CBSE Class 5 EVS Chapter 14: When the Earth Shook - NCERT Solutions

This question asks about personal experiences and observations during difficult times, such as natural disasters. Students are encouraged to reflect on whether they or someone they know has faced such challenges.

During times of difficulty, many people and groups come forward to help. Based on the context of earthquakes and similar crises, here is a list of potential helpers:

1. Local community members who assist their neighbors.
2. People from nearby cities who bring aid and support.
3. Government agencies that coordinate rescue and relief operations.
4. Police personnel who help maintain order and assist in rescue efforts.
5. Army jawans and air force personnel who provide critical support in challenging terrains.
6. Doctors and medical teams who provide essential healthcare.
7. Firefighters who help in rescue and managing hazardous situations.
8. Engineers who assess damage and guide in rebuilding structures safely.
9. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that provide various forms of aid and support.
10. Teachers who can educate people on safety measures during and after disasters.
11. Volunteers from colleges and other institutions.
12. International aid workers or people from foreign countries, if applicable.

The specific helpers would depend on the nature and scale of the difficulty faced.

The people who came to Jasma's village from other places were likely individuals from cities or towns who were involved in relief efforts following the earthquake.

They would have helped the villagers in several significant ways:

1. Providing Essential Supplies: They brought much-needed food, clean water, medicines, and clothing to the villagers who may have lost their belongings.
2. Offering Shelter: They helped in setting up temporary shelters, such as tents, to provide a safe place to stay for those whose homes were damaged or destroyed.
3. Technical Guidance: Engineers and construction experts offered suggestions and guidance on how to rebuild houses in a way that would make them safer and more resistant to future earthquakes.
4. Sharing Knowledge: They might have shared designs and techniques for constructing earthquake-resistant houses, ensuring that the rebuilt homes were stronger and safer.
5. Emotional Support: Their presence and assistance would have provided moral support and reassurance to the affected villagers during a traumatic time.

Yes, the houses rebuilt with suggestions from engineers are likely to be safer than before in case of another earthquake. This is because engineers possess the expertise to design and advise on construction methods that enhance a building's stability and resistance to seismic forces.

These improved houses might incorporate features such as:

• Stronger foundations.
• Flexible joints that can absorb shaking.
• Lighter roofing materials to reduce the load on the walls.
• Reinforced walls and structural elements.

The chapter mentions that houses made of clay and mud with dried straw roofs might be safer compared to those made of heavy stones and wood, as they could cause less damage. Engineers would incorporate such principles or more advanced techniques to ensure the new structures can better withstand the tremors of an earthquake.

This question encourages students to think critically about their own environment and potential risks. The answer will vary greatly depending on where the student lives and the type of house they reside in.

Potential Dangers and Damage:

If a student lives in an earthquake-prone area or in a house that is not built with earthquake-resistant features, their house could be in danger. Possible types of damage include:

• Cracks in Walls: The walls of the house might develop cracks due to the shaking.
• Damage to Roof: The roof could be damaged, potentially collapsing if it is heavy or not well-supported.
• Falling Objects: Furniture, shelves, and decorative items inside the house could fall, causing injury.
• Structural Collapse: In severe earthquakes, poorly constructed houses might suffer partial or complete collapse.
• Damage to Utilities: Water pipes, gas lines, or electrical wiring could be damaged, leading to leaks or electrical hazards.

Students should consider the materials their house is made of (e.g., brick, concrete, wood), its age, and whether it is located in a region known for seismic activity to assess the potential danger.