NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies Looking Around: Chapter 14 — When the Earth Shook!
This chapter, "When the Earth Shook!" from NCERT's Class 5 Environmental Studies book 'Looking Around', recounts the devastating experience of an earthquake in the Kutch area of Gujarat on January 26, 2001. Narrated by Jasma, who was eleven at the time, it vividly describes the sudden ground shaking, the destruction of houses, and the immediate aftermath. The chapter highlights the panic, the efforts to rescue trapped villagers and treat the injured, and the loss of life, including Jasma's grandfather. It also touches upon the community's resilience, with the village sarpanch providing essential supplies and women cooking together. The fear of aftershocks and the challenges of living without shelter are also conveyed. This chapter helps students understand the impact of natural disasters and the importance of community support and preparedness.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around |
| Chapter | Chapter 14 — When the Earth Shook! |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 400 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the causes and effects of earthquakes.
- Recognize the importance of community support during natural disasters.
- Learn about the experiences of people affected by the Kutch earthquake.
- Discuss preparedness and response strategies for earthquakes.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Earthquake | A sudden violent shaking of the ground, typically causing great destruction, as a result of movements within the earth's crust. |
| Trembling | Shaking involuntarily, typically as a result of anxiety, excitement, or frailty. |
| Parade | A public procession, especially one celebrating a special day or event. |
| Panic | Sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety. |
| Trapped | Caught in a place or situation from which there is no escape. |
| Injured | Harmed, damaged, or impaired. |
| Fractured | Broken or cracked. |
| Sarpanch | The elected head of a village panchayat. |
| Godown | A warehouse for storage. |
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Practice questions
- When and where did the earthquake described in the chapter occur? Answer: The earthquake occurred in the Kutch area of Gujarat on January 26, 2001.
- What was happening in the village when the earthquake struck? Answer: The villagers had gathered in the school ground to watch the parade on TV.
- What happened to the houses and belongings after the earthquake? Answer: The houses collapsed, and belongings like clothes, pots, grains, and food were trapped under the debris.
- Who helped the villagers after the earthquake? Answer: Villagers helped each other to save trapped people and treat the injured. The sarpanch, Motabapu, provided rice and wheat, and the village women cooked food together.
- What were the villagers worried about after the earthquake? Answer: They were worried about another earthquake and lived without shelter in the cold winter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the chapter 'When the Earth Shook!' about?
It is about the devastating earthquake that struck Kutch, Gujarat, on January 26, 2001, told from the perspective of a survivor.
Who is the narrator of the chapter?
The narrator is Jasma, who was eleven years old at the time of the earthquake.
What were the immediate effects of the earthquake?
Houses collapsed, people were trapped under debris, many were injured, and some lost their lives. The village hospital was also damaged.
How did the community help each other?
Villagers rescued trapped people, treated the injured, shared food and grains provided by the sarpanch, and cooked meals together.
What were the long-term impacts mentioned in the chapter?
Survivors experienced fear, nightmares, and had to live without shelter in the cold, constantly worried about aftershocks.
What is the significance of the date January 26, 2001, in the chapter?
It was the date when the major earthquake struck Kutch, Gujarat.
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NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies — Looking Around — Chapter 14 — When the Earth Shook!. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.