CBSE Class 5 Environmental Studies Chapter 14: When The Earth Shook! NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 5 PDF

This chapter, "When The Earth Shook!", for CBSE Class 5 Environmental Studies, delves into the critical aspects of earthquakes and disaster response. It addresses the immediate aftermath of an earthquake, focusing on the difficulties faced by affected individuals and communities. The solutions highlight the importance of collective help, detailing the roles of neighbours, government organizations, NGOs, medical professionals, and even scientists in providing relief and support. It also touches upon the rebuilding process, emphasizing the need for earthquake-resistant construction techniques suggested by engineers. Furthermore, the chapter discusses preparedness measures, such as earthquake drills and safety precautions like hiding under a table, and explores the materials used in constructing houses. Finally, it reflects on the significance of community living and mutual support during times of crisis, reinforcing the idea that neighbours help each other in difficult situations. These NCERT Solutions are designed to help students understand earthquake safety, relief efforts, and community resilience, making them a valuable resource for exam revision.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 5
SubjectEnvironmental Studies
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter14 When The Earth Shook!

Chapter summary

Chapter 14, "When The Earth Shook!", for Class 5 EVS focuses on understanding earthquakes and the immediate aftermath. It covers topics like personal experiences with natural disasters, the importance of community help and relief efforts from various organizations, and the role of scientists and engineers in disaster-prone areas. The solutions also explain earthquake safety drills, the rationale behind safety measures like seeking shelter under a table, and compare building materials for earthquake resistance. It emphasizes the value of neighbourhood support during crises.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the impact of earthquakes on communities.
  • Identify various individuals and organizations that provide help during disasters.
  • Explain the importance of earthquake preparedness and safety measures.
  • Recognize the role of engineers and scientists in building safer structures.
  • Appreciate the significance of community support and mutual help during crises.
  • Compare different building materials and their suitability for earthquake-prone areas.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Earthquake experiences
  • Disaster relief efforts
  • Role of neighbours and community
  • Help from organizations (NGOs, Government)
  • Role of medical professionals
  • Role of scientists and engineers
  • Earthquake safety drills
  • Safety measures during earthquakes (under a table)
  • Building materials and earthquake resistance
  • Rebuilding houses
  • Importance of neighbourhood
  • Mutual help during crises

Important topics

  • Earthquake safety measures
  • Role of community and relief organizations
  • Earthquake-resistant construction
  • Preparedness and drills
  • Mutual help during crises

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Questions and Solutions

Discuss and Write

1. Have you or anyone that you know ever faced such difficulty?
Solution: Yes, personal experiences with natural disasters like earthquakes can be very challenging. For example, my uncle who resides in Sikkim has personally experienced an earthquake last year and faced significant difficulties during that time.
2. Who all helped at such a time? Make a list.
Solution: During times of difficulty like an earthquake, a wide range of people and organizations often come forward to help. Some of the key helpers include:
  1. Neighbours who support each other.
  2. People from larger cities or other regions who volunteer their time and resources.
  3. Local community leaders who organize relief efforts.
  4. Political leaders who may provide support and resources.
  5. Various non-government organisations (NGOs) dedicated to disaster relief.
  6. Doctors and nurses from nearby hospitals providing medical care.
  7. Some shopkeepers who may donate essential supplies.

Discuss

1. A lot of people from other places came to Jasma's village. Who were these people? In what ways would they have helped the villagers?
Solution: The people who came from other places to Jasma's village were likely a mix of individuals and groups offering assistance. Some of them could have been members of non-government organizations (NGOs) specializing in disaster relief. Others might have been scientists interested in studying the earthquake's impact or engineers offering expertise. Additionally, doctors and other medical personnel would have been present to provide essential healthcare. These individuals would have helped by bringing much-needed relief supplies such as food, clothing, and medicines. The scientists and engineers might have focused on assessing damage and advising on safer rebuilding methods.
2. People in Jasma's village rebuilt their houses with suggestions from the engineers. Will these houses be safer than before in case there is an earthquake again? Why?
Solution: Yes, the houses rebuilt with suggestions from engineers are expected to be safer than before in the event of another earthquake. Engineers possess specialized knowledge about structural integrity and seismic activity. They would have provided guidance on using appropriate building materials and techniques that can withstand the shaking and forces generated by an earthquake, thereby minimizing the risk of collapse and damage.
3. Think, if there were an earthquake where you live, would your house be in danger? What kind of damage could take place?
Solution: The potential danger to a house during an earthquake depends on its construction and location. If a house is not built with earthquake-resistant features, it could be in danger. Possible types of damage include cracks developing in the walls, the roof collapsing, or household items like furniture, appliances (TV, fridge), and other belongings being damaged or displaced. There is also an increased risk of secondary hazards like fires starting due to damaged electrical lines or gas leaks.

Write

1. Compare your house with that of Jasma. List in your notebook what materials were used in making both the houses.
Solution: Comparing the materials used in Jasma's house and a typical modern house reveals different construction approaches. Jasma's house, often built in rural or traditional settings, might use natural and locally available materials such as clay for walls, cow dung mixed with mud for plastering, and perhaps thatch or mud for roofing. Mirrors might be incorporated for decoration. In contrast, a modern house commonly uses manufactured materials like bricks or concrete blocks for walls, cement for binding and plastering, iron or steel for reinforcement (like in concrete structures), and wood for doors, windows, and sometimes roofing structures.
2. Have you been told in your school or anywhere else about what to do in case of an earthquake?
Solution: Yes, schools often conduct drills and provide information on safety procedures to follow during an earthquake. During such drills, students are typically instructed to move to an open area away from buildings and trees. If moving to an open space is not possible, the advice is usually to find a safe spot indoors, such as under a sturdy table or desk, and hold onto it firmly until the shaking stops.
3. Why do you think one should go under a table during an earthquake?
Solution: Going under a table during an earthquake is a safety measure designed to protect individuals from potential injuries. If the building's structure is compromised and parts of it begin to collapse, the table can act as a protective shield. It can prevent heavy objects, falling debris, or parts of the ceiling from directly hitting a person, thereby significantly reducing the risk of severe injury.

Write

1. According to the TV report, thousands of people were injured and some died in Gujarat. If the buildings had been made in a way that they would not fall in the earthquake, would the damage have been different? How?
Solution: Yes, if the buildings had been constructed to be earthquake-proof, the damage would have been significantly different and much less severe. The primary cause of death and serious injury during earthquakes is often the collapse of buildings. If structures are designed to withstand seismic forces, they are less likely to fall, which would drastically reduce the number of injuries and fatalities. While the earthquake itself might still occur, the catastrophic impact on human life and property would be greatly minimized.
2. At times like this, when people have lost their homes and all their belongings, what kind of help would they need?
Solution: When people lose their homes and belongings due to a disaster like an earthquake, they require immediate and comprehensive support. This includes:
  1. Temporary shelter: Providing tents or canvas to create makeshift huts is crucial for immediate protection from the elements.
  2. Basic necessities: Ensuring access to essential items like clean clothes, sufficient food, safe drinking water, and milk for vulnerable groups.
  3. Medical aid: Supplying necessary medicines and healthcare services to treat injuries and prevent the spread of diseases.
3. In such situations whose help would be needed and for what? Write in your notebook as shown here.
Solution: In disaster situations, various individuals and groups play vital roles. Here's a breakdown of who might be needed and how they can help:

Whose help will be needed | How will they help

  1. Dogs (trained) | To use their sense of smell to locate people trapped under rubble.
  2. Labourers | To assist in digging through debris and clearing rubble, and to help in the construction of new homes.
  3. Doctors | To provide immediate medical care, treat injuries, and manage health emergencies.
  4. Designers and architects | To plan and design houses and buildings that are resistant to earthquakes.
  5. Government organisations | To coordinate large-scale relief efforts, provide resources, and manage the overall response.
  6. Non-government organisations (NGOs) | To supplement government efforts by providing specific aid, reaching affected populations, and offering specialized support.

Discuss

1. Have you ever seen people in your area helping each other? When?
Solution: Yes, community members often help each other during difficult times. For instance, during a flood that affected my village, neighbours and residents came together to assist those most impacted, sharing resources, providing shelter, and helping with rescue and recovery efforts.
2. Why do people live together in a neighbourhood?
Solution: People choose to live together in a neighbourhood for several important reasons. A primary reason is mutual support; neighbours can help each other during times of crisis, emergencies, or personal difficulties. Living in close proximity also fosters a sense of community, allowing people to share joys and sorrows, build relationships, and create a supportive social environment.

Common mistakes

  • Underestimating the importance of earthquake-resistant building designs.
  • Not knowing basic safety procedures during an earthquake.
  • Overlooking the role of community and organized relief efforts.
  • Confusing the cause of death in earthquakes (earthquake itself vs. building collapse).

Revision tips

  • Review the list of people and organizations that help during earthquakes.
  • Understand the 'why' behind safety measures like hiding under a table.
  • Compare the building materials mentioned for different types of houses.
  • Think about how neighbours can help each other in difficult times.
  • Discuss the importance of earthquake drills and preparedness.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Who might help in providing relief after an earthquake?

Q2. Why is it suggested to hide under a table during an earthquake?

Q3. What is the main reason people die or get injured in earthquakes?

Q4. What kind of help is needed immediately after people lose their homes and belongings?

Q5. Why do engineers suggest specific ways to build houses in earthquake-prone areas?

Frequently asked questions

What is Chapter 14 of Class 5 EVS about?

Chapter 14, 'When The Earth Shook!', discusses earthquakes, the difficulties faced by people during and after them, the help provided by various individuals and organizations, and safety measures.

Why is it important to learn about earthquakes in EVS?

Learning about earthquakes helps students understand natural disasters, how to stay safe, the importance of community support, and the role of preparedness in minimizing damage and loss of life.

What kind of help is needed after an earthquake?

After an earthquake, people need immediate help like shelter, food, water, medicines, and assistance from rescue teams, doctors, and relief organizations.

What safety measure should be taken during an earthquake?

During an earthquake, it is advised to go to an open area. If that's not possible, one should hide under a sturdy table and hold onto it firmly to protect themselves from falling objects.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to textbook questions, helping students understand the concepts of earthquake safety, relief, and community resilience, which aids in their exam preparation.

What is the role of engineers in earthquake-affected areas?

Engineers help by suggesting ways to build houses that are safer and more resistant to earthquakes, thus reducing potential damage in future seismic events.

Important links

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