Question

When the Kobe earthquake struck, most of the people in the region were probably – (a) Still in bed

(b) Going to work
(c) Returning from work
(d) Having their lunch breaks
Question ii.
The Kobe earthquake caused much damage and loss of life because it
(a) Had struck coastal areas
(b) Had struck suburban areas
(c) Had hit Japan’s second largest city
(d) Was Japan’s worst earthquake since 1923
Question iii.
Which one of the following statements is true?
(a) Osaka was the hardest-hit city.
(b) The Kobe earthquake was expected.
(c) Radioactivity leaked from the Kobe nuclear plant.
(d) The Japanese were not prepared for the Kobe earthquake
Question iv.
The newer Kobe roads and buildings were not expected to suffer much damage because they were
(a) In coastal areas
(b) Modern structures
(c) Supposed to be earthquake-proof
(d) Far away from the earthquake’s epicenter
Question v.
The earthquake researchers in Japan have since been working to improve the early–warning system because (a) Sensors were effective in detecting tremors
(b) There is a fear of leakage at the Kobe nuclear plant
(c) The neighbouring countries have been pressuring them to do so.
(d) A major earthquake is expected to strike in the next two or three decades.

Answer 1

Answer:

1. a going to work

2. d Had struck urban areas

3. the Japanese were not prepared

4. d option

5.

Answer 2

The following options are correct:-

• a) Still in bed ( Option A. The Kobe earthquake occurred at 05:46:53 AM JST early in the morning and hence most people were probably still sleeping.)
• b) Because it was Japan’s worst earthquake since 1923 ( Option D. The great Kanto earthquake that struck the Kanto region was the deadliest earthquake in Japan in the 20th century.)
• c) The Japanese were not prepared for the Kobe earthquake ( Option D. The earthquake was able to take so many lives because the disaster management structure in Japan was not as robust at that time as it is today.)
• d) Modern structures ( Option B. Modern structures following earthquake-resistant designs were better suited for handling such earthquakes. )
• e) Sensors were effective in detecting tremors ( Option A. The sensors were effective in detecting this earthquake and hence it was believed that improvements in sensors could help in early detection. )