaked in the life of the people of Orissa?
Ans. The super cyclone of October 1999 caused unimaginable destruction in coastal Orissa (Odisha). Thousands of people and animals were killed, and hundreds of villages were completely washed away. Houses, crops, and trees were uprooted and destroyed. Dead bodies of people and animals floated everywhere, spreading fear and disease. The survivors were left homeless, hungry, and grief-stricken, with nothing to eat except a few coconuts. Many children were orphaned, and many women became widows.
In short, the cyclone shattered the lives, homes, and hopes of the people of Orissa, leaving behind only destruction and sorrow.
Q2. How has Prashant, a teenager, been able to help the people of his village?
Ans. Although Prashant was only nineteen years old, he showed remarkable courage, leadership, and compassion. When he saw people starving and hopeless, he decided to take charge. He organized a group of youths and elders to collect food from a local merchant who had stored rice. He arranged for cooking and distributed food to everyone in the shelter. He cleaned the shelter, removing filth and carcasses to prevent disease. When helicopters dropped food only once, he cleverly used children to signal hunger with empty utensils on their stomachs, ensuring regular food supplies. He set up shelters for orphans and mobilized women to take care of them. He also encouraged women to join food-for-work programmes and organized sports for children to help them recover emotionally. Through his tireless work, Prashant became the guiding light of his community and restored hope among the villagers.
Q3. How have the people of the community helped one another? What role do the women of Kalikuda play during these days?
Ans. The people of Kalikuda showed great unity, cooperation, and humanity in the face of disaster. They shared whatever food and resources they could find with one another. They worked together to clean the shelter and take care of the sick and injured. Women played a crucial role during these difficult days. They looked after orphaned children in temporary shelters. They participated in food-for-work programmes launched by NGOs to rebuild the village. They became a source of emotional strength for each other and for the children. This collective effort showed the power of community spirit that when people stand together, even the greatest disaster can be overcome.
Q4. Why do Prashant and other volunteers resist the plan to set up institutions for orphans and widows? What alternatives do they consider?
Ans. Prashant and his team resisted the government’s plan to place orphans and widows in separate institutions because they felt that such institutions would isolate them from society. The children would grow up without love and family care, and the widows would face loneliness and social stigma. Instead, they suggested a more humane and community-based alternative i.e. the orphans should be resettled within their own village, not sent away. They proposed forming foster families like childless widows could care for orphaned children, creating new family bonds. This idea helped both widows and orphans heal emotionally while remaining connected to their community.
Q5. Do you think Prashant is a good leader? Do you think young people can get together to help people during natural calamities?
Ans. Yes, Prashant is an excellent leader. He showed all the qualities of true leadership like courage to act when everyone else was hopeless, compassion to care for others’ pain before his own, organization & intelligence in arranging food relief and rehabilitation work, and Inspiration he motivated others to help and rebuilt the community’s spirit. This story also proves that young people can play a powerful role during natural calamities. With energy, creativity, and determination, they can organize relief work, raise awareness, and offer emotional support to those affected. Prashant’s example shows that age is not a barrier when it comes to helping others what truly matters is the will to make a difference.
Weathering the Storm in Ersama Talk About It
Preparedness of the Community for a Natural Disaster
Natural disasters like cyclones, floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis cannot be prevented, but their damage can be greatly reduced if the community is well-prepared. Proper planning, awareness, and cooperation can save many lives and reduce suffering.
1. Evacuation Plans:
Before a disaster strikes, people must know where to go and what to do.
- The community should have clear evacuation routes marked in every village or town.
- Rescue drills should be held regularly so that people-especially children and the elderly-know how to react calmly.
- Government authorities should issue early warnings through radio, mobile alerts, and public announcements to help people move to safety in time.
2. Permanent Safe Shelters:
Every community should have strong, elevated buildings that can serve as cyclone or flood shelters.
- These shelters must be built with reinforced materials that can withstand strong winds and high water levels.
- They should have food, clean water, medical kits, and toilets ready for emergencies.
- People should know the nearest shelter location in advance.
3. Warning Systems:
Early warning is the key to disaster safety.
- The government should maintain efficient meteorological systems that can detect cyclones and heavy rainfall early.
- Loudspeakers, TV, radio, and mobile alerts should quickly spread information to remote areas.
- The community must be trained to trust and respond immediately to these warnings instead of ignoring them.
4. Relief and Rehabilitation:
After the disaster, quick and organised relief work is essential.
- Local volunteers can help distribute food, water, clothes, and medicine.
- Medical teams should treat the injured and prevent disease outbreaks.
- During rehabilitation, the focus should be on rebuilding safe homes, restoring schools, and helping people regain their livelihoods.
5. Safe Housing and Building Materials:
Houses in disaster-prone areas should be built using strong materials and modern designs that can withstand natural forces.
- Cyclone-prone areas should use sloped roofs, deep foundations, and wind-resistant structures.
- Flood-prone regions should have raised platforms and drainage systems.
- Earthquake-prone regions should avoid heavy roofs and use flexible building materials.
6. Community Organisation and Survival Instinct:
The greatest strength in any disaster is community unity.
- People must be trained in basic rescue and first aid.
- Neighbours should help each other, especially the old, sick, and children.
- Local youth groups and volunteers can take charge of rescue operations until official help arrives.
- Having a positive attitude and presence of mind can save lives; the human instinct to survive and support others is the biggest asset.
7. Conclusion:
Preparedness is not just the job of the government; it’s the responsibility of everyone in the community.
By learning from stories like “Weathering the Storm in Ersama,” we understand that awareness, teamwork, and quick action can protect lives even during the most powerful disasters.
When people are united, no storm can defeat the human spirit.
Read all chapter: NCERT Solutions for Class 9th English